Floating Frame Plate Assembly for Leak-Resistant Redox Flow Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redox flow battery technologies face challenges in maintaining wear-parts, preventing electrolyte cross-contamination, and reducing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a frame plate assembly with overmolded cell plates and electrolyte pathways, which reduces the need for O-rings and other connection items that wear down, and integrates components like frame channels and electrolyte pathways within the frame, enhancing sealing and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate component assembly is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear of connection items and O-rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame and cell plate into a single integrated frame plate assembly, eliminating separate connection items and O-rings that are prone to wear. The electrolyte pathways are also integrated directly into the frame structure, creating a unified component that reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly of multiple frame plate assemblies.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connection items
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and cell plate are combined into a single integrated unit, and the electrolyte pathways are merged directly into the frame structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate connection items, seals, and mounting hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving manufacturing capabilities through standardized assembly processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sealing methods with O-rings are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to leakage from worn seals
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated directly into the frame plate assembly structure itself, eliminating separate O-rings and connection items. The electrolyte pathways are formed as integral parts of the frame, creating inherent seals that prevent leakage without relying on wear-prone separate sealing components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell plate has a frame body and a cell plate in fluidic communication. The cell plate is coupled to the frame body using a flexible member, which allows for some independent movement of the cell plate vis-à-vis the frame body. A plurality of cell plate assemblies may be coupled together to form a cell stack. The cell stack may be put to use in a redox flow battery.