Containerized Redox Flow Battery Layout for Easier Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plant-type redox flow batteries require complex installation due to separate arrangement of tanks and cells, occupying a large installation area.

Innovation Solution

A container-type battery design that integrates tanks, a cell, a pipe, and a pump within a single container, allowing for easy assembly and reduced installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tanks and cell are arranged separately as in conventional plant-type redox flow batteries, then the battery can be assembled at the installation site, but the installation area occupied is large and construction work is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple components (tanks, cell, pipes, pump) into a single container unit. This merging of previously separate components into one integrated battery unit reduces the installation area and simplifies construction work, as the entire battery system can be installed as a single module rather than assembling multiple separate components at the site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If tanks and cell are arranged separately as in conventional plant-type redox flow batteries, then the battery can be assembled at the installation site, but the construction work for installation is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple components (tanks, cell, pipes, pump) into a single container unit. This merging of previously separate components into one integrated battery unit reduces the installation area and simplifies construction work, as the entire battery system can be installed as a single module rather than assembling multiple separate components at the site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy installation and reduces the required installation area, while enabling further downsizing and increased tank capacity, with improved maintenance accessibility and safety features.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured to circulate the electrolyte between the plurality of tanks and the cell through the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a cell configured to cause oxidation-reduction of the electrolyte so as to be charged or discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP3447834B1Container-type battery
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3447834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3447834B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3447834B1 patent drawingFigure 4(A)~4(B)

AI summary

A battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of tanks (2) storing electrolyte containing ions of which valence is changed; a cell (1) configured to cause oxidation-reduction of the electrolyte so as to be charged or discharged; a pipe (3) connecting the plurality of tanks and the cell; and a pump (4) configured to circulate the electrolyte between the plurality of tanks and the cell through the pipe. The battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a container (5) housing the plurality of tanks (2), the cell (1), the pipe (3), and the pump (4). The container has a bottom (51), a side (52), and a top (53). Accordingly, the battery in an embodiment of the present invention can be installed easily and its installation area can be reduced.