Valve device for selectively opening and closing lines in a flow battery, and flow battery having a valve device

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (1) for selectively opening and closing two lines (111) in a flow battery (100). The flow battery may be a redox flow battery, a semi-solid flow battery, or a solid flow battery, and the flow battery comprises two valves (2), each of which is designed to selectively open and close an electrolyte-conducting line. The valve device further comprises a drive (3), said drive being coupled, as a common drive, to both valves in order to control the valve position of both valves.

Description

[0001] Valve device for selectively opening and closing lines in a flow battery and flow battery with a valve device

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a valve device for selectively opening and closing lines in a flow battery, for example a liquid battery, a semi-solid flow battery, or a solid flow battery; it further relates to a flow battery, for example a liquid battery, for example a redox flow battery, or a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, comprising such a valve device.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Liquid batteries (also called "all-liquid" flow batteries) store electrical energy in liquid electrolytes, a positive electrolyte (anolyte) and a negative electrolyte (catholyte). More precisely, the reactants are dissolved in a solvent. For the sake of simplicity, the solvents that serve as energy carriers and each contain at least one dissolved reactant are referred to as "liquid electrolytes" in this document. The two energy-storing electrolytes are each stored in a tank and circulate in two separate hydraulic flow circuits between the respective tank and a chamber of a galvanic cell that is connected to the tank via a line. In the galvanic cell, ion exchange takes place via a membrane. In the galvanic cell, the dissolved substances are converted into electrical energy, releasing electrical energy, which is transferred via the electrodes or capacitors arranged in the galvanic cell.Electrode stacks connected to current collectors are chemically reduced or oxidized.

[0006] An example of a liquid battery can be found in EP 3 580 802 A1.

[0007] Semi-solid flow batteries or solid flow batteries are constructed similarly to liquid batteries.

[0008] In solid-flow batteries, however, the energy is stored in a solid, just like in a solid-state battery. The energy is transported to the solid, just like in a liquid battery, via a liquid electrolyte, or more precisely, via a fluid that serves as the energy transporter. According to one design, energy-storing solid particles can be suspended in the fluid that serves as the energy transporter. The solid particles are transported by the fluid from the tank to the galvanic chamber. For simplicity, these suspensions are also referred to as "liquid electrolytes" in this document. Examples include solid-state dispersion current batteries. According to another design, the energy-storing solids are stationary in the energy storage tanks.To transfer energy to the galvanic cell, materials are dissolved in the fluids that act as energy carriers, with electrochemical reactions taking place between the dissolved materials. These fluids are also referred to as "liquid electrolytes." These materials dissolved in the liquid electrolyte are also called "targeting materials." The solids in the tanks can, for example, be chemically oxidized or reduced. Since the solids remain in the tanks, only the liquid electrolyte is pumped. Semi-solid flow batteries are a hybrid of liquid and solid flow batteries, with one liquid electrolyte being designed like a liquid battery and the other liquid electrolyte being designed like a solid flow battery.

[0009] For safe and long-lasting operation of the flow battery, the hydraulic circuit between the tank and the chamber connected to it, or more precisely, the electrode stack located in the chamber, must be interrupted. This can minimize self-discharge, for example. The flow rate through the tank and a parallel bypass must also be adjustable. This is achieved by providing a valve between the tank and the chamber.

[0010] In conventional, state-of-the-art flow batteries, a valve, such as a ball valve, is currently used for each electrolyte to interrupt the hydraulic circuit between the tank and the chamber. Each valve is separately controlled by its own motor.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved valve device for selectively opening and closing lines in a flow battery, such as a liquid battery, for example a redox flow battery, a semi-solid flow battery or a solid flow battery, as well as an improved flow battery, for example a liquid battery, redox flow battery, semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery.

[0013] The object is achieved by a valve device for selectively opening and closing two lines in a flow battery, for example a liquid battery such as a redox flow battery, or a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures. In one embodiment, the flow battery relates to a liquid battery, in particular a redox flow battery. In another embodiment, the flow battery relates to a semi-solid flow battery. In a further embodiment, the flow battery relates to a solid flow battery.

[0014] Accordingly, a valve device for selectively opening and closing two lines in a flow battery, such as a liquid battery, for example a redox flow battery, or a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, is proposed, comprising two valves, each designed to selectively open and close an electrolyte-carrying line.

[0015] The valve device comprises a common drive for controlling the valve position of both valves, which is coupled to both valves.

[0016] In other words, a valve device is proposed in which the valve position of two valves can be controlled by a single drive. Thus, the separately circulating hydraulic circuits of the electrolytes, each supplied via an electrolyte-carrying line, can be interrupted and reopened with just one drive.

[0017] Compared to conventional, state-of-the-art valve arrangements with two separate valves, there is no need for duplicated effort in terms of controlling and wiring two motors, nor for providing two motors at all. With the proposed solution, it is sufficient to provide one control and one wiring, and only one drive. Accordingly, the proposed valve device offers space advantages over conventional valve arrangements. Furthermore, it is simpler in design.

[0018] According to one embodiment, exactly one drive can be provided for controlling the valve position of both valves.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a gear can be arranged between the drive and the valves. This allows a transmission, advantageously a reduction, to be provided between the drive, more precisely a drive shaft, and the valves, more precisely an output shaft of the transmission to the valves.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the transmission and the drive can be designed in the form of a geared motor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the valve device 1 can be configured to position the valves between a closed position and an open position and optionally in at least one predetermined intermediate position lying between the two aforementioned positions, wherein the valve device is optionally configured to adjust the valves continuously or in stages between the closed position and the open position.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the transmission may comprise exactly one output shaft, more precisely a continuous output shaft, which is coupled to both valves, for example to one valve body of each valve.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the valves may each comprise a valve body which is designed, for example, as a rotary piston.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the valves can be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the drive and / or the transmission.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor arrangement can be provided for detecting the valve position of a valve body of at least one of the valves.

[0026] The sensor arrangement can optionally be designed as an angle sensor, for example, an optical angle sensor. According to one embodiment, the gear can be designed as a self-locking gear and / or a worm gear, with a drive shaft optionally being designed as a worm.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one coupling unit can be provided, by means of which the drive can be selectively coupled either to both valves, optionally coupled to only one of the valves, or decoupled from both valves.

[0028] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a flow battery, such as a liquid battery, for example a redox flow battery, or a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, having the features of claim 12. Advantageous further developments emerge from the description and the figures.

[0029] Accordingly, a flow battery, for example a liquid battery, such as a redox flow battery, or a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, is proposed, comprising a galvanic cell, a first tank connected via a first line to a first chamber of the galvanic cell for storing a first electrolyte and a second tank connected via a second line to a second chamber of the galvanic cell for storing a second electrolyte.

[0030] The flow battery further comprises a valve device according to one of the embodiments described in this document.

[0031] What has been described with regard to the valve device also applies to the flow battery, in particular the liquid battery and, more particularly, the redox flow battery. The flow battery can achieve the advantages and effects described with regard to the valve device in an analogous manner. Accordingly, a repetition of what has been said regarding the valve device will be omitted here to avoid redundancies.

[0032] Short description of the characters

[0033] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a flow battery; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view through a valve device of the flow battery from Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 3 shows schematically a sectional view through the valve device of Figure 2;

[0036] Figure 4 schematically shows a further sectional view through the valve device from Figure 2;

[0037] Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective side view of a gear and a drive of the valve device from Figure 2; and

[0038] Figure 6 schematically shows a further perspective side view of the gear and drive of the valve device from Figure 5.

[0039] Detailed description of implementation examples

[0040] Some advantageous embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a flow battery 100. In the present case, the flow battery 100 is designed as a liquid battery 100. However, it can also be designed as a semi-solid flow battery or a solid flow battery. The flow battery 100 comprises two tank units 110, each comprising a tank 113 for storing a liquid electrolyte, which is connected via lines 111 to a chamber 122 of a galvanic cell 120. A hydraulic flow circuit of flowing electrolyte can be generated in each of the tank units 110 via a pump 112.

[0042] The galvanic cell 120 comprises two chambers 122 separated by a membrane 121. Ion exchange can occur between the chambers 122 via the membrane 121.

[0043] In each chamber 122, an electrode 123 is arranged, which is connected via a current collector to the corresponding battery pole 130 of the flow battery 100. In the present case, the tank unit 110 on the left in Figure 1 is designed to store and circulate an anolyte, and the tank unit 110 shown on the right in Figure 1 is intended to store and circulate a catholyte.

[0044] The flow battery 100 stores electrical energy in the liquid electrolyte. As already described in the technical background, this can be achieved either by having energy carriers dissolved in the liquid electrolyte, energy carriers suspended as solids in the liquid electrolyte, and / or solid energy carriers stationary in the tanks, and the energy transfer via targeting materials in the liquid electrolyte. As the electrolytes circulate in the two separate flow circuits, ion exchange occurs between the two electrolytes in the galvanic cell 120 via the membrane 121. In the galvanic cell 120, the dissolved substances are chemically reduced or oxidized, releasing electrical energy, which can be tapped via the current collectors connected to the electrodes 123 arranged in the galvanic cell 120. The flow battery 100 therefore represents a redox flow battery 100.

[0045] Each of the lines 111 providing a hydraulic circuit between the associated tank 113 and the associated chamber 122 comprises a valve 2 for selectively opening and closing the line 111 and thus for enabling and interrupting the hydraulic circuit between the tank 113 and the chamber 122.

[0046] The valves 2 are designed here as continuously adjustable 2-way directional valves, but they are not limited to this design. The valve position of the valves 2 can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and an open position. Accordingly, not only is it possible to interrupt the hydraulic circuit in the closed position and enable or open the hydraulic circuit in the open position, but also to continuously adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve 2, more precisely the electrolyte. The open position represents a maximum open position in which the flow rate, i.e., the volumetric flow, is maximum.

[0047] The valves 2 are part of a valve device 1. The valve device 1 comprises, in addition to the two valves 2, each of which is designed to open and close a line 111 providing a hydraulic circuit between a tank 113 and a chamber 122 of a galvanic cell 120, a common drive 3 for controlling the valve position of both valves 2. The drive 3 is coupled to both valves 2.

[0048] In other words, the valve device 1 comprises exactly one drive 3 which is coupled to the first valve 2 and the second valve 2.

[0049] Optionally, the valve device 1, as shown here, comprises a gear 4, which provides, or in other words, forms the coupling between a drive shaft (not shown here) of the drive 3 and the valves 2, or more precisely, the valve body of each valve 2 (also not shown here). The gear 4 provides a gear ratio between the drive shaft and the valve bodies of the valves 2. In the present case, the gear 4 provides a reduction gear, or in other words, a gear ratio downshift. Alternatively, the drive shaft of the drive 3 can also be directly coupled to the valve bodies of the valves 2.

[0050] Furthermore, alternatively, the drive 3 can also be designed without a drive shaft.

[0051] The drive 3 can be designed as an electric drive 3 or alternatively as a hydraulic drive 3 or pneumatic drive 3.

[0052] The gear unit 4 can also be designed as a component of the drive unit 3. In other words, the drive unit 3 can be designed as a geared motor. The gear unit 4 is then integrated into the drive unit 3 or forms a structural unit with it.

[0053] Accordingly, by providing the valve device 1 in the flow battery 100, it is possible to control both valves 2 with a single drive 3, thus opening and closing both hydraulic circuits, i.e., the circuit of the positive electrolyte (the anolyte) and the circuit of the negative electrolyte (the catholyte), with the single drive 3. Due to the optional continuously adjustable adjustment of the valves 2, the flow rate can also be optionally controlled. For example, the drive 3 can comprise a continuously adjustable servomotor or be designed as such.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the valve device 1 can be designed to position the valves 2 in at least one predetermined intermediate position between the closed position, i.e., the closed position, and the open position, i.e., the fully open position. In such an embodiment, the drive 3 can be designed, for example, in the form of a stepwise (stepwise) adjustable servomotor. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the valve device 1 from Figure 1.

[0055] The valve device 1 comprises the drive 3, which can optionally be coupled to the optional transmission 4, as is the case here. The transmission 4 comprises a transmission housing 40. An output shaft of the transmission 4 (not shown here) is coupled on two opposite sides to a valve 2, more precisely to a valve body 20 of the valves 2. In other words, the transmission 4 comprises exactly one output shaft, which is coupled to both valves 2. A rotary movement of the drive shaft of the drive 3 is translated by the transmission 4 into a rotary movement of the valve bodies 20 about their respective rotational axes 21.

[0056] The valve device 1 comprises a housing 5, which in this case has two housing parts 50. The housing parts 50 are arranged on both sides of the transmission 4 and are each connected to the transmission housing 40, in other words, fastened thereto.

[0057] In the present case, the housing parts 50 are arranged on opposite sides, but in principle other arrangements are also possible.

[0058] Each housing part 50 provides the hydraulic connection interfaces 51 for the electrolyte-carrying lines 111 of the hydraulic circuits and serves as a bearing for the valve body 20.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view through the valve device 1 from Figure 2.

[0060] The valves 2, more precisely their valve bodies 20, are shown in Figure 3 in the open position, i.e. in the (maximally) open position.

[0061] The valve bodies 20 are each designed as rotary pistons. However, they are not limited to this design.

[0062] It can also be seen that an optional support plate 52 can be provided for supporting each valve body 20, which can, for example, transmit axial bearing forces of the valve body 20 to an optional adapter plate 53.

[0063] The adapter plate 53 can be optionally provided, for example, to accommodate an optional printed circuit board 60. It can optionally transmit forces from the support plate 52 to the respective housing part 50. Furthermore, it can optionally be provided for fastening the housing part 50 to the gear housing 40. The valve device 1 optionally further comprises at least one sensor arrangement 6 for detecting the valve position of at least one of the valve bodies 20. The sensor arrangement 6 is designed as an angle sensor, here optionally as an optical angle sensor. In this case, the sensor arrangement 6 comprises a sensor ring 61. According to this optional embodiment, the sensor ring 61 has translucent recesses. The sensor arrangement 6 optionally further comprises at least one light barrier 62, optionally a plurality of light barriers 62, which are optionally present at predetermined locations, for example, evenly distributed in the circumferential direction relative to the axis of rotation 22.The at least one light barrier 62 can optionally be arranged on the circuit board 60.

[0064] Depending on the rotational position of the sensor ring 61, the sensor arrangement 6 generates signals that can be processed into angle information in a controller (not shown here) of the sensor arrangement 6 or a controller connected to the sensor arrangement 6. From this, the rotational position of the valve body 20 relative to the housing part 50 and thus the valve position of the valve body 20 can be derived. The sensor arrangement 6 can therefore be designed in the form of an incremental encoder that detects angle changes.

[0065] Alternatively, the sensor arrangement 6 can also be designed differently. For example, it can include a Hall element.

[0066] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the valve device 1 from Figure 3, with the valve bodies 20 in the closed position. Thus, the hydraulic circuit flowing through the lines 111 and the housing parts 50 is interrupted.

[0067] Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective sectional view of a geared motor 8, as it can be designed as a unit comprising drive 3 and gear 4 according to Figures 1 to 3. A housing part of the gear housing 40 is hidden to allow a view of the interior of the gear housing 40.

[0068] The geared motor 8 converts electrical energy into rotational energy. The gear 4 used here is a self-locking worm gear. The drive shaft 30 of the drive 3 is accordingly designed as a worm.

[0069] The drive shaft 30 is coupled to the output shaft 41 via a plurality of gears 43, each providing a gear ratio. The large reduction ratio can be achieved by the plurality of gear ratios between the drive shaft 30 and the output shaft 41.

[0070] It can also be seen that the continuous output shaft 41 comprises a coupling region 42 at each of its two ends for coupling to a respective valve body 20. A rotational movement of the output shaft 41 can be transmitted to the valve body 20 coupled to this coupling region 42 via the coupling region 42.

[0071] The worm gear design enables self-locking and a high reduction ratio. This self-locking ensures that the currently set valve position of the valve body 20 is maintained even when de-energized. Accordingly, a comparatively low power consumption and reliable operation in the event of a power failure can be achieved. Due to the high reduction ratio, only a comparatively low drive torque is required on the drive shaft. Consequently, a comparatively small motor can be installed.

[0072] According to this embodiment, two rotary pistons (the valve bodies 20) can be actuated by means of an electric drive 3, transmitted via a worm gear 4. Thus, both hydraulic circuits can be interrupted and reopened, and the flow through the valves 2 can be regulated, with just one motor.

[0073] According to an optional embodiment, the valve device 1 comprises two housing parts 50, two rotary pistons (the valve bodies 20), furthermore two O-rings 22 sealing the receptacles of the valve bodies 20, two adapter plates 53, one or two support plates 52, a gear motor 8 (comprising the drive 3 and the gear 4 as a structural unit), a sensor ring 61 and a printed circuit board 60 together with at least one light barrier 62.

[0074] Figure 6 shows the gear motor 8 from Figure 5 with the gear housing 40 closed. In this view, one of the coupling areas 42 of the output shaft 41 can be clearly seen again.

[0075] Optionally, at least one clutch unit (not shown here) can be provided, by means of which the drive 3 can be selectively coupled either to both valves 2 or to only one of the valves 2, or decoupled from both valves 2. The clutch unit can, for example, be integrated into the transmission 4. The described embodiments of the invention are intended to explicitly emphasize individual features of the invention. The features described in the individual embodiments can be combined accordingly with the features of one or more other embodiments.

[0076] List of reference symbols

[0077] 1 valve device

[0078] 2 valve

[0079] 20 valve bodies

[0080] 21 axis of rotation

[0081] 3 Drive

[0082] 30 drive shaft

[0083] 4 gearboxes

[0084] 40 Gearbox housing

[0085] 41 Output shaft

[0086] 42 Coupling area

[0087] 43 gear

[0088] 5 housings

[0089] 50 housing part

[0090] 51 connection interface

[0091] 52 support plate

[0092] 53 adapter plate

[0093] 6 Sensor arrangement

[0094] 61 Sensor ring

[0095] 62 light barrier

[0096] 8 Gear motor

[0097] 100 river batteries

[0098] 110 tank unit

[0099] 1 11 Line

[0100] 1 12 Pump

[0101] 113 Tank

[0102] 120 Galvanic cell

[0103] 121 Membran

[0104] 122 Chamber

[0105] 123 Electrode

[0106] 130 Battery terminal

Claims

Claims 1. Valve device (1) for the selective opening and closing of two lines (111) in a flow battery (100), for example a liquid battery (100), for example a redox flow battery (100), a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, comprising two valves (2), each designed to selectively open and close an electrolyte-carrying line (111), characterized in that the valve device (1) comprises a drive (3) which is coupled as a common drive (3) to both valves (2) for controlling the valve position of both valves (2).

2. Valve device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that exactly one drive (3) is provided for controlling the valve position of both valves (2).

3. Valve device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a gear (4) is arranged between the drive (3) and the valves (2).

4. Valve device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the gear (4) and the drive (3) are designed in the form of a geared motor (8).

5. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (1) is designed to be able to position the valves (2) between a closed position and an open position and optionally in at least one predetermined intermediate position, wherein the valve device (1) is optionally designed to be able to adjust the valves (2) continuously or in stages between the closed position and the open position.

6. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear (4) comprises exactly one output shaft (41) which is coupled to both valves (2), for example to a valve body (20) of each of the two valves (2).

7. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (2) each comprise a valve body (20) which is designed, for example, as a rotary piston.

8. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the drive (3) and / or the gear (4).

9. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor arrangement (6) is provided for detecting the valve position of a valve body (20) of at least one of the valves (2), wherein the sensor arrangement (6) is optionally designed as an angle sensor, for example as an optical angle sensor.

10. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear (4) is designed as a self-locking gear (4) and / or as a worm gear, wherein optionally a drive shaft (31) is designed as a worm. 1 1. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one coupling unit is provided, by means of which the drive (3) can be selectively coupled either to both valves (2), to only one of the valves (2), or to be decoupled from both valves (2).

12. Flow battery (100), for example a liquid battery (100), for example a redox flow battery (100), a semi-solid flow battery or solid flow battery, comprising a galvanic cell (120), a first tank (113) connected via a first line (111) to a first chamber (122) of the galvanic cell (120) for storing a first electrolyte and a second tank (113) connected via a second line (111) to a second chamber (122) of the galvanic cell (120) for storing a second electrolyte, and a valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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