Secondary battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery, which is charged and discharged through the oxidation and reduction of metal ions dissolved in an electrolyte. A secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first liquid electrode in which a first half reaction occurs; a second liquid electrode in which a second half reaction occurs; a frame forming a first electrode accommodation portion which is a space where the first liquid electrode is stored and a second electrode accommodation portion which is a space where the second liquid electrode is stored; a separator coupled to the frame and arranged between the first electrode accommodation portion and the second electrode accommodation portion; and a plurality of transition parts each connecting the first electrode accommodation portion with the second electrode accommodation portion and not connected to each other.

Description

secondary batteries

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery, and more specifically, to a secondary battery in which metal ions dissolved in an electrolyte are oxidized and reduced to charge and discharge.

[0002] Redox Flow Battery (RFB), unlike conventional secondary batteries, is an electrochemical storage device that stores electrical energy as the chemical energy of the electrolyte by charging and discharging the active material within the electrolyte through oxidation and reduction. Redox flow batteries operate by continuously circulating the electrolyte within the stack, with the actual electrochemical reaction occurring in the stack using a fluid pump. While these redox flow batteries have the advantages of long life, high output, and high capacity, they have suffered from space constraints and design difficulties due to the tank that stores the electrolyte and the fluid pump that circulates it. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention developed a redox secondary battery that eliminates the tank and fluid pump, but there was a problem that the performance and lifespan of the secondary battery were reduced due to an imbalance in the electrolyte caused by the crossover phenomenon in which metal ions and water pass through the separator during charging and discharging.

[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a secondary battery that resolves the imbalance of the liquid electrode caused by crossover.

[0004] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first liquid electrode in which a first half-reaction occurs, a second liquid electrode in which a second half-reaction occurs, a frame forming a first electrode receiving portion which is a space in which the first liquid electrode is stored, and a second electrode receiving portion which is a space in which the second liquid electrode is stored, a separator which is coupled to the frame and arranged between the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion, and a plurality of transition portions which are not interconnected and each connects the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion.

[0006] In order to achieve the above task, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first liquid electrode where a first half-reaction occurs, a second liquid electrode where a second half-reaction occurs, a separator disposed between the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode, a frame supporting the separator, and a plurality of transition parts through which the first liquid electrode and / or the second liquid electrode flows.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first current collector, a second current collector spaced apart from the first current collector, a separator disposed between the first current collector and the second current collector, a frame disposed between the first current collector and the second current collector to form a first electrode receiving portion between the first current collector and the separator and a second electrode receiving portion between the second current collector and the separator, and a plurality of transition portions each of which connects the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion and is not connected to each other.

[0008] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0009] According to the secondary battery of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are present.

[0010] First, there is an advantage in that the transition section is equipped in multiples, so even if one transition section is blocked, crossover is resolved.

[0011] Second, there is an advantage in that multiple transition parts are evenly formed on the frame, making the frame's strength uniform.

[0012] Third, by symmetrically arranging multiple transition parts, a robust design is possible for modularization, and damage or leakage is prevented even in the event of alignment errors.

[0013] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is a 3-3 cross-sectional view of the secondary battery illustrated in Figure 2.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 is a front view of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 is a rear view of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 is a transparent perspective view of a portion of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0023] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0024] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0025] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0026] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0027] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0029] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a secondary battery according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a 3-3 cross-sectional view of the secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] A secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first current collector (130a), a second current collector (130b) spaced apart from the first current collector (130a), a separator (120) disposed between the first current collector (130a) and the second current collector (130b), a frame (110) forming a first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a second electrode receiving portion (111b), a first liquid electrode accommodated in the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and in which a first half-reaction occurs, a second liquid electrode accommodated in the second electrode receiving portion (111b) and in which a second half-reaction occurs, a first solid electrode (150a) disposed in the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and in which the first liquid electrode is impregnated, and a second It includes a second solid electrode (150b) that is placed in an electrode receiving portion (111b) and impregnated with a second liquid electrode, a first adhesive member (160a) that combines a first current collector (130a) and a frame (110), and a second adhesive member (160b) that combines a second current collector (130b) and a frame (110).

[0032] The first liquid electrode is an electrolyte in which an anode redox couple is dissolved. The anode redox couple can be implemented with a material including at least one of vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), cerium (Ce), and cobalt (Co), and in this embodiment, V 2+ / V 3+ It is a redox couple. The first liquid electrode may be an acidic aqueous solution that conducts current through ionization, and preferably includes sulfuric acid. In the present embodiment, the first liquid electrode may be prepared by dissolving VOSO4 (vanadylsulfate) or V2O5 (vanadium pentoxide) in an H2SO4 aqueous solution.

[0033] The first liquid electrode causes the first half-reaction. The first half-reaction is as follows, where → indicates the direction of the discharge reaction and ← indicates the direction of the charge reaction.

[0034] V 2+ ←→ V 3+ + e -

[0035] During discharge, vanadium 2 ions are oxidized to vanadium 3 ions, and during charge, vanadium 3 ions are reduced to vanadium 2 ions.

[0036] The first liquid electrode is surrounded by a frame (110), a first current collector (130a), and a separator (120). The first liquid electrode is prevented from flowing out in an in-plane direction between the first current collector (130a) and the frame (110) by a first adhesive member (160a). Hereinafter, the in-plane direction means a direction parallel to a plane formed by the separator (120). The first liquid electrode is accommodated in the first electrode receiving portion (111a). It is preferable that the first liquid electrode is impregnated in the first solid electrode (150a).

[0037] The first liquid electrode is electrically connected to the first current collector (130a), so that when discharging, electrons move to the first current collector (130a), and when charging, electrons of the first current collector (130a) move to the first liquid electrode. The first liquid electrode is in contact with the separator (120), so that hydrogen cations (protons) move through the separator (120).

[0038] The second liquid electrode is an electrolyte in which a cathode redox couple is dissolved. The cathode redox couple can be implemented with a material including at least one of vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), cerium (Ce), and cobalt (Co), and in this embodiment, V 4+ / V 5+ It is a redox couple. The second liquid electrode may be an acidic aqueous solution that conducts current through ionization, and preferably includes sulfuric acid. In the present embodiment, the second liquid electrode may be manufactured by dissolving VOSO4 (vanadylsulfate) or V2O5 (vanadium pentoxide) in an H2SO4 aqueous solution.

[0039] The second liquid electrode causes the second half-reaction. The second half-reaction is as follows, where → indicates the direction of the discharge reaction and ← indicates the direction of the charge reaction.

[0040] V 5+ + e - ←→ V 4+

[0041] During discharge, vanadium pentavalent ions are reduced to vanadium tetravalent ions, and during charge, vanadium tetravalent ions are oxidized to vanadium pentavalent ions.

[0042] The second liquid electrode is surrounded by a frame (110), a second current collector (130b), and a separator (120). The second liquid electrode is prevented from flowing out in the in-plane direction or the like between the second current collector (130b) and the frame (110) by the second adhesive member. The second liquid electrode is accommodated in the second electrode receiving portion (111b). It is preferable that the second liquid electrode is impregnated in the second solid electrode (150b).

[0043] The second liquid electrode is electrically connected to the second current collector (130b), so that when charging, electrons move to the second current collector (130b), and when discharging, electrons of the second current collector (130b) move to the second liquid electrode. The second liquid electrode is in contact with the separator (120), so that hydrogen cations (protons) move through the separator (120).

[0044] As previously discussed, the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode are of the same composition. The first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode contain vanadium ions in an electrolyte of the same composition. Hereinafter, the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode are collectively referred to as the liquid electrode.

[0045] The frame (110) is formed as a hollow rectangle. Depending on the embodiment, the frame (110) may be formed as a rhombus, circle, triangle, or polygon larger than a pentagon. The frame (110) has a predetermined thickness in the out-of-plane direction to form the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and the second electrode receiving portion (111b). Hereinafter, the out-of-plane direction means a direction penetrating the in-plane direction (a direction parallel to the plane formed by the separator (120). The out-of-plane direction includes the through-thickness direction of the frame (110), but does not only mean a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction.

[0046] The frame (110) has a first current collector (130a) arranged on one side in the out-of-plane direction and a second current collector (130b) arranged on the other side. The hollow of the frame (110) is closed by the first current collector (130a) and the second current collector (130b). It is preferable that the frame (110) be arranged between the first current collector (130a) and the second current collector (130b) to prevent the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode from leaking in the in-plane direction, etc., and according to an embodiment, a part of the frame (110) may protrude outside the first current collector (130a) or the second current collector (130b). The frame (110) is coupled to the first collector (130a) by the first adhesive member (160a) and to the second collector (130b) by the second adhesive member (160b).

[0047] A separator (120) is placed in the hollow space of the frame (110). The hollow space of the frame (110) is divided into two spaces by the separator (120). The frame (110) can be combined with the separator (120) using an adhesive having the same composition as the first adhesive member (160a) or the second adhesive member (160b).

[0048] The frame (110) forms a first electrode receiving portion (111a) between the first current collector (130a) and the separator (120), and forms a second electrode receiving portion (111b) between the second current collector (130b) and the separator (120).

[0049] The frame (110) accommodates a first liquid electrode and a second liquid electrode. The frame (110) has a first solid electrode (150a) and a second solid electrode (150b) arranged inside. The frame (110) has a first adhesive member (160a) adhered to one edge in the out-of-plane direction, and a second adhesive member (160b) adhered to the other edge in the out-of-plane direction.

[0050] A separator (120) is arranged inside the frame (110) to separate the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode and to allow hydrogen cations (protons) to move between the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode. The separator (120) is arranged in the center of the frame (110) in the thickness direction inside the frame (110) to separate the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and the second electrode receiving portion (111b).

[0051] The separator (120) is disposed between the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode. The separator (120) is disposed between the first current collector (130a) and the second current collector (130b). The separator (120) is disposed on the inner side in the in-plane direction of the frame (110) relative to the first adhesive member (160a) or the second adhesive member (160b). The edge of the separator (120) is coupled to the frame (110).

[0052] Hydrogen cations move from the first liquid electrode to the second liquid electrode through the separator (120) during discharge, and move from the second liquid electrode to the first liquid electrode through the separator (120) during charge.

[0053] The separator (120) may include a perfluorinated ionomer, a partially fluorinated polymer, and non-fluorinated hydrocarbons. The separator (120) may be formed of or include Nafion®, Flemion®, NEOSEPTA-F®, or Gore Select®.

[0054] A first current collector (130a) is disposed on one side of a frame (110) to form a first electrode receiving portion (111a) together with the frame (110) and the separator (120). The first current collector (130a) is disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the second current collector (130b). The first current collector (130a) is adhered to a first adhesive member (160a) attached to the frame (110). The first current collector (130a) is coupled to the frame (110) by the first adhesive member (160a). The first adhesive member (160a) is applied or adhered to an edge of the first current collector (130a). The first current collector (130a) is electrically connected to the first liquid electrode, and electrons move to cause current to flow during charging and discharging.

[0055] When a plurality of secondary batteries are formed as a module with a plurality of frames (110), a plurality of first current collectors (130a), and a plurality of second current collectors (130b) as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of first current collectors (130a) are electrically connected by a bus bar (not shown) to connect the plurality of secondary batteries in parallel or series.

[0056] The first current collector (130a) includes a first metal current collector (131a) formed of metal and electrically connected to the bus bar, and a first carbon current collector (132a) disposed between the first metal current collector (131a) and the frame (110).

[0057] The first carbon current collector (132a) is formed of a material such as graphite, carbon, or carbon plastic, and has high electrical conductivity and high acid resistance. The first carbon current collector (132a) is placed between the first liquid electrode and the first metal current collector (131a) to allow electrons to move between them, but prevent the first metal current collector (131a) from being oxidized. The first carbon current collector (132a) may be formed in a rectangular plate shape or may be formed by being applied to the first metal current collector (131a).

[0058] The first carbon collector (132a) is formed so that its edge matches the edge of the frame (110). The first carbon collector (132a) is joined to the frame (110) by a first adhesive member (160a). The first adhesive member (160a) is applied or adhered to the edge of the first carbon collector (132a).

[0059] The first metal current collector (131a) is formed of a metal with high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The first metal current collector (131a) is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and a portion thereof protrudes to be connected to a bus bar.

[0060] The first metal current collector (131a) may be formed as a flexible thin film or as a rigid plate. When a plurality of secondary batteries form a module as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of first metal current collectors (131a) may be formed as a flexible thin film, but only some may be formed as a rigid plate.

[0061] The first metal collector (131a) has a first carbon collector (132a) arranged on one side. When a plurality of secondary batteries form a module as shown in Fig. 4, the first metal collector (131a) has a first carbon collector (132a) arranged on both sides.

[0062] The second current collector (130b) is placed on the other side of the frame (110) (the side opposite to the side where the first current collector (130a) is placed) to form a second electrode receiving portion (111b) together with the frame (110) and the separator (120). The second current collector (130b) is placed parallel to and spaced apart from the first current collector (130a). The second current collector (130b) is adhered to the second adhesive member (160b) attached to the frame (110). The second current collector (130b) is coupled to the frame (110) by the second adhesive member (160b). The second adhesive member (160b) is applied or adhered to the edge of the second current collector (130b). The second collector (130b) is electrically connected to the second liquid electrode, and electrons move to allow current to flow during charging and discharging.

[0063] When a plurality of secondary batteries are formed as a module with a plurality of frames (110), a plurality of first current collectors (130a), and a plurality of second current collectors (130b) as shown in Fig. 4, the plurality of second current collectors (130b) are electrically connected by a bus bar (not shown) to connect the plurality of secondary batteries in parallel or series.

[0064] The second current collector (130b) includes a second metal current collector (131b) formed of metal and electrically connected to the bus bar, and a second carbon current collector (132b) disposed between the second metal current collector (131b) and the frame (110).

[0065] The second carbon current collector (132b) is formed of a material such as graphite, carbon, or carbon plastic, and has high electrical conductivity and high acid resistance. The second carbon current collector (132b) is placed between the second liquid electrode and the second metal current collector (131b) to allow electrons to move between each other, but prevent the second metal current collector (131b) from being oxidized. The second carbon current collector (132b) may be formed in a rectangular plate shape or may be formed by being applied to the second metal current collector (131b).

[0066] The second carbon collector (132b) is formed so that its edge matches the edge of the frame (110). The second carbon collector (132b) is joined to the frame (110) by a second adhesive member (160b). The second adhesive member (160b) is applied or adhered to the edge of the second carbon collector (132b).

[0067] The second metal current collector (131b) is formed of a metal with high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The second metal current collector (131b) is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and a portion thereof protrudes to be connected to the bus bar.

[0068] The second metal current collector (131b) may be formed as a flexible thin film or as a rigid plate. When a plurality of secondary batteries form a module as shown in Fig. 4, the plurality of second metal current collectors (131b) may be formed as a flexible thin film, but only some may be formed as a rigid plate.

[0069] The second metal collector (131b) has a second carbon collector (132b) arranged on one side. When a plurality of secondary batteries form a module as shown in Fig. 4, the second metal collector (131b) has a second carbon collector (132b) arranged on both sides.

[0070] The first solid electrode (150a) is impregnated with the first liquid electrode and is placed in the first electrode receiving portion (111a). The first solid electrode (150a) is placed surrounded by a frame (110), a first current collector (130a), and a separator (120). The first solid electrode (150a) includes carbon-based materials such as carbon or graphite felt, carbon cloth, carbon black, graphite powder, or graphene. The first solid electrode (150a) is placed on the inner side of the frame (110) in the in-plane direction relative to the first adhesive member (160a).

[0071] The first solid electrode (150a) may be formed in a porous hexahedral shape. The first solid electrode (150a) may have a thickness greater than the thickness in the out-of-plane direction of the first electrode receiving portion (111a), and in this case, it may be compressed and received in the first electrode receiving portion (111a). The first solid electrode (150a) is in close contact with the first current collector (130a) and the separator (120).

[0072] The second solid electrode (150b) is impregnated with the second liquid electrode and is placed in the second electrode receiving portion (111b). The second solid electrode (150b) is placed surrounded by a frame (110), a second current collector (130b), and a separator (120). The second solid electrode (150b) includes carbon-based materials such as carbon or graphite felt, carbon cloth, carbon black, graphite powder, or graphene. The second solid electrode (150b) is placed on the inner side of the frame (110) in the in-plane direction relative to the second adhesive member (160b).

[0073] The second solid electrode (150b) may be formed in a porous hexahedral shape. The second solid electrode (150b) may have a thickness greater than the thickness in the out-of-plane direction of the second electrode receiving portion (111b), in which case it may be compressed and received in the second electrode receiving portion (111b). The second solid electrode (150b) is in close contact with the second current collector (130b) and the separator (120).

[0074] Each of the first adhesive member (160a) and the second adhesive member (160b) includes at least one of an acrylate-based adhesive, an acrylate-ester-based adhesive, an acrylate-ethylene-based adhesive, a polycarbonate-based adhesive, a polyethylene-based adhesive, an epoxy-based adhesive, and an isocyanate-based adhesive. Each of the first adhesive member (160a) and the second adhesive member (160b) is one or a combination of a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion-based adhesive, a hot melt-based adhesive, a liquid-curable adhesive, and a film-based adhesive.

[0075] Each of the first adhesive member (160a) and the second adhesive member (160b) may be formed in a belt shape. Each of the first adhesive member (160a) and the second adhesive member (160b) may be formed in a hollow square shape. Each of the first adhesive member (160a) and the second adhesive member (160b) may be formed in a closed curve. Each of the first adhesive member (160a) and the second adhesive member (160b) is formed such that its edge coincides with the edge of the frame (110).

[0076] The first adhesive member (160a) joins the first carbon collector (132a) of the first current collector (130a) and the frame (110). The first adhesive member (160a) seals between the first carbon collector (132a) of the first current collector (130a) and the frame (110). The first adhesive member (160a) is laminated between the first carbon collector (132a) of the first current collector (130a) and the frame (110). The first adhesive member (160a) is adhered to one edge of the frame (110) in the out-of-plane direction. The first adhesive member (160a) is adhered to the edge of the side on which the first metal collector (131a) is not arranged among both sides of the first carbon collector (132a). The first adhesive member (160a) can be applied to the first carbon collector (132a) and adhered to the frame (110).

[0077] The first adhesive member (160a) is arranged so that the edges of the first carbon collector (132a) of the first current collector (130a) and the frame (110) are aligned. The first adhesive member (160a) is arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction of the frame (110) relative to the first solid electrode (150a). The first adhesive member (160a) is arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction of the first electrode receiving portion (111a) of the frame (110). The first adhesive member (160a) is arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction of the separator (120) of the frame (110).

[0078] The second adhesive member (160b) joins the second carbon collector (132b) of the second current collector (130b) and the frame (110). The second adhesive member (160b) seals between the second carbon collector (132b) of the second current collector (130b) and the frame (110). The second adhesive member (160b) is laminated between the second carbon collector (132b) of the second current collector (130b) and the frame (110). The second adhesive member (160b) is adhered to the other edge in the outward direction of the frame (110). The second adhesive member (160b) is adhered to the edge of the side on which the second metal collector (131b) is not arranged among both sides of the second carbon collector (132b). The first adhesive member (160a) can be applied to the second carbon collector (132b) and adhered to the frame (110).

[0079] The second adhesive member (160b) is arranged so that the edges of the second carbon collector (132b) of the second current collector (130b) and the frame (110) are aligned. The second adhesive member (160b) is arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction of the frame (110) relative to the second solid electrode (150b). The second adhesive member (160b) is arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction of the second electrode receiving portion (111b) of the frame (110). The second adhesive member (160b) is arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction of the separator (120) of the frame (110).

[0080] The overall configuration of the secondary battery according to the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

[0081] A separator (120) is attached to the center of the thickness direction of a rectangular frame (110) having a predetermined thickness. A first current collector (130a) is attached to one side of the frame (110) in the out-of-plane direction by a first adhesive member (160a), and a second current collector (130b) is attached to the other side of the frame (110) in the out-of-plane direction by a second adhesive member (160b), thereby forming a first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a second electrode receiving portion (111b). That is, the frame (110) is placed between the first current collector (130a) and the second current collector (130b), and the separator (120) is placed within the frame (110).

[0082] A first solid electrode (150a) impregnated with a first liquid electrode is placed in the first electrode receiving portion (111a), and a second solid electrode (150b) impregnated with a second liquid electrode is placed in the second electrode receiving portion (111b).

[0083] The first adhesive member (160a) or the second adhesive member (160b) is adhered to the edge of the frame (110) and is adhered to the edge of the first carbon collector (132a) or the edge of the second carbon collector (132b). The first adhesive member (160a), the second adhesive member (160b), the frame (110), the first carbon collector (132a), and the second carbon collector (132b) are arranged so that their in-plane edges coincide with each other, and when they are joined together, they form a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, the above-described configuration is repeated in an alternating manner to form a module. That is, the first current collector (130a) may be placed between a plurality of frames (110) to which a separator (120) is coupled, and the second current collector (130b) may be placed between a plurality of frames (110) to which a separator (120) is coupled. In this case, only one first metal current collector (131a) may be placed between two first carbon current collectors (132a), and only one second metal current collector (131b) may be placed between two second carbon current collectors (132b).

[0085] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a rear view of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a transparent perspective view of a part of a frame of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] A frame (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a hollow rectangular frame body (119), a hollow membrane support member (115) that protrudes inward from the hollow portion of the frame body (119) and is coupled to a membrane (120), and a frame reinforcing member (116) that is arranged in the hollow portion of the membrane support member (115) and prevents the frame body (119) and / or the membrane support member (115) from being deformed.

[0087] The frame body (119) is formed in a hollow rectangular shape consisting of four sides. The hollow portion of the frame body (119) forms a first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a second electrode receiving portion (111b). The frame body (119) is formed with a separator support portion (115) that protrudes in the plane direction in the hollow portion. A transition portion (112) is formed in the frame body (119).

[0088] The frame body (119) has a first adhesive member (160a) adhered to one side in the out-of-plane direction and a second adhesive member (160b) adhered to the other side in the out-of-plane direction. The frame body (119) is coupled to the first current collector (130a) by the first adhesive member (160a) on one side in the out-of-plane direction and is coupled to the second current collector (130b) by the second adhesive member (160b) on the other side in the out-of-plane direction.

[0089] The membrane support (115) is formed in a rectangular shape by protruding toward the center in the in-plane direction from the hollow portion of the frame body (119). Referring to Fig. 3, the membrane support (115) is positioned at the center in the thickness direction (out-of-plane direction) of the frame body (119).

[0090] The separator (120) is joined at its edge to the separator support (115) so as to be stretched out tautly. It is preferable that the separator support (115) have a minimum width capable of supporting the separator (120). The separator support (115) serves as a rib that reinforces the in-plane direction of the frame body (119), so that the frame body (119) is not deformed in the in-plane direction, etc. even when the first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode expands or contracts, gas is generated within the liquid electrode, or an external impact occurs.

[0091] In order to prevent the first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode from leaking between the membrane support (115) and the membrane (120), the membrane support (115) is completely bonded to the membrane (120) on one side. An adhesive having the same composition as the first adhesive member (160a) or the second adhesive member (160b) may be laminated between the membrane support (115) and the membrane (120). The membrane support (115) and the membrane (120) may be bonded by an adhesive including at least one of an acrylate-based adhesive, an acrylate-ester-based adhesive, an acrylate-ethylene-based adhesive, a polycarbonate-based adhesive, a polyethylene-based adhesive, an epoxy-based adhesive, and an isocyanate-based adhesive.

[0092] A secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of transition portions (112, 113) that are not connected to each other and each connects a first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a second electrode receiving portion (111b), and an injection portion (114) formed on a frame (110) into which a first liquid electrode or a second liquid electrode is injected.

[0093] Each of the plurality of transition parts (112, 113) has a first liquid electrode and / or a second liquid electrode flowing. The separator (120) should prevent the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode from mixing with each other, but a crossover phenomenon may occur in which vanadium ions and water contained in the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode pass through the separator (120) during charging or discharging. Accordingly, an imbalance occurs in the amount of the first liquid electrode and the amount of the second liquid electrode, which affects the performance and lifespan of the secondary battery. In the case of a conventional redox flow secondary battery having a liquid electrode tank and a pump, the imbalance of the liquid electrodes within the stack can be resolved, but in the case of the present invention, in which the liquid electrode exists only within the secondary battery, even a small imbalance affects the performance and lifespan of the secondary battery. The plurality of transition parts (112, 113) resolve the imbalance caused by this crossover, and the first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode with an increased volume is temporarily stored in the plurality of transition parts (112, 113) or moves to the second liquid electrode or the first liquid electrode with a reduced volume through the plurality of transition parts (112, 113).

[0094] Each of the plurality of transition parts (112, 113) connects the first electrode receiving part (111a) and the second electrode receiving part (111b) so that the imbalance between the amount of the first liquid electrode and the amount of the second liquid electrode due to crossover occurring during charging or discharging is resolved, so that the first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode flows inside during charging or discharging.

[0095] It is preferable that the plurality of transition parts (112, 113) be formed thin and long so that they each have a resistance value above a certain level, while having a volume that can flow half of the difference between the amount of the first liquid electrode and the amount of the second liquid electrode due to crossover.

[0096] Each of the plurality of transition portions (112, 113) is formed in a direction (out-of-plane direction of the frame (110)) in which at least a portion thereof penetrates the plane formed by the separation membrane (120). Each of the plurality of transition portions (112, 113) can be bent at least twice. Each of the plurality of transition portions (112, 113) is bent from the in-plane direction of the frame (110) to the out-of-plane direction (or from the out-of-plane direction to the in-plane direction), and is bent from the in-plane direction of the frame (110) to the in-plane direction.

[0097] A plurality of transition parts (112, 113) are formed on a part of the frame body (119) surrounding the first solid electrode (150a) or the second solid electrode (150b) and are arranged on a part of the periphery of the first solid electrode (150a) or the second solid electrode (150b).

[0098] A plurality of transition portions (112, 113) are arranged on the outer side in the in-plane direction relative to the membrane support portion (115). A plurality of transition portions (112, 113) are arranged on the inner side in the in-plane direction relative to the first adhesive member (160a) or the second adhesive member (160b). A plurality of transition portions (112, 113) are covered with the first adhesive member (160a) or the second adhesive member (160b).

[0099] The plurality of transition parts (112, 113) do not overlap each other when projected in the thickness direction of the frame (110). The plurality of transition parts (112, 113) are distributed and arranged on four sides of the frame body (119). No other plurality of transition parts (112, 113) are arranged on the side of the frame body (119) where any one of the plurality of transition parts (112, 113) is arranged.

[0100] Each of the plurality of transition portions (112, 113) has substantially the same volume. Each of the plurality of transition portions (112, 113) has substantially the same length. In terms of the manufacturing process, it is preferable that the plurality of transition portions (112, 113) have the same volume or length as much as possible, even if they are not completely the same volume or length.

[0101] In this embodiment, the plurality of transition parts (112, 113) include a first transition part (112) that connects the first electrode receiving part (111a) and the second electrode receiving part (111b), and a second transition part (113) that connects the first electrode receiving part (111a) and the second electrode receiving part (111b) and is not connected to the first transition part (112).

[0102] Each of the first transition portion (112) and the second transition portion (113) has one end connected to the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and the other end connected to the second electrode receiving portion (111b). Each of the first transition portion (112) and the second transition portion (113) allows the first liquid electrode and / or the second liquid electrode to flow. The first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode may flow simultaneously in the first transition portion (112) and the second transition portion (113), or the first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode may flow only in the first transition portion (112) or the second transition portion (113). Additionally, when the first liquid electrode flows in the first transition section (112), the second liquid electrode may flow in the second transition section (113), and vice versa.

[0103] Each of the first transition portion (112) and the second transition portion (113) is formed in an “L” shape. The first transition portion (112) and the second transition portion (113) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the frame body (119). The first transition portion (112) and the second transition portion (113) are arranged distributedly on the four sides of the frame body (119). The first transition portion (112) is arranged on two sides of the frame body (119), and the second transition portion (113) is arranged on two sides of the frame body (119) where the first transition portion (112) is not arranged.

[0104] The first transition portion (112) includes a first transition hole (1121) formed in the out-of-plane direction (thickness direction) of the frame body (119) and a first transition line (1123) formed in the in-plane direction of the frame body (119). In addition, the second transition portion (113) includes a second transition hole (1131) formed in the out-of-plane direction (thickness direction) of the frame body (119) and a second transition line (1133) formed in the in-plane direction of the frame body (119).

[0105] Each of the first transition hole (1121) and the second transition hole (1131) is a hole formed by penetrating in the out-of-plane direction (thickness direction) of the frame body (119). Each of the first transition hole (1121) and the second transition hole (1131) is formed in a direction penetrating the plane formed by the separator (120). The first transition hole (1121) is orthogonal to the first transition line (1123), and the second transition hole (1131) is orthogonal to the second transition line (1133). The first transition hole (1121) is arranged in the center portion of the first transition line (1123), and the second transition hole (1131) is arranged in the center portion of the second transition line (1133).

[0106] The first transition hole (1121) and the second transition hole (1131) are not connected to each other. The first transition hole (1121) and the second transition hole (1131) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the frame body (119). The first transition hole (1121) is arranged at one corner of the frame body (119), and the second transition hole (1131) is arranged at another corner of the frame body (119) where the first transition hole (1121) is not arranged. The second transition hole (1131) is arranged at a corner of the frame body (119) facing the corner where the first transition hole (1121) is arranged.

[0107] Each of the first transition line (1123) and the second transition line (1133) is formed as a groove in the frame body (119). Each of the first transition line (1123) and the second transition line (1133) is formed with the longitudinal direction in the plane along the edge of the frame body (119). Each of the first transition line (1123) and the second transition line (1133) is formed in an “L” shape, and one end is connected to the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and the other end is connected to the second electrode receiving portion (111b). The first transition line (1123) and the second transition line (1133) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the frame body (119).

[0108] The first transition line (1123) is divided into a portion connected to the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a portion connected to the second electrode receiving portion (111b) based on the first transition hole (1121), and the second transition line (1133) is divided into a portion connected to the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a portion connected to the second electrode receiving portion (111b) based on the second transition hole (1131). Referring to Fig. 6, the portion of the first transition line (1123) connected to the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and the portion of the second transition line (1133) connected to the first electrode receiving portion (111a) are arranged on two sides facing each other. Referring to FIG. 7, the part connected to the second electrode receiving portion (111b) of the first transition line (1123) and the part connected to the second electrode receiving portion (111b) of the second transition line (1133) are arranged on two sides facing each other.

[0109] The injection part (114) is formed in the frame (110) so that a liquid electrode is injected from the outside and flows into the first electrode receiving part (111a) and the second electrode receiving part (111b). The injection part (114) is formed in the frame (110) so that one end is open to the outside, and is closed when the injection of the liquid electrode is completed.

[0110] The injection portion (114) is formed so that a first liquid electrode is injected into the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and a second liquid electrode is injected into the second electrode receiving portion (111b). When a liquid electrode is injected from the outside through the injection portion (114), it is received in the first electrode receiving portion (111a) and the second electrode receiving portion (111b). The liquid electrode injected into the first electrode receiving portion (111a) through the injection portion (114) becomes the first liquid electrode, and the liquid electrode injected into the second electrode receiving portion (111b) through the injection portion (114) becomes the second liquid electrode.

[0111] The injection part (114) is formed in the direction of the plane of the frame (110). The injection part (114) is placed at one corner of the rectangular frame body (119).

[0112] In this embodiment, the injection unit (114) is connected to one of the plurality of transition units (112, 113). According to the embodiment, the injection units (114) are provided in multiple numbers, and one injection unit (114) is connected to the first transition hole (1121) of the first transition unit (112), and the other injection unit (114) is connected to the second transition hole (1131) of the second transition unit (113).

[0113] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. A first liquid electrode where the first half-reaction occurs; A second liquid electrode where the second half-reaction occurs; A frame forming a first electrode receiving portion, which is a space where the first liquid electrode is stored, and a second electrode receiving portion, which is a space where the second liquid electrode is stored; A separator coupled to the frame and positioned between the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion; and A secondary battery comprising a plurality of transition portions that are not interconnected and each of which connects the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery in which the plurality of transition portions do not overlap each other when projected in the thickness direction of the frame.

3. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery wherein each of the above plurality of transition parts has the same volume.

4. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery wherein each of the above plurality of transition parts is of the same length.

5. In paragraph 1, It further includes an injection part through which the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode are injected into the first electrode receiving part and the second electrode receiving part, A secondary battery in which the injection portion is connected to at least one of the plurality of transition portions.

6. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery in which the first liquid electrode flows in one of the plurality of transition portions, and in which the second liquid electrode flows in another transition portion.

7. In paragraph 1, The above multiple transition parts are: A first transition portion connecting the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion; and A secondary battery comprising a second transition portion that connects the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion and is not connected to the first transition portion.

8. In paragraph 7, The above frame is formed as a hollow rectangle, The above first transition portion is arranged on two sides of the frame, A secondary battery in which the second transition portion is arranged on two sides of the frame where the first transition portion is not arranged.

9. In paragraph 7, The first transition portion includes a first transition hole formed in the thickness direction of the frame, The second transition portion includes a second transition hole formed in the thickness direction of the frame, The above first transition hole is arranged at one corner of the frame, A secondary battery in which the second transition hole is placed at a different corner of the frame where the first transition hole is not placed.

10. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery in which the second transition hole is positioned at a corner facing the corner where the first transition hole of the frame is positioned.

11. In paragraph 9, It further includes an injection part through which the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode are injected into the first electrode receiving part and the second electrode receiving part, A secondary battery wherein the injection portion is connected to at least one of the first transition hole and the second transition hole.

12. First liquid electrode where the first half-reaction occurs; A second liquid electrode where the second half-reaction occurs; A separator disposed between the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode; a frame supporting the above separator; and A secondary battery comprising a plurality of transition parts through which the first liquid electrode and / or the second liquid electrode flows.

13. In paragraph 12, A secondary battery in which the first liquid electrode flows in one of the plurality of transition portions, and in which the second liquid electrode flows in another transition portion.

14. First House; A second collector disposed spaced apart from the first collector; A separator disposed between the first collector and the second collector; A frame disposed between the first current collector and the second current collector to form a first electrode receiving portion between the first current collector and the separator and to form a second electrode receiving portion between the second current collector and the separator; and A secondary battery comprising a plurality of transition portions that are not interconnected and each of which connects the first electrode receiving portion and the second electrode receiving portion.

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