Asymmetric Redox Flow Battery Cell Frame Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional redox flow batteries face issues due to identical flow path structures for positive and negative electrode electrolytes, leading to unbalanced pressure on ion exchange films and bipolar plates, which can cause damage and hinder the generation of desired pressure differences, and result in shunt current losses that reduce energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design of a cell frame with distinct flow path structures for positive and negative electrode electrolytes, allowing for adjustable pressure differences and reduced shunt current losses by varying the lengths, cross-sectional shapes, and numbers of slits in the flow paths, and differing these structures between cell frames in the stack to increase electrical resistance towards the ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical flow path structures are used for positive and negative electrode electrolytes, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but unbalanced pressure acts on ion exchange film and bipolar plate causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing different flow path structures for the positive and negative electrode electrolytes. Specifically, the slit lengths, cross-sectional areas, or numbers of slits in the flow paths are made asymmetric between the two electrodes to compensate for viscosity differences and achieve balanced pressure distribution on the ion exchange film and bipolar plates, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting specific parameters (such as slit length, width, or number) of the flow paths at different locations to achieve uniform pressure distribution. By making localized modifications to the flow path structure in high-pressure or low-pressure regions, the system maintains reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If identical flow path structures are used for positive and negative electrode electrolytes, then the device structure is simple, but desired pressure difference cannot be generated between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry to create different flow path configurations for positive and negative electrodes, enabling the generation of desired pressure differences between electrodes while maintaining relatively simple device structure. The asymmetric design allows pressure control without adding complex external pressure regulation mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If identical flow path structures are used for both electrodes, then manufacturing is simple, but shunt current losses occur reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in flow path design to suppress shunt currents by creating unequal flow resistance between positive and negative electrodes. This asymmetric configuration prevents direct current leakage paths while maintaining simple manufacturing processes, thereby improving energy efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If different flow path structures are used for positive and negative electrode electrolytes, then balanced pressure can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making targeted, localized modifications to flow path parameters (such as adjusting slit dimensions or numbers in specific regions) rather than redesigning the entire flow path system. This approach achieves balanced pressure distribution and improved reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
This approach allows for balanced pressure adjustment between electrolytes, reduces the risk of damage to cell components, and effectively minimizes shunt current losses, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the redox flow battery.
Implementation Method 1
an ion exchange film 101 through which hydrogen ions are transmitted
Implementation Method 2
storing electric power generated by means of renewable energy power generation such as solar photovoltaic power generation and wind power generation. The RF battery is a battery charged and discharged by utilizing the difference in oxidation-reduction potential between an ion contained in a positive electrode electrolyte and an ion contained in a negative electrode electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
A cell frame in which the structure of a positive electrode electrolyte flow path and the structure of a negative electrode electrolyte flow path are different from each other, a cell stack in which the structure of at least one of the positive electrode electrolyte flow path and the negative electrode electrolyte flow path differs between the cell frame positioned at the center and the cell frame positioned at an end, the cell stack being configured such that electrical resistance in at least one of the positive electrode electrolyte flow path and the negative electrode electrolyte flow path increases from the cell frame positioned at the center toward the cell frame positioned at the end, and a redox flow battery utilizing them.