Liquid membrane cell assembly

Abstract

A liquid membrane cell assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the liquid membrane cell assembly includes an elongated base having opposing first and second ends and a central portion disposed therebetween. The first and second ends each include an elongated body, an electrolyte channel in the body, an electrolyte port fluidly connected to the electrolyte channel, a fuel channel in the body, and a fuel port fluidly connected to the fuel channel. The central portion includes spaced apart and opposing first and second members connecting the bases of the first and second portions and defining an open area therebetween in a horizontal direction. The liquid membrane cell assembly further includes an anode adjacent the first and second members and a cathode adjacent the first and second members such that the base is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The anode and cathode vertically define an open area therebetween.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The mixing chamber or membrane cell of a fuel cell or flow battery typically contains two chemicals separated by a semi-permeable membrane. [Background technology]

[0002] The membrane must allow the protons to pass while allowing the electrons to move through the system via the electrical load, but semi-permeable membranes are typically a weakness in the fuel cells and flow batteries mentioned above due to their high cost, short lifetime and limited performance.

[0003] In membrane-less systems (which may also be called "liquid membrane systems"), the semi-permeable membrane is eliminated and the fuel and electrolyte flow side-by-side at similar rates to achieve minimal mixing, and are separated into different exit ports upon exiting the mixing cell or region. However, conventional membrane-less systems suffer from several problems. For example, more than minimal mixing between the electrolyte and fuel fluids can reduce system efficiency or cause permanent damage to the catalyst.

[0004] Additionally, in bromine / hydrogen bromide membraneless cells, bromine is converted to hydrogen bromide along the cathode surface (where electrons are available), creating a physical and electrical barrier to any bromine remaining in the fluid stream, making further conversion of the fuel difficult. Furthermore, as liquid passes through a liquid membrane cell, turbulence (whether intentionally induced or not) begins to dominate the movement, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the cell or causing mixing of the fuel with the electrolyte liquid.

[0005] Furthermore, chemically measuring the transition state of fuel conversion (or state of charge reversal) can be difficult, expensive, and inaccurate, especially in fully automated systems such as flow batteries. In the absence of the above information, the primary measurement of state of charge (SoC) is the flow of electricity into and out of the cell during use. However, such measurements are a combination of multiple components, and knowing each component individually can more efficiently and effectively track the system's performance (e.g., degradation) and allow the system to be modified in real time to increase efficiency. Furthermore, materials used in membraneless systems are expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, what is desired is a membraneless cell assembly that minimizes mixing of electrolyte and fuel fluid, increases fuel conversion per unit length of the mixing chamber, increases power delivery per unit length of the mixing chamber, reduces electrical resistance across the mixing chamber, maintains laminar flow within the mixing cell or region, provides real-time measurement of state of charge, and uses reactants economically and efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a liquid membrane cell assembly of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the liquid membrane cell assembly of FIG. 1, excluding the fasteners shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an example of a base of the liquid membrane cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 3, showing an example of a mixing vane. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 3 showing another example of a mixing vane. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 3 showing an example of a central bridge member with mixing vanes. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 3 showing another example of a central bridge member having mixing vanes. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 8 showing another example of a central bridge member with mixing vanes. [Figure 10] 9 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 8 showing a further example of a central bridge member having cut-outs. [Figure 11] 4 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 3 showing examples of proximal and distal bridge members connecting the inlet and outlet bodies of the base. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 11 showing an example of an anode having a cavity to provide a larger mixing area. [Figure 13] 12 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 11 showing another example of first and second bridge members connecting the inlet and outlet bodies of the base to provide a larger mixing area. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial isometric view of the base of FIG. 13 showing an example of an anode having a cavity to provide a larger mixing area. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another example of a base of the liquid membrane cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the liquid membrane cell assembly taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 2 is a graph of the electrical output of various examples of the liquid membrane cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 shows an example of two liquid membrane cell assemblies in series as shown in FIG. 1, and an example of a state-of-charge measurement assembly. [Figure 19] 2 is a graph of the permeation profile of various HBr / Br mixtures of the liquid membrane cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram showing an example of non-alternating cell stacking of two liquid membrane cell assemblies of FIG. 1. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram showing an example of alternating cell stacking of two liquid membrane cell assemblies of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1-4, there is shown an example of a liquid membrane cell assembly 100. The liquid membrane cell assembly includes a frame, skeleton or base 102, an anode or anode plate 104, a cathode or cathode plate 106, a sealing gasket 108, end plates 110, and fasteners 112.

[0009] Unless expressly excluded, the base 102 may additionally or alternatively include one or more components and / or structures of other bases of the present disclosure. The base 102 includes an inlet end 114, an outlet end 116, and a central portion 118 disposed between the inlet and outlet ends. These portions may be attached to and / or formed from one another. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the base 102 is elongated and is a one-piece part manufactured, for example, by 3D printing and / or mold injection molding. However, other examples of the base 102 may include non-elongated shapes and be manufactured by other suitable methods. The base 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride).

[0010] Inlet end 114 includes an inlet body 120 having a fuel inlet channel 122 and an electrolyte inlet channel 124 therein. The fuel and electrolyte inlet channels are separate and distinct from one another. In other words, the fuel and electrolyte inlet channels are not fluidly connected within inlet end 114. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel and electrolyte inlet channels are planar, parallel and / or coaxial with one another. However, other examples of inlet end 114 may include fuel and electrolyte channels that are not planar, parallel and / or coaxial with one another.

[0011] The inlet body 120 also includes a fuel inlet port 126 and an electrolyte inlet port 128 accessible from the exterior of the inlet body. The fuel inlet port 126 is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet channel 122 but not to the electrolyte inlet channel 124, while the electrolyte inlet port 128 is fluidly connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 124 but not to the fuel inlet channel 122. The fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are separate and distinct from one another, in other words, the fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are not fluidly connected to one another. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are perpendicular to the fuel inlet channel 122 and the electrolyte inlet channel 124. However, in other examples of the fuel inlet port 126 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 128, they may not be perpendicular to the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel. The fuel inlet port 126 and / or electrolyte inlet port 128 include threads 129 and / or other connection structures that allow for connection to an electrolyte inlet conduit 130 and a fuel inlet conduit 132, respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply vessel and / or tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Additionally, the inlet body 120 includes a flange portion 134 having an aperture 136 for receiving the fastener 112. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel inlet port and the electrolyte inlet port are disposed adjacent one end of the inlet body 120, and the flange portion 134 is disposed adjacent an opposite end of the inlet body and adjacent the central portion 118.

[0012] Similarly, the outlet end 116 includes an outlet body 138 having a fuel outlet channel 140 and an electrolyte outlet channel 142 therein. The fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel are separate and distinct from one another. In other words, the fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel are not fluidly connected within the outlet end 116. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel outlet channel 140 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142 are planar, parallel, and / or coaxial with one another. However, other examples of the outlet end 116 may include electrolyte and outlet channels that are not planar, parallel, and / or coaxial with one another. Additionally, as best shown in FIG. 4, the fuel inlet channel 122 and the fuel outlet channel 140 are aligned with one another and / or are coplanar and / or coaxial. Similarly, the electrolyte inlet channel 124 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142 are aligned with one another and / or are coplanar and / or coaxial.

[0013] The outlet body 138 also includes a fuel outlet port 144 and an electrolyte outlet port 146 accessible from the exterior of the outlet body. The fuel outlet port 144 is fluidly connected to the fuel outlet channel 140 but not to the electrolyte outlet channel 142, while the electrolyte outlet port 146 is fluidly connected to the electrolyte outlet channel 142 but not to the fuel outlet channel 140. The fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are separate and distinct from one another, in other words, the fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are not fluidly connected to one another. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are perpendicular to the fuel outlet channel 140 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142. However, in other examples of the fuel outlet port and the electrolyte outlet port, they may not be perpendicular to the fuel outlet port and the electrolyte outlet channel. The fuel outlet port 144 and / or electrolyte outlet port 146 include threads 129 and / or other connection structures connectable to a fuel outlet conduit 148 and an electrolyte outlet conduit 150, respectively. These conduits may be connected to an output container and / or tank and / or downstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Additionally, the outlet body 138 includes a flange portion 152 having an opening 154 for receiving the fastener 112. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the electrolyte outlet port and the fuel outlet port are disposed adjacent one end of the outlet body 138, and the flange portion 152 is disposed adjacent an opposite end of the outlet body and adjacent the central portion 118.

[0014] The central portion 118 includes a proximal bridge member 156 and a distal bridge member 158. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member are spaced apart and facing each other. The proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 connect the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, only the proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member connect the inlet body and the outlet body. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member each include an inner wall 160 and an outer wall 162 opposite the inner wall. The inner walls of the bridge members face each other and the outer walls are spaced apart from each other. The inlet body 120, the outlet body 138, the proximal bridge member 156, and the distal bridge member 158 collectively define (or horizontally define) a single mixed reaction area or open area 164 therebetween. In other words, the boundaries of open region 164 are formed by proximal bridge member 156 and distal bridge member 158, or by inlet body 120 and outlet body 138. Open region 164 fluidly connects the electrolyte inlet and fuel inlet channels at the inlet end to the electrolyte outlet and fuel outlet channels at the outlet end. In other words, the electrolyte input and fuel inlet channels are fluidly connected to the electrolyte output and fuel outlet channels only through the open region.

[0015] 5-9, the central portion 118 may include one or more mixing protrusions, guide protrusions, or mixing vanes 166 attached to or formed with one or more of the inner walls 160 in some examples. The mixing vanes promote a desired movement of fluids, such as directing a fuel-rich region to the cathode or maintaining a non-mixing line between the fuel and electrolyte. The mixing vanes may extend horizontally or parallel to the fluid flow 167 (and / or parallel to the inlet and / or outlet end channels) as shown in FIG. 5, and / or may be angled upward and / or downward relative to the fluid flow direction (and / or not parallel to the inlet and / or outlet end channels). An example of a mixing vane 166 angled downward relative to the fluid flow 167 is shown in FIG. 6. The vanes may span or nearly span the entire length of the open region 164, or may span one or more portions of the open region (e.g., intermittent small sections spaced apart over the length of the open region). The wings may be of any suitable shape. For example, as shown in Figures 5-8, one or more wings may be triangular wedges or triangular prisms. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Figure 9, one or more wings may be a series of joined triangular prisms that can twist and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the triangular prisms. Examples of other shapes include curved sheets / planes and / or small hollow tubes.

[0016] 7-10, the central portion 118 may, in some examples, include one or more interior or central bridge members 168 spaced apart between the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158. The central bridge member promotes a desired movement of fluid, such as directing a fuel-rich region toward the cathode and / or maintaining a non-mixing line between the fuel and electrolyte. Similar to the proximal and distal bridge members, the central bridge member connects the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. The central bridge member is attached to or formed with one or more ends of the channel and / or the base of the inlet end and / or the outlet end.

[0017] Each central bridge member 168 includes a proximal wall 170 and a distal wall 172 opposite the proximal wall. The central bridge member may be planar and / or parallel to the proximal and / or distal bridge members. Additionally, the central bridge member 168 may be the same height (measured perpendicular to the flow direction) as the proximal and / or distal bridge members, or may be a height less than the height of the proximal and / or distal bridge members (e.g., 40%, 50%, or 60% of the height of the proximal and / or bridge members). When the central bridge member is the same height or substantially the same height as the proximal and / or distal bridge members, the open region 164 is divided into two or more open or mixed regions that are separate and distinct from one another. In other words, the two or more open regions are not fluidly connected to one another. In contrast, if the central bridge member is smaller or substantially smaller than the height of the proximal and / or distal bridge members, fluid may flow from one side of the central bridge member to the opposite side in an open area. Additionally, one or both walls of the central bridge member may be provided with one or more mixing vanes 166, as shown in Figures 7-9. Additionally, the central bridge member may have apertures, cutouts, or cuts through 174, as shown in Figure 10, to allow for horizontal fluid flow and generate localized turbulence to bring the fuel-rich portion of the fluid to the cathode surface.

[0018] 11-14, the proximal bridge member 156, the distal bridge member 158, and / or the anode 104 may be configured to provide an appropriate volume and / or shape to the open area 164 to promote or facilitate laminar flow of fuel and / or electrolyte in the open area. As shown in FIG. 11, when the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138, the open area has a nominal volume that is rectangular prism shaped. As shown in FIG. 12, when the anode 104 includes a cavity 176, the volume of the open area 164 is larger than the nominal volume and becomes a trapezoidal column, resulting in vertical compression in the direction of fluid flow.

[0019] If the proximal and distal bridge members 156, 158 are not parallel to each other and not perpendicular to the inlet and outlet bodies, and are spaced further apart at the inlet body 120 compared to the example of FIG. 11, but converge from the inlet body 120 toward the outlet body 138, the open area 164 will have a larger than nominal volume and a trapezoidal columnar shape as shown in FIG. 13, resulting in horizontal compression in the direction of fluid flow. If the anode 104 includes a cavity 176, and the proximal and distal bridge members 156, 158 are not parallel to each other and not perpendicular to the inlet and outlet bodies, and are spaced further apart at the inlet body 120 compared to the example of FIG. 11, but converge from the inlet body 120 toward the outlet body 138, the open area 164 will have a larger volume than the example of FIGS. 11-13, and will have a trapezoidal columnar shape as shown in FIG. 14, resulting in both vertical and horizontal compression in the direction of fluid flow. The proximal and distal bridge members may be formed by subtractive manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the anode and / or cathode plates may be rotated to provide the desired mixed cell shape. The anode and / or cathode plates may be shaped by subtractive manufacturing techniques, such as CNC milling or equivalent machines. Although modifications to the open area have been described, the same or similar modifications may also be made to one or more channels at the inlet and / or outlet ends.

[0020] 15-16, an alternative example of the base 102 is shown and generally designated by the numeral 202. Unless expressly excluded, the base 202 may additionally or alternatively include one or more components and / or structures of other bases of the present disclosure. Like the base 102, the base 202 includes an inlet end 214, an outlet end 216, and a central portion 218 disposed between the inlet and outlet ends, which portions may be attached to and / or formed from one another. In the example shown in FIGS. 15-16, the base 202 is elongated and is a one-piece part manufactured, for example, by 3D printing or mold injection molding. However, other examples of the base 202 may have a non-elongated shape or may be manufactured by other suitable methods. The base 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride).

[0021] The inlet end 214 is the same as or substantially the same as the inlet end 114. For example, the inlet end 214 includes an inlet body 220 with a fuel inlet channel 222 and an electrolyte inlet channel 224 within the inlet body. The inlet body 220 also includes a fuel inlet port 226 and an electrolyte inlet port 228 accessible from the exterior of the inlet body. The fuel input port 226 is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet channel 222 but not to the electrolyte inlet channel 224, and the electrolyte inlet port 228 is fluidly connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 224 but not to the fuel inlet channel 222. The fuel inlet port 226 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 228 include threads 229 and / or other connection structures that allow connection to electrolyte inlet conduits and fuel inlet conduits (not shown), respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply vessel and / or tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Additionally, the inlet body 220 includes a flange portion 234 with an opening 236 for receiving a fastener (not shown).

[0022] Similarly, the outlet end 216 includes an outlet body 238. However, unlike the outlet body 138, the outlet body 238 includes a fuel outlet channel 240, a mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, and an electrolyte outlet channel 242 within the outlet body. The electrolyte outlet channel, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel, and the fuel outlet channel are separate and distinct from one another. In other words, the electrolyte outlet channel, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel, and the fuel outlet channel are not fluidly connected within the outlet end 216. The pure electrolyte discharged from the electrolyte outlet port can be immediately returned to the liquid membrane cell assembly for use. The mixed electrolyte from the mixed electrolyte port may be contaminated with fuel and is treated before being returned to the liquid membrane cell assembly. Examples of mixed electrolyte treatment include feeding the mixed electrolyte to the main fuel line for later use, passing the mixed electrolyte through a discharged liquid membrane cell to convert existing fuel to electrolyte and restore purity, and / or one or more physical processes to separate the fuel and electrolyte (e.g., distillation or density separation from spinning).

[0023] In the example shown in Figures 15-16, the fuel inlet channel 240, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, and the electrolyte outlet channel 242 are planar and parallel to one another. However, other examples of the outlet end 216 include fuel outlet channels and electrolyte outlet channels that are not planar and / or are not parallel to one another. Furthermore, as best shown in Figure 16, the electrolyte inlet channel 224 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242 are aligned and / or coplanar and / or coaxial with one another. However, the fuel inlet channel 222 is aligned and / or coplanar and / or coaxial with both the fuel outlet channel 240 and the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241.

[0024] The outlet body 238 also includes a fuel outlet port 244, a mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and an electrolyte outlet port 246 accessible from the exterior of the outlet body. The fuel outlet port 244 is fluidly connected to the fuel outlet channel 240 but not to the mixed electrolyte channel 241 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242, the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245 is fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241 but not to the fuel outlet channel 240 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242, and the electrolyte outlet port 246 is fluidly connected to the electrolyte outlet channel 242 but not to the fuel outlet channel 240 and the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241. The fuel mixed electrolyte and electrolyte outlet ports are separate and distinct from one another and are not fluidly connected to one another. Additionally, the fuel mixed electrolyte and electrolyte outlet ports are perpendicular to the fuel and electrolyte outlet channels, but in other examples may not be perpendicular. The fuel outlet port 244, the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and / or the electrolyte outlet port 246 include threads 229 and / or other connection structures that allow connection to an electrolyte outlet conduit, a mixed electrolyte outlet conduit, and a fuel outlet conduit (not shown), respectively. These conduits may be connected to an output container and / or tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Additionally, the outlet body 238 includes a flange portion 252 with an opening 254 for receiving a fastener (not shown). In the example shown in FIGS. 15-16, the electrolyte outlet port, the mixed electrolyte outlet port, and the fuel outlet port are disposed adjacent one end of the outlet body 238, and the flange portion 252 is disposed adjacent an opposite end of the outlet body and adjacent the central portion 218.

[0025] The central portion 218 includes a proximal bridge member 256 and a distal bridge member 258. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member are spaced apart and facing each other. The proximal bridge member 256 and the distal bridge member 258 connect the inlet body 220 and the outlet body 238. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member each include an inner wall 260 and an outer wall 262 opposite the inner wall. The inner walls of the bridge members face each other and the outer walls are spaced apart from each other. The inlet body 220, the outlet body 238, the proximal bridge member 256, and the distal bridge member 258 collectively define (or horizontally define) a single mixing, reaction, or open area 264 therebetween. The open area 264 fluidly connects the electrolyte inlet and fuel inlet channels at the inlet end with the electrolyte outlet, mixed electrolyte outlet, and fuel outlet channels at the outlet end.

[0026] 1-4, the anode or anode plate 104 is adjacent to the center portion 118 and the flange portions 134, 152 at the inlet and outlet ends. Similarly, the cathode or cathode plate 106 is adjacent to the center portion 118 and the flange portions 134, 152 at the inlet and outlet ends, with the base 102 disposed between the anode and the cathode. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-4, the anode 104 is supported on the center portion 118 and the flange portions 134, 152, and the cathode 106 supports the above-mentioned components, including the anode. Alternatively, the configuration may be reversed, with the cathode supported by other components, and the anode supporting those components. In yet another configuration, the components may be oriented sideways, with neither the anode nor the cathode supporting the other components.

[0027] Additionally, the anode 104 includes a fluid opening 176 for the reactant gas (such as hydrogen) and an opening (aperture) 178 for receiving the fastener 112. However, the anode 104 may be porous and may not have a fluid opening. Similarly, the cathode 106 includes an opening 180 for receiving the fastener 112. Additionally, a wire 182 is connected (or electrically connected) to the anode, and a wire 184 is connected (or electrically connected) to the cathode. The anode 104 and the cathode 106 may be shaped in any suitable manner and made of suitable materials. For example, the anode and the cathode are graphitic carbon plates in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The anode 104 and the cathode 106 vertically define an open area 164 therebetween. In other words, the vertical boundaries of the open area 164 are formed by the inner walls of the anode 104 and the cathode 106. Thus, the anode 104, the cathode 106, the inlet body 120, the outlet body 138, the proximal bridge member 156, and the distal bridge member 158 collectively define an open area 164 therebetween. As discussed above, the anode 104 and / or the cathode 106 may include a cavity, such as the cavity 176, to increase the volume of or modify the shape of the open area 164. In other words, the cavity in the anode and / or cathode partially defines the open area 164.

[0028] In some examples, a sealing gasket 108 may be used between the anode / cathode and the base. The sealing gasket may be made of a suitable material, such as carbon paper. The sealing gasket 108 includes an opening 183 for receiving a fastener 112. The end plate 110 includes an anode end plate 186 and a cathode end plate 188. The anode end plate is adjacent to and supported on the anode 104. The anode end plate 186 includes a reactant inlet port 190 and a reactant outlet port 192, which are fluidly connected to the anode and / or anode fluid ports. The reactant inlet and outlet ports may include threads and / or other connection structures that may be connected to reactant inlet conduits 194 and reactant outlet conduits 196, respectively. These conduits may be connected to supply vessels and / or tanks. The cathode end plate is adjacent to and supports the cathode 106 and other components of the liquid membrane cell assembly. The end plates may be made of a suitable material, such as compressed acrylic plates. Fasteners 112 are inserted into the openings in the anode, cathode, sealing gasket (if used), and base to press and secure the end plates together, connecting the components of the liquid membrane cell assembly and creating a liquid-tight seal.

[0029] Referring to Figure 17, a graph is shown illustrating an exemplary electrical output of a liquid membrane cell assembly of the present disclosure, where hydrogen bromide is the electrolyte, bromine (Br2) is the fuel, and hydrogen gas is the reactant. Negative current represents the charging of the system (left side of the graph), and positive current represents the discharging state (right side of the graph). Data is shown for different concentrations of Br2 fuel (0.5M, 1.0M, 2.0M) and different ratios (in mm) of vertical heights of the electrolyte and fuel channels (e.g., 3:1 is a 3mm high electrolyte channel and a 1mm high fuel channel).

[0030] Referring to FIG. 18, a system 300 is shown in which a first liquid membrane cell assembly 302 and a second liquid membrane cell assembly 304 are connected in series. The first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other liquid membrane cell assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane cell assembly includes a base 305, an anode 306, a cathode 308, and an end plate 310. The base includes an inlet end 312, an outlet end 314, and a central portion 316 disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end. The inlet end 312 includes a fuel inlet port 318 and an electrolyte inlet port 320. The fuel inlet port 318 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 320 include threads and / or other connection structures that may be connected to a fuel inlet conduit 322 and an electrolyte inlet conduit 324, respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply vessel and / or tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane cell assembly. The outlet end 314 includes a fuel outlet port 326 and an electrolyte outlet port 328. The fuel outlet port 326 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 328 include threads and / or other connection structures that may be connected to a fuel conduit 330 and an electrolyte conduit 332, respectively. The fuel conduit 330 and the electrolyte conduit 332 are connected to a fuel inlet port 334 and an electrolyte inlet port 336 of the second liquid membrane cell assembly 304.

[0031] Similarly, the second liquid membrane cell assembly 304 includes a base 338, an anode 340, a cathode 342, and an end plate 344. The base includes an inlet end 346, an outlet end 348, and a central portion 350 disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end. The inlet end 346 includes a fuel inlet port 334 and an electrolyte inlet port 336. As described above, the fuel inlet port 334 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 336 include threads and / or other connection structures that may be connected to the fuel conduit 330 and the electrolyte conduit 332, respectively. The outlet end 348 includes a fuel outlet port 352 and an electrolyte outlet port 354. The fuel outlet port 352 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 354 include threads and / or other connection structures that may be connected to the fuel outlet conduit 356 and the electrolyte outlet conduit 358, respectively. The fuel outlet conduit 356 and the electrolyte outlet conduit 358 may be connected to a container and / or a tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane cell assembly.

[0032] The system 300 further includes one or more state of charge (SoC) measurement assemblies 360, which may be located in any suitable location, such as at the output of the first and / or second liquid membrane cell assemblies. The fuel conduit 330 and / or electrolyte conduit 332 include an optical window and / or transparent window 362. The SoC measurement assembly 360 includes one or more wavelength photon lamps 364 and one or more spectrophotometer cameras 366 (or other similar wavelength differentiating photometer devices). The wavelength photon lamps 364 may be located, for example, adjacent to one side of the optical window 362, and the spectrophotometer cameras 366 may be located on the opposite side of the same optical window (and / or opposite the wavelength photon lamps). In other words, the electrolyte or fuel conduit is located between the wavelength photon lamps and the spectrophotometer cameras. Although the SoC measurement assembly is shown to measure both the fuel conduit and the electrolyte conduit, in other examples it may measure only the fluid in the fuel or only the fluid in the electrolyte conduit. The SoC measurement assembly may additionally or alternatively be used to measure fluid contained in a mixed electrolyte conduit.

[0033] Using elemental bromine (dark red / amber) and hydrogen bromide (transparent) as fuel and electrolyte, respectively, the spectrophotometer camera can measure the opacity of the fluid at the most determinative wavelength to determine the percentage of Br2 in the fluid, the SoC of the fuel lines, and the purity of the electrolyte lines. In other words, the concentration of Br2 is determined by the transmission at the determinative wavelength, as shown in Figure 19. The measurements can be used to actively control the liquid membrane cell assemblies. For example, if a fuel needs to pass through three liquid membrane cell assemblies in series to get down to an expected SoC level, previous measurements of the second and / or third liquid membrane cell assemblies may provide enough information to determine if those assemblies are needed for the expected or desired SoC level.

[0034] 20, the system 400 has a first liquid membrane cell assembly 402 and a second membrane cell assembly 404 with a non-alternating cell stacking. The first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other liquid membrane cell assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane cell assembly 402 includes a first bipolar plate 406 with a reactant gas reservoir 408 and an anode / cathode 410, a base 412 with an open or mixing area 414 for electrolyte and fuel, and a second bipolar plate 416 with a reactant gas reservoir 418 and an anode / cathode 420. The second liquid membrane cell assembly 404 includes a second bipolar plate 416 with reactant gas reservoir 418 and anode / cathode 420, a base 422 with an open or mixing area 424 for electrolyte and fuel, and a third bipolar plate 426 with reactant gas reservoir 428 and anode / cathode 430. As shown, the first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies are stacked such that the anode / cathode 410 serves as the cathode for the first liquid membrane cell assembly 402 and the anode for the second liquid membrane cell assembly 404. In the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the current through the stack is reduced while the voltage of the stack is increased (i.e., high voltage and low current configuration), reducing the effect of resistive losses. The bipolar plates described above (e.g., carbon / graphite plates) can be machined to allow reactant gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) to be contained behind the gas diffusion surface while providing structural support and a reaction surface for the fuel reaction in the adjacent cells.

[0035] 21, a system 500 is shown having a first liquid membrane cell assembly 502 and a second membrane cell assembly 504 with alternating cell stacking. The first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other liquid membrane cell assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane cell assembly 502 includes a first bipolar plate 506 with an anode / cathode 508, a base 510 with an open or mixing area 512 for electrolyte and fuel, and a second bipolar plate 514 with opposing anode / cathode 516 and a reactant gas reservoir 518 disposed between the anode / cathode. The second liquid membrane cell assembly 504 includes a second bipolar plate 514 with an anode / cathode 516 and a reactant gas reservoir 518, a base 520 with an open area or mixing area 522 for electrolyte and fuel, and a third bipolar plate 524 with an anode / cathode 526.

[0036] As shown, the first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies are stacked such that the anode / cathode 516 serves as the anode for both the first liquid membrane cell assembly 502 and the second liquid membrane cell assembly 504. The configuration shown in FIG. 21 provides high current and low voltage with the cells electrically in parallel. The configuration of FIG. 21 also reduces the number of hydrogen gas reservoirs, but requires electrical connections (i.e., parallel circuits) to each level. The bipolar plates (e.g., carbon / graphite plates) described above can be machined to allow reactant gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) to be contained behind the gas diffusion surface while providing structural support and a reaction surface for the fuel reaction in the adjacent cells.

[0037] [Industrial Applicability] The present disclosure, including liquid membrane cell assemblies and components of those assemblies, is applicable to fuel processing, flow battery, and other industries.

[0038] The disclosure above encompasses several different inventions having independent utility. While each of these inventions is disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, when a claim refers to "a" or "first" element, or the equivalent thereof, the claim should be understood to include the incorporation of one or more such elements, and not to require or exclude two or more such elements. Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be defined by filing new claims in the relevant application. Such new claims, whether directed to a different invention or to the same invention, or whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are deemed to be included within the subject matter of the invention of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 Liquid Membrane Cell Assembly 102 Skeleton or Base 104 Anode or Anode Plate 106 Cathode or Cathode Plate 108 Sealing gasket 110 End plate 112 Zipper 114, 214 Inlet end 116, 216 outlet end 118, 218 central part 120, 220 Inlet body 122, 222 Fuel inlet channel 124, 224 Electrolyte inlet channel 126, 226 Fuel inlet port 128, 228 Electrolyte inlet port 129, 229 Screw 130 Electrolyte inlet conduit 132 Fuel inlet conduit 134, 152, 234 Flange part 136, 154, 180, 236, 254 Aperture 138, 238 outlet body 140, 240 Fuel outlet channel 241 Mixed electrolyte outlet channel 142, 242 Electrolyte outlet channel 144, 244 Fuel outlet port 245 Mixed electrolyte outlet port 146, 246 Electrolyte outlet port 148 Fuel outlet conduit 150 Electrolyte outlet conduit 156 Proximal bridge member 158 Distal bridge member 160 Inner wall 162 Exterior Wall 164 Open area 166 Mixed wing 167 Fluid Flow 168 Central bridge member 170 Proximal wall 172 Distal wall 174 Apertures, cutouts, or cuts through 176 Cavity 182, 184 Wiring 186 Anode End Plate 188 Cathode End Plate 194 Reactant inlet conduit 196 Reactant outlet conduit 300, 400, and 500 Systems 302, 402, 502 First liquid membrane cell assembly 304, 404, 504 Second liquid membrane cell assembly 305, 338 base 306, 340 Anode 308, 342 cathode 310, 344 End Plate 312, 346 Inlet end 314, 348 outlet end 316, 350 central part 318, 334 Fuel inlet port 320, 336 electrolyte inlet port 322 Fuel inlet conduit 324 Electrolyte inlet conduit 326, 352 fuel outlet port 328, 354 Electrolyte outlet port 330 Fuel conduit 332 Electrolyte conduit 334 Fuel inlet port 336 Electrolyte Inlet Port 356 Fuel outlet conduit 358 Electrolyte outlet conduit 360 State of Charge (SoC) Measurement Assembly 362 Optical window 364 Wavelength Photon Lamp 366 Spectrophotometer Camera 408 Reactive Gas Storage 406, 506 First bipolar plate 410, 420, 430, 508, 516 Anode / Cathode 412, 422, 510 base 416, 514 Second bipolar plate 414, 424, 522 Open or mixed areas 426, 524 Third bipolar plate 518 Reactant Gas Reservoir

Claims

1. an elongated base having opposed first and second ends and a central portion disposed between the first and second ends; the first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body, the electrolyte inlet port fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body, the first fuel channel being separate and distinct from the first electrolyte channel, and a fuel inlet port within the first elongated body adjacent the electrolyte inlet port, the fuel inlet port fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and separate and distinct from the electrolyte inlet port; the second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body, the electrolyte outlet port fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body, the fuel channel being separate and distinct from the second electrolyte channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body, the fuel outlet port fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and separate and distinct from the electrolyte outlet port; an elongated base, the central portion including spaced apart opposed first and second bridge members connecting the first and second elongated bodies, the first and second elongated bodies and the first and second bridge members collectively horizontally defining an open area therebetween, the open area fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel with the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel; an anode adjacent the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion; and a cathode adjacent the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, the elongated base being disposed between the anode and the cathode, the anode and the cathode defining the open area vertically therebetween; A liquid membrane cell assembly comprising:

2. The second end includes: a mixed electrolyte channel disposed within the second elongated body between the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, the mixed electrolyte channel being separate and distinct from the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, the open area fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel with the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second fuel channel of a second portion; a mixed electrolyte outlet port in the second elongated body, the mixed electrolyte outlet port fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte channel and separate and distinct from the fuel outlet port; The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

3. 3. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 2, wherein the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel are parallel to each other, and the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second fuel channel are parallel to each other.

4. 2. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1, wherein the central portion further includes a central bridge member connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the central bridge member being spaced apart from and disposed between the first bridge member and the second bridge member.

5. 5. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 4, wherein said central bridge member is sized such that said central bridge member divides said open area into separate and distinct first and second mixing areas.

6. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 5 , wherein the central bridge member includes one or more cut-outs or apertures.

7. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 4 , wherein the central bridge member is sized to allow fluid on one side of the central bridge member to mix with fluid on the opposite side of the central bridge member.

8. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 4 , wherein said central portion further comprises at least one mixing vane attached to or formed with said central bridge member.

9. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 8 , wherein each of said mixing vanes is in the shape of a triangular prism.

10. each of the first bridge member and the second bridge member includes opposing inner and outer walls, the inner wall adjacent the open area and the outer wall spaced from the open area relative to the inner wall; 2. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1, wherein the central portion further includes one or more mixing vanes attached to or formed on an inner wall of at least one of the first bridge member and the second bridge member.

11. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 10 , wherein each of said mixing vanes has the shape of a triangular prism rotated about its longitudinal axis.

12. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 10 , wherein the mixing vanes are parallel to the first electrolyte channel or the first fuel channel.

13. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first bridge member and the second bridge member are parallel to each other.

14. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first bridge member and the second bridge member converge at the second elongated body relative to the first elongated body.

15. 2. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the anode or cathode includes a cavity, and said open area is partially defined by said cavity.

16. a first end plate adjacent to the anode, the anode being disposed between the first end plate and the elongated base; a second end plate adjacent the cathode, the cathode being disposed between the second end plate and the elongated base; a plurality of fasteners securing the first end plate and the second end plate to one another; The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

17. 17. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 16, wherein the first end plate includes at least one reactant port fluidly connected to the anode.

18. 2. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fuel outlet conduit connected to said fuel outlet port, said fuel outlet conduit including one or more transparent portions to allow visual inspection of fluid within said fuel outlet conduit.

19. a wavelength photon lamp disposed adjacent a transparent portion of said one or more transparent portions; a spectrophotometer camera positioned opposite the wavelength photon lamp such that the fuel outlet conduit is positioned between the wavelength photon lamp and the spectrophotometer camera; 20. The liquid membrane cell assembly of claim 18, further comprising:

20. A liquid membrane cell system comprising two liquid membrane cell assemblies according to claim 1, wherein the cathode of one liquid membrane cell assembly is the anode of the other liquid membrane cell assembly.

21. A liquid membrane cell system comprising two liquid membrane cell assemblies according to claim 1, wherein the anode of one liquid membrane cell assembly is the anode of the other liquid membrane cell assembly.

22. A base for a liquid membrane cell assembly having opposing first and second ends and a central portion disposed between the first and second ends, the first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body, the electrolyte inlet port fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body, the first fuel channel being separate and distinct from the first electrolyte channel, and a fuel inlet port within the first elongated body adjacent the electrolyte inlet port, the fuel inlet port fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and separate and distinct from the electrolyte inlet port; the second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body, the electrolyte outlet port fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body, the fuel channel being separate and distinct from the second electrolyte channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body, the fuel outlet port fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and separate and distinct from the electrolyte outlet port; a base of a liquid membrane cell assembly, the base including spaced apart opposing first and second bridge members connecting the first and second elongated bodies, the first and second elongated bodies and the first and second bridge members collectively horizontally defining an open area therebetween, the open area fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel with the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel.

Images