Flow Battery Capsules for Multi-Channel Electrochemical Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flow battery technologies lack comprehensive diagnostic tools to monitor state of charge, localized current density, electrolyte concentration, and parasitic processes, hindering efficiency and durability, and there is a need for improved materials discovery and testing configurations.

Innovation Solution

An integrated multi-channel battery analyzer and pluggable flow capsules that allow for simultaneous measurement of electrochemical properties, with capsules containing semi-permeable separators, electrode plates, and fluid channels, capable of being disassembled and reassembled, and connected to a central control hub for high-throughput data analytics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional flow battery systems are used with independent stacks, tanks, and pumps, then scaling is simple by adding more electrolyte, but comprehensive health monitoring and diagnostic capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescaling capabilityVSAvoiddiagnostic capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular flow capsules that can be independently configured and tested. Each capsule contains a stack, tanks, and pumps as separate functional units, allowing for granular diagnostic measurement while maintaining overall system scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensors are integrated throughout the system to provide real-time feedback on electrochemical properties, enabling comprehensive health monitoring. The system measures state of charge, localized current density, electrolyte concentration, and parasitic processes to provide actionable diagnostic information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If flow batteries are deployed without robust diagnostic tools, then deployment is simpler, but performance optimization and failure pinpointing are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidperformance optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities through integrated sensors and measurement units that automatically monitor and report on system health. This enables operators to identify and address issues without complex external diagnostic equipment, maintaining deployment simplicity while enabling performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional battery testing methods are used, then testing setup is simpler, but simultaneous measurement of multiple electrochemical properties is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting setup complexityVSAvoidelectrochemical measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is designed to simultaneously measure multiple electrochemical properties including state of charge, localized current density, electrolyte concentration, and parasitic processes. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate testing setups into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If flow batteries lack continuous monitoring capabilities, then system cost is lower, but state of charge and health analysis are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidstate of charge information

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous monitoring of electrochemical properties through permanently installed sensors and measurement units. This provides ongoing data on state of charge, health status, and operational parameters, enabling real-time decision-making and optimization without requiring system shutdown or sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables real-time diagnostics and materials screening, reducing operational costs and accelerating the discovery and optimization of flow battery components, enhancing the reliability and scalability of flow batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The electrochemical cell (30) performs electrochemical reactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a semi-permeable separator (27) having a first exterior side and a second exterior side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSemi-permeable membrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS20250012751A1Measuring electro-chemical properties of flowable materials

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 UNIV OF PITTSBURGH OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYST OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AI summary

The invention provides an integrated multi-channel battery analyzer including one or more measurement units and accompanying pluggable battery capsules that physically and electrically connect to the measurement unit(s) to obtain multiple measurements simultaneously of electro-chemical properties for flowable materials, e.g., flowable batteries. The battery capsules are in a stacked configuration and include electrical components, e.g., positive and negative electrodes, and positive and negative flow channels through which the positive and negative electrolyte travels, respectively, as well as a separator positioned between the flow channels, and at least one pump. In addition, the battery capsules have a small size as compared to battery capsules known in the art.