Flow battery system and electrolyte delivery device therefor

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of liquid flow battery system and its electrolyte delivery device.Electrolyte delivery device includes electrolyte delivery pipeline and heat management component, electrolyte delivery pipeline is used to connect electrolyte storage tank and electric pile;Heat management component includes windbox, fan and multiple coils, windbox has air inlet and air outlet, fan is located at air outlet, and multiple coils are all located in windbox, and each coil is independently connected into electrolyte delivery pipeline, as part of electrolyte delivery pipeline, to deliver electrolyte.The electrolyte delivery device can greatly reduce the energy consumption of the heat management device of liquid flow battery system, improve the overall energy efficiency of liquid flow battery system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow battery technology, and in particular to a flow battery system and its electrolyte delivery device. Background Technology

[0002] During the operation of a vanadium redox flow battery system, the electrolyte undergoes electrochemical reactions within the stack to achieve energy storage and discharge. These electrochemical reactions generate heat, polarization heat, and ohmic heat, leading to an increase in electrolyte temperature. For conventional cathode electrolytes, crystallization occurs when the temperature exceeds 40°C, resulting in a decrease in electrolyte current density and potentially causing system malfunctions. Therefore, in engineering practice, thermal management devices are required to control the electrolyte temperature.

[0003] Currently, in the industry, thermal management devices generally employ a direct cooling solution using a refrigerant compressor to control the electrolyte temperature. This involves compressing the refrigerant with a compressor, converting it into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid. The liquid is then cooled by a condenser and fan, becoming a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid. It then directly exchanges heat with the electrolyte through an evaporator, absorbing heat from the electrolyte and lowering its temperature. The vaporized refrigerant is then compressed again, completing a process cycle. In this system, the compressor and fan are the main energy-consuming components, consuming a significant amount of electrical energy. Currently, in the vanadium redox flow battery industry, the energy storage efficiency is generally around 70%. Since the energy consumption from the stack accounts for 20%, the remaining 10% of energy consumption mainly occurs in the cooling system and electrolyte circulation pump, with the refrigerant compressor consuming approximately 3%-5% (slightly varying with the season). Therefore, it is evident that the current thermal management devices consume too much energy, severely impacting the efficiency of vanadium redox flow batteries. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrolyte delivery device for a flow battery system, which can greatly reduce the energy consumption of the thermal management device of the flow battery system and improve the overall energy efficiency of the flow battery system.

[0005] This utility model provides an electrolyte delivery device, comprising:

[0006] Electrolyte delivery piping, used to connect the electrolyte storage tank and the fuel cell stack; and

[0007] The thermal management component includes a blower box, a fan, and multiple coils. The blower box has an air inlet and an air outlet. The fan is located at the air outlet. The multiple coils are all located inside the blower box, and each coil is independently connected to the electrolyte delivery pipeline, serving as part of the electrolyte delivery pipeline for transporting electrolyte.

[0008] In one embodiment, the thermal management component further includes air inlet louvers disposed at the air inlet; and / or

[0009] The coil is S-shaped or U-shaped; and / or

[0010] The outer wall of the coil is provided with fins or corrugations; and / or

[0011] Both ends of the coil are sealed and pass through the wall of the air box and exposed outside the air box.

[0012] In one embodiment, a plurality of the coils are arranged side by side inside the air box;

[0013] Alternatively, multiple coils may be arranged in an array within the air box.

[0014] In one embodiment, the air inlet and the air outlet are located on opposite sides of the air box;

[0015] When multiple coils are arranged side-by-side in the air box, the multiple coils are arranged side-by-side along the arrangement direction of the air inlet and the air outlet. When multiple coils are arranged in an array in the air box, each column of coils is arranged side-by-side along the arrangement direction of the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electrolyte delivery pipeline includes a main pipeline, a primary pipeline, and a secondary pipeline connected in sequence with decreasing inner diameters. The end of the main pipeline away from the primary pipeline is used to connect to an electrolyte storage tank, and the end of the secondary pipeline away from the primary pipeline is used to connect to an electrolyte stack.

[0017] Wherein, the primary pipeline includes the thermal management component, and multiple coils of the primary pipeline are respectively connected to the end of the main pipeline away from the electrolyte storage tank, and each coil of the primary pipeline is connected to at least two secondary pipelines at the end away from the main pipeline; and / or

[0018] The secondary conduit includes the thermal management assembly, and at least two of the coils of the secondary conduit are connected to the same primary conduit at the ends furthest from the fuel cell stack.

[0019] In one embodiment, the electrolyte delivery pipeline consists of four pipelines: a positive electrolyte supply pipeline, a positive electrolyte return pipeline, a negative electrolyte supply pipeline, and a negative electrolyte return pipeline.

[0020] The coils of the primary pipes of the positive electrolyte supply pipeline and the positive electrolyte return pipeline are located in the same air box;

[0021] The coils of the primary pipes of the negative electrolyte supply pipeline and the negative electrolyte return pipeline are located in the same air box;

[0022] The coils of the secondary pipes of the positive electrolyte supply pipeline, the positive electrolyte return pipeline, the negative electrolyte supply pipeline, and the negative electrolyte return pipeline are located in the same air box.

[0023] In one embodiment, the coil of the primary pipeline is S-shaped, and the S-shaped coils located in the same air box are arranged side by side;

[0024] The secondary pipeline has a U-shaped coil, and the U-shaped coils located in the same air box are arranged in an array.

[0025] This utility model also provides a flow battery system, including:

[0026] A capacity container, comprising a capacity container body and an electrolyte storage tank disposed within the capacity container body;

[0027] A power container includes a power housing and multiple fuel cells housed within the power housing; and the aforementioned electrolyte delivery device, wherein the electrolyte delivery pipeline connects the electrolyte storage tank and the fuel cells.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ratio of the capacity container, the power container, and the electrolyte delivery device is 2:1:2, and each capacity container supplies electrolyte to a portion of the fuel cell stack in the power container via one of the electrolyte delivery devices.

[0029] In one embodiment, when the electrolyte delivery pipeline includes a main pipeline, a primary pipeline, and a secondary pipeline connected in sequence with decreasing inner diameters, the thermal management component of the primary pipeline is located inside the capacity tank, and the thermal management component of the secondary pipeline is located inside the power tank.

[0030] When the flow battery system, including the aforementioned electrolyte delivery device, is in operation, the electrolyte flowing into and / or out of the electrolyte storage tank passes through the coil inside the air box. The fan controls the airflow to enter the air box from the inlet and then exit from the outlet, thus ventilating and cooling the coil located within the air box. This auxiliary cooling function significantly reduces the energy consumption of the flow battery system's thermal management device and improves the overall energy efficiency of the flow battery system. Furthermore, the coil, compared to a straight pipe, increases the heat dissipation area, further enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the flow battery system. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a flow battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the flow battery system shown;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management component of the primary pipeline of an electrolyte delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the coil of the primary pipeline of the electrolyte delivery device shown;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management component of the secondary pipeline of an electrolyte delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the coil of the secondary pipeline in the electrolyte delivery device shown;

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack for the flow battery system shown.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the coil of the electrolyte delivery device in a flow battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the coil of the electrolyte delivery device of a flow battery system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, where they appear, the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0044] Furthermore, where applicable, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., shall be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] It should be noted that, if an element is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is described as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0048] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a flow battery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The flow battery system 10 includes a capacity container 200, a power container 300, and an electrolyte delivery device 400.

[0049] The capacity container 200 includes a capacity body 210 and an electrolyte storage tank 220 disposed within the capacity body 210. The power container 300 includes a power body 330 and multiple fuel cell stacks 320 disposed within the power body 330. The electrolyte storage tank 220 includes a positive electrolyte storage tank 220a and a negative electrolyte storage tank 220b. A positive electrolyte delivery pump 230 is installed at the supply port of the positive electrolyte storage tank 220a, and a negative electrolyte delivery pump 240 is installed at the supply port of the negative electrolyte storage tank 220b. When the positive electrolyte delivery pump 230 is working, the positive electrolyte circulates from the positive electrolyte storage tank 220a to at least one fuel cell stack 320 and back to the positive electrolyte storage tank 220a. When the negative electrolyte delivery pump 240 is working, the negative electrolyte flows in a circulation from the negative electrolyte storage tank 220b to at least one fuel cell stack 320 and back to the negative electrolyte storage tank 220b.

[0050] The electrolyte delivery device 400 connects the electrolyte storage tank 220 and the fuel cell stack 320. In this embodiment, the ratio of the capacity container 200, the power container 300, and the electrolyte delivery device 400 is 2:1:2, with each capacity container 200 supplying electrolyte to a portion of the fuel cell stacks 320 in the power container 300 via an electrolyte delivery device 400. This increases the capacity of the flow battery system 10. It is understood that in other embodiments, the ratio of the capacity container 200, the power container 300, and the electrolyte delivery device 400 may also be 1:1:1, with each capacity container 200 supplying electrolyte to all the fuel cell stacks 320 in the power container 300 via an electrolyte delivery device 400.

[0051] In this embodiment, the capacity container 200 is equipped with one positive electrolyte storage tank 220a and two negative electrolyte storage tanks 220b, with the two negative electrolyte storage tanks 220b connected in parallel. This allows the positive electrolyte storage tank 220a and the negative electrolyte storage tank 220b to be relatively small in size and installable within the capacity container 210. It is understood that in other embodiments, the capacity container 200 may also be equipped with one positive electrolyte storage tank 220a and one negative electrolyte storage tank 220b.

[0052] In this embodiment, the electrolyte delivery device 400 includes an electrolyte delivery pipeline 410 and a thermal management component 420.

[0053] The two ends of the electrolyte delivery pipeline 410 are connected to the electrolyte storage tank 220 and the fuel cell stack 320, respectively. Specifically, there are four types of electrolyte delivery pipelines 410: positive electrolyte supply pipeline 410a, positive electrolyte return pipeline 410b, negative electrolyte supply pipeline 410c, and negative electrolyte return pipeline 410d. When the positive electrolyte delivery pump 230 is working, the positive electrolyte flows out of the positive electrolyte storage tank 220a, passes sequentially through the positive electrolyte supply pipeline 410a, the fuel cell stack 320, and the positive electrolyte return pipeline 410b, and then flows back to the positive electrolyte storage tank 220a. When the negative electrolyte delivery pump 240 is working, the negative electrode liquid flows out from the negative electrolyte storage tank 220b, and then flows back to the negative electrolyte storage tank 220b after passing through the negative electrolyte supply pipeline 410c, the fuel cell stack 320, and the negative electrolyte return pipeline 410d in sequence.

[0054] like Figure 2-8As shown, the thermal management assembly 420 includes a wind box 422, a fan 424, and a coil 426. The wind box 422 has an air inlet 4222 and an air outlet 4224. The fan 424 is located at the air outlet 4224. The coil 426 is located inside the wind box 422. There are multiple coils 426, each of which is independently connected to the electrolyte delivery pipeline 410, serving as part of the electrolyte delivery pipeline 410 for delivering electrolyte. That is, within the same electrolyte delivery pipeline 410, the coils 426 located in the same wind box 422 are independent and not connected to each other. In other words, both ends of each coil 426 are respectively connected to the electrolyte storage tank 220 and the fuel cell stack 320 for delivering electrolyte.

[0055] When the flow battery system 10, including the aforementioned electrolyte delivery device 400, is in operation, the electrolyte flowing into and / or out of the electrolyte storage tank 220 passes through the coil 426 within the air box 422. The fan 424 controls the airflow to enter the air box 422 from the air inlet 422 and then exit from the air outlet 4224, thus ventilating and cooling the coil 426 within the air box 422. This auxiliary cooling function significantly reduces the energy consumption of the thermal management device in the flow battery system 10 and improves the overall energy efficiency of the flow battery system 10. Furthermore, the coil 426, compared to a straight pipe, increases the heat dissipation area, further enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the flow battery system 10.

[0056] In this embodiment, an air inlet louver 428 is provided at the air inlet 4222. In this way, while facilitating air intake, it also prevents debris from entering the air box 422.

[0057] In this embodiment, the coil 426 is S-shaped or U-shaped. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the coil 426 can be a concentric circle structure, that is, the coil 426 can also be formed by bending a straight tube to form multiple concentric circles.

[0058] In this embodiment, coil 426 is a smooth branch pipe, meaning that the outer wall of coil 426 does not have fins, corrugations, or other structures that facilitate further heat dissipation. It is understood that in other embodiments, such as... Figure 9 As shown, coil 426 can also be a finned tube (fins are provided on the outer wall of coil 426), or as... Figure 10 As shown, the corrugated tube (the outer wall of the coil 426 has corrugations) is used. The coil 426 can be made of plastic or metal, such as Hastelloy or titanium alloy, as long as it meets the requirements for corrosion resistance. When the coil 426 is a finned tube, the preferred material for the coil 426 is metal.

[0059] In this embodiment, both ends of the coil 426 are sealed and pass through the wall of the air box 422 and exposed outside the air box 422. This facilitates the independent fabrication of the thermal management component 420 and the connection of the thermal management component 420 to the electrolyte delivery pipeline 410 outside the thermal management component 420.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple coils 426 can be arranged side-by-side within the air box 422, or they can be arranged in an array within the air box 422. This allows for the installation of more coils 426 within the same air box 422. It is understood that in other embodiments, multiple coils 426 can also be arranged irregularly within the air box 422.

[0061] In this embodiment, the air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224 are located on opposite sides of the air box 422. When multiple coils 426 are arranged side-by-side inside the air box 422, the coils 426 are arranged along the direction of the air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224. When multiple coils 426 are arranged in an array inside the air box 422, each row of coils 426 is arranged along the direction of the air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224. This results in better ventilation and heat dissipation.

[0062] In this embodiment, there is one air inlet 4222 and one air outlet 4224, and correspondingly, there is one fan 424 and one air inlet louver 428. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224 are not limited to one, and the corresponding fan 424 and air inlet louver 428 are not limited to one.

[0063] In this embodiment, the electrolyte delivery pipeline 410 includes a main pipeline 412, a primary pipeline 414, and a secondary pipeline 416 connected in sequence with decreasing inner diameters, i.e., the electrolyte delivery pipeline 410 is a three-stage pipeline system. The end of the main pipeline 412 furthest from the primary pipeline 414 is used to connect to the electrolyte storage tank 220. The end of the secondary pipeline 416 furthest from the primary pipeline 414 is used to connect to the fuel cell stack 320. The primary pipeline 414 includes a thermal management component 420, and multiple coils 426 of the primary pipeline 414 are respectively connected to the ends of the main pipeline 412 furthest from the electrolyte storage tank 220. Each coil 426 of the primary pipeline 414 furthest from the main pipeline 412 is connected to at least two secondary pipelines 416; and / or the secondary pipeline 416 includes a thermal management component 420, and at least two coils 426 of the secondary pipeline 416 furthest from the fuel cell stack 320 are connected to the same primary pipeline 414.

[0064] For a three-stage piping system, in order to reduce bypass losses during piping design, the primary piping 414 and / or the secondary piping 416 are usually lengthened to increase the equivalent resistance of the piping and reduce inter-reactor bypass current losses. In this embodiment, these lengthened piping are designed as coils 426, and components such as air boxes 422 and fans 424 are also designed to use forced ventilation cooling to cool the electrolyte in the coils 426, thereby meeting the system's cooling needs with minimal energy consumption and improving the system's energy efficiency.

[0065] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the coil 426 of the primary pipe 414 is the same as the inner diameter of the primary pipe 414, and the number of primary pipes 414 is the same as the number of coils 426 of the primary pipe 414. The inner diameter of the coil 426 of the secondary pipe 416 is the same as the inner diameter of the secondary pipe 416, and the number of secondary pipes 416 is the same as the number of coils 426 of the secondary pipe 416.

[0066] In this embodiment, the inner diameters of the main pipe 412, the primary pipe 414, and the secondary pipe 416 are 100mm, 40mm, and 25mm, respectively. The length of a single primary pipe 414 is 6 meters, and the length of a single secondary pipe 416 is 3.5 meters. This ensures that the bypass current loss is within a reasonable range.

[0067] In this embodiment, the thermal management component 420 of the primary conduit 414 is disposed within the capacity housing 210. The thermal management component 420 of the secondary conduit 416 is disposed within the power housing 330. Thus, the thermal management component 420 can be installed using the space within the capacity housing 210 and the power housing 330 themselves, without increasing the volume of the flow battery system 10 due to the addition of the thermal management component 420. It is understood that in other embodiments, the thermal management component 420 may not be disposed within the capacity housing 210 or the power housing 330, but rather outside the capacity housing 210 or the power housing 330.

[0068] In this embodiment, the coil 426 of the primary pipe 414 is S-shaped, and the coil 426 of the secondary pipe 416 is U-shaped. This makes it easier to house the thermal management component 420 of the primary pipe 414 inside the capacity housing 210, and the thermal management component 420 of the secondary pipe 416 inside the power housing 330.

[0069] In this embodiment, multiple coils 426 of the primary pipe 414 are arranged side-by-side within the air box 422, and multiple coils 426 of the secondary pipe 416 are arranged in an array within the air box 422. This makes it easier to house the thermal management component 420 of the primary pipe 414 within the capacity housing 210 and the thermal management component 420 of the secondary pipe 416 within the power housing 330.

[0070] In this embodiment, the air box 422 located inside the capacity housing 210 is the capacity air box 422a, and the air box 422 located inside the power housing 330 is the power air box 422b. The capacity air box 422a has an air inlet 4222 and an air outlet 4224 on both sides, which are respectively connected to the two sides of the capacity housing 210. The capacity housing 210 has a first air inlet and a first air outlet corresponding to the air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224, respectively. An air inlet louver 428 is disposed inside the first air inlet, and a fan 424 is disposed inside the first air outlet.

[0071] The power air box 422b has an air inlet 4222 and an air outlet 4224, with the two sides of the power air box 422b respectively connected to its two sides. The power air box 422b also has a second air inlet and a second air outlet corresponding to the air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224. An air inlet louver 428 is disposed within the second air inlet, and a fan 424 is disposed within the second air outlet. This facilitates the entry of air from outside the capacity air box 422a and the power air box 422b into them.

[0072] In this embodiment, both the capacity bellows 422a and the power bellows 422b include a main body 4226 and two lugs 4228. The two lugs 4228 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body 4226. The air inlet 4222 and the air outlet 4224 are respectively located on the two lugs 4228.

[0073] In this embodiment, both the primary pipe 414 of the positive electrolyte supply line 410a and the primary pipe 414 of the positive electrolyte return line 410b are equipped with thermal management components 420. This improves the ventilation and heat dissipation of the positive electrolyte in the flow battery system 10. It is understood that in other embodiments, thermal management components 420 may only be provided in the primary pipe 414 of the positive electrolyte supply line 410a or the primary pipe 414 of the positive electrolyte return line 410b. Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple coils 426 of the primary pipe 414 of the positive electrolyte supply line 410a and the primary pipe 414 of the positive electrolyte return line 410b are located within the same air box 422. This eliminates the need for one air box 422.

[0074] In this embodiment, both the primary pipe 414 of the negative electrolyte supply line 410c and the primary pipe 414 of the negative electrolyte return line 410d are equipped with thermal management components 420. This improves the ventilation and heat dissipation of the negative electrolyte in the flow battery system 10. It is understood that in other embodiments, thermal management components 420 may only be provided in the primary pipe 414 of the negative electrolyte supply line 410c or the primary pipe 414 of the negative electrolyte return line 410d. Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple coils 426 of the primary pipe 414 of the negative electrolyte supply line 410c and the multiple coils 426 of the primary pipe 414 of the negative electrolyte return line 410d are located within the same air box 422. This eliminates the need for one air box 422.

[0075] In this embodiment, the secondary pipes 416 of the positive electrolyte supply pipe 410a, the positive electrolyte return pipe 410b, the negative electrolyte supply pipe 410c, and the negative electrolyte return pipe 410d are all equipped with thermal management components 420. This improves the ventilation and heat dissipation of the flow battery system 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple coils 426 of the secondary pipes 416 of the positive electrolyte supply pipe 410a, the positive electrolyte return pipe 410b, the negative electrolyte supply pipe 410c, and the negative electrolyte return pipe 410d are located within the same air box 422. This eliminates the need for three air boxes 422.

[0076] Specifically, in this embodiment, there are two capacity containers 200, one power container 300, and two electrolyte delivery devices 400. The power container 300 contains 12 fuel cell stacks 320. Using the dashed line a as the dividing line, the two capacity containers 200 are designated as the left and right capacity containers, respectively. The two electrolyte delivery devices 400 are designated as the left and right electrolyte delivery devices, respectively. The 12 fuel cell stacks 320 are designated as the six stacks on the left and the six stacks on the right. The left capacity container 200 supplies electrolyte to the six fuel cell stacks 320 on the left via the left electrolyte delivery device 400, and the right capacity container 200 supplies electrolyte to the six fuel cell stacks 320 on the right via the right electrolyte delivery device 400.

[0077] Each battery pack 320 has two positive electrolyte inlets 322, two positive electrolyte outlets 324, two negative electrolyte inlets 326, and two negative electrolyte outlets 328.

[0078] The power container 300 is equipped with a thermal management component 420, which includes 96 U-shaped coils 426. The six electric stacks 320 on the left are equipped with 48 U-shaped coils 426, and the six electric stacks 320 on the right are also equipped with 48 U-shaped coils 426. Taking the 48 U-shaped coils 426 configured in the six fuel cell stacks 320 on the left as an example, 24 of the U-shaped coils 426 are used to transport positive electrolyte. Among them, 12 U-shaped coils 426 are used to supply electrolyte to the 12 positive electrolyte inlets 322 of the six fuel cell stacks 320, and 12 U-shaped coils 426 are used to return electrolyte to the 12 positive electrolyte outlets 324 of the six fuel cell stacks 320. The other 24 U-shaped coils 426 are used to transport negative electrolyte. Among them, 12 U-shaped coils 426 are used to supply electrolyte to the 12 negative electrolyte inlets 326 of the six fuel cell stacks 320, and 12 U-shaped coils 426 are used to return electrolyte to the 12 negative electrolyte outlets 328 of the six fuel cell stacks 320.

[0079] Each capacity container 200 is equipped with two thermal management assemblies 420, each including 12 S-shaped coils 426. One thermal management assembly 420 is used to supply positive electrolyte, wherein 6 S-shaped coils 426 are used to supply electrolyte to 12 positive electrolyte inlets 322 of the 6 fuel cell stacks 320, and 6 S-shaped coils 426 are used to return electrolyte from 12 positive electrolyte outlets 324 of the 6 fuel cell stacks 320; the other thermal management assembly 420 is used to supply negative electrolyte, wherein 6 S-shaped coils 426 are used to supply electrolyte to 12 negative electrolyte inlets 326 of the 6 fuel cell stacks 320, and 6 S-shaped coils 426 are used to return electrolyte from 12 negative electrolyte outlets 328 of the 6 fuel cell stacks 320.

[0080] The length of a single primary pipe 414 is 6 meters, and the length of a single secondary pipe 416 is 3.5 meters. This ensures that the bypass current loss is within a reasonable range.

[0081] Based on the specific data above, calculate the heat dissipation of the coil:

[0082] The heat dissipation model for the pipe is "internal convection - pipe wall heat conduction - external convection", and the total heat dissipation power Q = ΔT / Rtotal.

[0083] ΔT is the heat transfer temperature difference.

[0084] Rtotal: Total thermal resistance (internal convective thermal resistance Rinternal, internal wall conductive thermal resistance Rwall, external convective thermal resistance Rexternal), i.e., Rtotal = Rinternal + Rwall + Rexternal

[0085] Typical operating parameters for DN40 coils are as follows:

[0086] Pipe inner diameter d_inner: 40mm, pipe wall thickness δ: 5mm, pipe outer diameter d_outer: 50mm, PVC pipe thermal conductivity λ_upvc: 0.27W / (m·K), pipe length (per unit length) L: 1m, electrolyte temperature (maximum operating temperature) T_inner: 40℃, air temperature (typically highest ambient temperature) T_outer: 25℃, electrolyte flow rate (normal operating conditions) u_liquid: 1.813m / s, heat dissipation area A: A=πdL

[0087] Electrolyte density ρ: 1370 kg / m³ 3 The kinematic viscosity of the electrolyte, vliquid, is 3.9 mm-1. 2 / s, specific heat of electrolyte Cliquid: 3.16 kJ / (kg·K), air velocity (under conventional fan configuration) uair: 10 m / s, thermal conductivity of electrolyte λliquid: 0.55 W / (m·K).

[0088] At 25℃, the physical properties of air are as follows:

[0089] Thermal conductivity of air λair: 0.0261 W / (m·K), kinematic viscosity vair: 15.5 × 10-6 m-6 2 / s, Plant Book Pr: 0.71

[0090] Calculation process —

[0091] (1) Calculate the convective heat transfer coefficient R_internal of the electrolyte inside the tube.

[0092] The convective heat transfer coefficient needs to be determined by the flow state (Reynolds number Re) and calculated using correlations.

[0093] The Reynolds number Re = u_liquid * d_internal / v_liquid. Substituting the data, we get (1.813 m / s * 40 mm) / 3.9 mm. 2 / s,

[0094] The Reliquid value is 18615 > 4000, indicating turbulent flow inside the pipe.

[0095] Prandtl number Prliquid = vliquidρCliquid / λliquid, substituting the data, i.e. (3.9 mm) 2 / s

[0096] *1370kg / m 3 *3.16 kJ / (kg·K)) / 0.55 W(m·K), yielding Pr liquid = 30.9

[0097] According to the Dittus-Boelter formula, Nu = 0.023Re0.8Pr0.4 (fluid is added, take Pr0.4), where the Nusselt number Nu = h_internal d / λ, d is 40 mm, and λ_fluid is 0.55 W (m·K). Substituting the data, the calculated h_internal = 1870 W / (m 2 ·K)

[0098] Therefore, the convective thermal resistance inside the pipe, Rinternal = 1 / hA, substituting the data, gives Rinternal = 0.042 K / W.

[0099] (2) Calculate the thermal resistance R_wall of the pipe wall.

[0100] The thermal resistance formula for a cylindrical wall is R_wall = ln(d_outer / d_inner) / (2πλUPVCL). Substituting the data, ln...

[0101] (50mm / 40mm) / (2π*0.27W / (m·K)*1m), we get R_wall = 0.131K / W

[0102] (3) Calculate the heat transfer coefficient R_outer of the air outside the gate.

[0103] The Reynolds number outside the pipe, Regas = ugasdexternal / vgas, substituting the data, is (10 m / s * 50 mm) / 15.5 * 10-6 m. 2 / s, yielding Regas = 32258, where 5000 < Regas < 105

[0104] According to Zukauskas's formula, Nu = 0.26Re0.6Pr0.37(Pr / Prw)0.25. Since the change in Pr of air with temperature is small, we take Pr / Prw = 1; Nu = houter d / λ. Substituting the data, i.e., Pr_air: 0.71, douter: 50mm, λ_air: 0.0261W / (m·K), we get houter = 61.6W / (m·K). 2 ·K)

[0105] Then the external convective thermal resistance Routside = 1 / houtsideA, and substituting the data, we get Routside = 0.103K / W.

[0106] In summary, the total thermal resistance Rtotal = 0.277 K / W, and the heat dissipation power Q = ΔT / Rtotal, where ΔT is 40 - 25. Substituting the data, we get Q = 54.3 W.

[0107] In a typical 500kW system, there are 48 DN40 coils (two air boxes are set in one capacity container, and each air box contains 12 coils), with a single coil length of 6 meters. Therefore, the total heat dissipation power Q_total = 15.6kW (54.3W * 48 * 6).

[0108] Similarly, the total heat dissipation power Qtotal of DN25 can be calculated. Specifically, in a typical 500kW system, there are 96 DN25 coils, each with a length of 3.5 meters, so the total heat dissipation power Qtotal = 17.7kW.

[0109] In a typical 500kW system, the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the chiller is generally around 3.0. However, based on the calculations above, the fan power configured in this application is typically 0.8kW, resulting in a COP between 19 and 22, significantly improving the COP and reducing energy consumption. In winter, when temperatures are low, the heat dissipation power doubles while the fan power remains constant, leading to a further substantial increase in the COP. Based on a typical annual system test, energy savings can reach 50%, and the overall system efficiency can be improved by 1.5%-2%. In summary, this application utilizes existing process requirements of the piping system, adjusts the piping structure, and employs a fan to directly dissipate heat from the piping, achieving low-energy thermal management and significantly improving the system's energy efficiency.

[0110] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0111] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrolyte delivery device, characterized in that, include: Electrolyte delivery pipeline, used to connect electrolyte storage tank and fuel cell stack; as well as The thermal management component includes a blower box, a fan, and multiple coils. The blower box has an air inlet and an air outlet. The fan is located at the air outlet. The multiple coils are all located inside the blower box. Each coil is independently connected to the electrolyte delivery pipeline as part of the electrolyte delivery pipeline to deliver electrolyte.

2. The electrolyte delivery device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management component further includes air inlet louvers, which are disposed at the air inlet; and / or The coil is S-shaped or U-shaped; and / or The outer wall of the coil is provided with fins or corrugations; and / or Both ends of the coil are sealed and pass through the wall of the air box and exposed outside the air box.

3. The electrolyte delivery device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple coils are arranged side by side inside the air box; Alternatively, multiple coils may be arranged in an array within the air box.

4. The electrolyte delivery device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The air inlet and the air outlet are located on opposite sides of the air box, respectively; When multiple coils are arranged side-by-side in the air box, the multiple coils are arranged side-by-side along the arrangement direction of the air inlet and the air outlet. When multiple coils are arranged in an array in the air box, each column of coils is arranged side-by-side along the arrangement direction of the air inlet and the air outlet.

5. The electrolyte delivery device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The electrolyte delivery pipeline includes a main pipeline, a primary pipeline, and a secondary pipeline connected in sequence with decreasing inner diameters. The end of the main pipeline away from the primary pipeline is used to connect to the electrolyte storage tank, and the end of the secondary pipeline away from the primary pipeline is used to connect to the fuel cell stack. Wherein, the primary pipeline includes the thermal management component, and multiple coils of the primary pipeline are respectively connected to the end of the main pipeline away from the electrolyte storage tank, and each coil of the primary pipeline is connected to at least two secondary pipelines at the end away from the main pipeline; and / or The secondary conduit includes the thermal management assembly, and at least two of the coils of the secondary conduit are connected to the same primary conduit at the ends furthest from the fuel cell stack.

6. The electrolyte delivery device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The electrolyte delivery pipeline consists of four lines: a positive electrolyte supply pipeline, a positive electrolyte return pipeline, a negative electrolyte supply pipeline, and a negative electrolyte return pipeline. The coils of the primary pipes of the positive electrolyte supply pipeline and the positive electrolyte return pipeline are located in the same air box; The coils of the primary pipes of the negative electrolyte supply pipeline and the negative electrolyte return pipeline are located in the same air box; The coils of the secondary pipes of the positive electrolyte supply pipeline, the positive electrolyte return pipeline, the negative electrolyte supply pipeline, and the negative electrolyte return pipeline are located in the same air box.

7. The electrolyte delivery device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The coils of the primary pipeline are S-shaped, and the S-shaped coils located in the same air box are arranged side by side; The secondary pipeline has a U-shaped coil, and the U-shaped coils located in the same air box are arranged in an array.

8. A flow battery system, characterized in that, include: A capacity container, comprising a capacity container body and an electrolyte storage tank disposed within the capacity container body; A power container includes a power housing and multiple electric stacks disposed within the power housing; as well as The electrolyte delivery device for a flow battery system as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the electrolyte delivery pipeline is connected to the electrolyte storage tank and the battery stack.

9. The flow battery system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The ratio of the capacity container, the power container, and the electrolyte delivery device is 2:1:2, and each capacity container supplies electrolyte to a portion of the fuel cell stack in the power container through one of the electrolyte delivery devices.

10. The flow battery system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the electrolyte delivery pipeline includes a main pipeline, a primary pipeline, and a secondary pipeline connected in sequence with decreasing inner diameters, the thermal management component of the primary pipeline is located inside the capacity tank, and the thermal management component of the secondary pipeline is located inside the power tank.

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