Integrated Electrode Frame Sealing for Vanadium Flow Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional all-vanadium flow batteries face issues with electrolyte leakage due to excessive system pressure and low volumetric energy density, leading to degraded performance and external corrosion, primarily because of the complex stack structure and the need for sealing gaskets.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electrode frame design featuring a flat plate with a central through-hole and a membrane hermetically connected to the peripheral edge, optimizing the structure and material composition to enhance sealing reliability and volumetric energy density, eliminating the need for sealing gaskets and improving ion selectivity and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing gaskets are used to prevent electrolyte leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and volumetric energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing gasket function into the membrane itself by designing the membrane with an extended peripheral edge that directly contacts and seals against the electrode frame. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing gaskets, reducing structural complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the hermetic connection between membrane and electrode frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the ion-exchange membrane and the sealing element. The extended peripheral edge of the membrane provides sealing functionality, while the central portion maintains ion selectivity and conductivity, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If sealing gaskets are used to prevent electrolyte leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but volumetric energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sealing function into the membrane structure, the patent eliminates the volume occupied by separate sealing gaskets. The hermetic connection between the membrane's peripheral edge and the electrode frame achieves effective sealing without the additional space required for gasket materials, thereby increasing volumetric energy density.
3Ease of operation
If holes are drilled in the membrane for assembly and positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the membrane with pre-formed through-holes positioned at the peripheral edge, allowing assembly and positioning to be completed before the membrane is installed between the electrode frames. This preliminary configuration of holes eliminates the need for post-installation drilling, thereby maintaining membrane integrity and preventing leakage while ensuring proper assembly.
4Reliability
If the stack structure uses multiple sealing gaskets for isolation, then sealing reliability is improved, but volumetric energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sealing functions into a single integrated membrane structure. The extended peripheral edge of the membrane provides hermetic sealing between the positive and negative electrode frames, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealing gaskets throughout the stack, thereby reducing overall stack volume while maintaining sealing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electrode frame and preparation method and use thereof is provided. The integrated electrode frame includes a positive electrode frame, a negative electrode frame, and a membrane. Each of the positive electrode frame and the negative electrode frame is a flat plate with a central through-hole. The membrane is placed between the positive electrode frame and the negative electrode frame, and the membrane is located at the through-hole and hermetically connected to a peripheral edge of the through-hole. A peripheral edge of the positive electrode frame is hermetically connected to a peripheral edge of the negative electrode frame. A material composition of a connecting part of the positive electrode frame and the negative electrode frame contains at least one material which is the same as that of the positive electrode frame or the negative electrode frame. The structures and materials of the electrode frames and the membrane are optimized.