Electrolyte Station for Redox Flow Battery Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies for redox flow batteries mounted on vehicles face inefficiencies in electrolyte replacement, particularly in the second usage aspect, which requires time-consuming operations involving the attachment and detachment of fuel tanks, making the process less convenient.

Innovation Solution

An electrolyte station is introduced, comprising a stand with a connector, a recovery tank, a filling tank, and dedicated lines for recovering used electrolyte and supplying charged electrolyte, allowing for simple connector-based operations that facilitate electrolyte replacement without the need for tank attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fuel tank attachment and detachment operations are performed for electrolyte replacement, then electrolyte replacement can be achieved, but the operation time increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte replacement convenienceVSAvoidelectrolyte replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the fuel tank from the electrolyte management functions. The fuel tank remains attached to the vehicle while separate tanks (first and second tanks) are mounted on the fuel supply device. This segmentation allows electrolyte replacement without detaching the fuel tank, reducing operation time and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel supply device acts as an intermediary between the fuel tank and the electrolyte storage tanks. It includes a first supply line connecting to the first tank, a second supply line connecting to the second tank, and a third supply line connecting to the fuel tank. This intermediary structure enables electrolyte management without direct fuel tank detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If simple connector-based operations are used, then operation time is reduced and convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte replacement timeVSAvoidelectrolyte station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel supply device serves multiple functions: it stores electrolyte in two separate tanks, pumps electrolyte through supply lines, and manages fluid flow via valves. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while enabling rapid electrolyte replacement through simple connector operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11667201B2Electrolyte station and electric power management system

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 DENSO CORP

AI summary

An electrolyte station is used for electrolyte replacement in a redox flow battery that is mounted to a vehicle. The electrolyte station includes: a stand that includes a connector that connects to a connection socket that connects to an electrolyte tank in the redox flow battery; a recovery tank that stores a recovered electrolyte; a filling tank that stores a charged electrolyte; a recovery line that connects the connector in the stand and the recovery tank; and a filling line that connects the connector in the stand and the filling tank. In response to the connector being connected to the connection socket, the electrolyte station enables the used electrolyte removed from an electrolyte tank to be recovered to the recovery tank through the recovery line, and enables the charged electrolyte stored in the filling tank to be supplied the electrolyte tank through the filling line.