Underground Cavern Electrolyte Storage for Redox Flow Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The storage capacity of redox flow batteries is limited by the number of tanks required for electrolyte storage, leading to increased complexity and costs as capacity increases, due to the need for a widely branched pipework system for multiple containers.
Innovation Solution
Storing electrolytes in underground caverns, such as salt dome caverns, eliminates the need for above-ground containers and reduces plant complexity by using existing or repurposed gas storage caverns, allowing for large volumes of electrolyte to be stored with low costs and minimal environmental impact using brine and polymer electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tank containers are used to store electrolyte for increasing storage capacity, then the storage capacity of the redox flow battery increases, but the plant complexity and number of containers required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tank containers into a single integrated underground cavern storage system. Instead of using multiple above-ground tanks that require complex interconnecting pipework, the invention consolidates electrolyte storage into one large underground cavern, thereby reducing plant complexity while maintaining or increasing storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from above-ground horizontal expansion (adding more tanks) to underground vertical utilization (excavating caverns below surface). This dimensional change allows for much larger storage volumes to be achieved in a single location without proportionally increasing surface footprint or system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple tank containers are used to store electrolyte, then storage capacity increases, but the number of containers and pipework system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for widely branched pipework systems by merging multiple container connections into a single cavern access system. One or more access points lead directly into the underground cavern, replacing the complex network of pipes required to connect multiple above-ground tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the storage function from above-ground containers and relocates it to underground caverns. This separation removes the need for complex above-ground pipework infrastructure, as the cavern itself serves as the storage vessel and requires minimal connection points.
3Quantity of substance
If above-ground containers are used for electrolyte storage, then storage is achievable, but plant costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by utilizing existing underground caverns that were originally constructed for gas storage and repurposing them for electrolyte storage in redox flow batteries. This approach eliminates the need to construct new above-ground tank facilities, significantly reducing plant costs while achieving the required storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages proven underground cavern construction techniques from the gas storage industry and adapts them for electrolyte storage. By copying the successful cavern creation and maintenance methods from gas storage applications, the patent reduces development costs and technical risks associated with new storage approaches.
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 enables high storage capacity redox flow batteries with reduced plant costs and complexity, allowing for scalable storage volumes up to several hundred thousand cubic meters, while maintaining environmental compatibility and minimizing above-ground space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
During charging and discharging, the anolyte and catholyte are respectively reduced and oxidized to convert electrical energy into chemical energy and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte comprises brine and polymer, in particular liquid polymer. In comparison with acid-based electrolytes, such an electrolyte has the advantage of greater environmental compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A battery bank for a redox flow battery having a cavity in which electrolyte is stored, wherein the electrolyte is provided for supply to one or more redox flow cells, wherein the cavity is a cavern.