Non-invasive SOC Monitoring for Redox Flow Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the state-of-charge (SOC) of redox flow batteries, such as open-circuit cell-voltage monitoring and spectroscopy, are either inaccurate due to electrolyte imbalance or impractical and expensive for real-time, in operando measurements, limiting effective energy management and grid stability.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive ultrasonic system that measures the acoustic attenuation coefficient of the electrolyte in redox flow batteries using a probing cell and ultrasonic transducer, providing accurate, real-time SOC monitoring without the need for sample extraction or balanced electrolytes, and is insensitive to operational temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If open-circuit cell-voltage monitoring is used to monitor SOC, then the method is simple and commonly used, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to electrolyte imbalance from crossover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrochemical voltage measurement method with an acoustic measurement method. An ultrasonic transducer measures the acoustic attenuation coefficient of the electrolyte, which correlates with SOC. This substitution eliminates the dependency on electrolyte balance and membrane performance, providing accurate measurements even when crossover occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical voltage to acoustic attenuation coefficient. The acoustic properties of the electrolyte change with SOC in a predictable manner, allowing accurate SOC determination without requiring balanced electrolytes. This parameter change makes the measurement immune to electrolyte imbalance issues.
2Measurement precision
If spectroscopic methods are used to measure SOC, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system becomes expensive and impractical for real-time in operando monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive ultrasonic transducers instead of expensive spectroscopic equipment. The ultrasonic system is portable, easy to deploy, and suitable for real-time monitoring. The probing cell design is simple and can be easily integrated into existing battery systems without requiring complex sample extraction infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary acoustic measurement function from complex spectroscopic systems. By using a simple ultrasonic transducer and probing cell configuration, it achieves accurate SOC measurement without the need for expensive spectrometers, complex optical paths, or extensive sample preparation equipment.
3Productivity
If in operando monitoring is implemented, then real-time SOC data is obtained, but the system becomes invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the acoustic wave source and the detector, and the probing cell serves as both the measurement chamber and the interface with the battery electrolyte. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture for real-time monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective, portable, and real-time SOC monitoring of redox flow batteries, enhancing operational efficiency and grid stability by providing accurate and reliable data for battery management systems.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic transducer is attached to the probing cell and configured to transmit pulses at a frequency into the probing cell. The transmitted pulses are reflected within the probing cell as echoes.
Implementation Method 2
The echoes are received by the ultrasonic transducer. The system further comprises one or more processors of a computer system, which are configured to process the echoes to obtain acoustic measurements.
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic attenuation coefficient represents an energy loss rate of the echoes after propagation through the probing cell
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques and systems for in operando, non-invasive SOC monitoring of redox flow batteries. The described techniques and systems allow for accurate, inexpensive, portable, and real-time methods to measure the SOC of redox flow batteries. System operators can monitor the SOC by measuring an acoustic attenuation coefficient of the electrolyte in the redox flow battery. The acoustic attenuation coefficient is measured using an ultrasonic transducer attached to a probing cell, which is connected to an electrolyte flow of a redox flow battery. The acoustic attenuation coefficient provides an accurate, real-time SOC measurement that is generally insensitive to varying operational temperatures of the electrolyte solution.