Redox Flow Battery Cell With Inter-Electrode Channel Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries face issues with electrolyte imbalance and short circuits due to the crossover phenomenon, which affects performance and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A battery design with a frame that includes an inter-electrode communication part allowing fluidic communication between two half-cells, supported by a separating membrane and insulators to prevent mixing and short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separating membrane is used to prevent crossover, then short circuit prevention is improved, but electrolyte imbalance due to crossover cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
A communication channel is introduced as an intermediary structure between the two electrode reservoirs. This channel allows controlled fluid exchange through the separating membrane via pressure differential, enabling electrolyte rebalancing while maintaining electrical isolation. The communication channel mediates between the need for separation (to prevent short circuits) and the need for communication (to balance electrolytes).
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system uses its own operational pressure differential to drive electrolyte rebalancing through the communication channel. During charge/discharge cycles, pressure changes naturally occur, and these self-generated pressure differentials automatically drive electrolyte flow through the separating membrane to balance levels, without requiring external pumps or intervention.
2Ease of operation
If external tanks and fluid pumps are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external tanks and fluid pumps are completely removed from the system. Instead, the battery uses its own internal pressure differential during normal operation to drive electrolyte circulation through the communication channel. This extracts the problematic external circulation components while maintaining the essential electrolyte movement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system performs its own electrolyte circulation using the pressure differential naturally generated during charge and discharge operations. The system serves itself by utilizing its operational characteristics to drive the required fluid movement, eliminating the need for separate pumping systems.
3Reliability
If the inter-electrode communication part is disposed inside the gasket insertion part, then sealing is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-electrode communication part is nested within the gasket insertion part structure. The communication channel is formed inside the hollow frame structure, and the gasket seals around this nested configuration. This nesting provides natural alignment and sealing surfaces, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring reliable sealing.
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
The design ensures balanced electrolyte levels, prevents short circuits, and maintains high power and capacity while reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a separating membrane coupled to the frame and disposed between the first electrode reservoir and the second electrode reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the frame includes an inter-electrode communication part configured to allow the first electrode reservoir and the second electrode reservoir to be in fluidic communication with each other
Implementation Method 3
Redox flow batteries (RFB) have a mechanism in which active materials in electrolytes are oxidized and reduced to charge or discharge the batteries, and belong to an electrochemical storage device which stores electric energy as chemical energy of electrolytes
Data Source
AI summary
A battery according to some implementations includes a first liquid electrode to undergo a first half reaction, a second liquid electrode to undergo a second half reaction, a hollow frame forming a first electrode reservoir to store the first liquid electrode and a second electrode reservoir to store the second liquid electrode, and a separating membrane coupled to the frame and disposed between the first electrode reservoir and the second electrode reservoir, wherein the frame includes an inter-electrode communication part configured to allow the first electrode reservoir and the second electrode reservoir to be in fluidic communication with each other.