Flow Battery Bipolar Electrode Assembly with Density Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow batteries for off-peak energy storage have high manufacturing and maintenance costs due to separate flow loops and the need for a membrane separator between electrodes, leading to high auto-discharge and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flow battery system with a single flow circuit and no separator between electrodes, using a porous second electrode and an impermeable first electrode, with a biphasic electrolyte mixture allowing reactants to flow through a common path, reducing the need for complex valving and membrane separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate flow loops and membrane separators are used between electrodes, then electrochemical efficiency is maintained, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the membrane separator from the flow battery system, extracting this component entirely. The system achieves electrode separation through the natural density difference between the heavy metal halide electrolyte and the light halogen component, eliminating the need for membrane separators and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining electrochemical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a density-based interface as an intermediary mechanism between the two electrolyte components. The heavy metal halide electrolyte and light halogen component naturally separate at a density interface, creating a physical barrier that prevents direct mixing and unwanted reactions without requiring a membrane separator.
2Reliability
If membrane separators are used between electrodes, then auto-discharge is reduced, but maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the membrane separator that requires maintenance, replacing it with a passive density-based separation system. The heavy metal halide electrolyte and light halogen component automatically separate at their density interface, providing continuous auto-discharge control without any moving parts or consumable components that require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent density difference between the two electrolyte components to automatically maintain separation and prevent auto-discharge. The heavy metal halide electrolyte sinks to the bottom while the light halogen component rises to the top, creating a self-regulating separation mechanism that requires no external intervention or maintenance.
3Reliability
If separate flow loops are used for anode and cathode, then electrochemical reactions are controlled, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate anode and cathode flow loops into a single integrated flow path. The heavy metal halide electrolyte flows through the anode chamber while the light halogen component flows through the cathode chamber, with both components separated by their density interface. This unified system maintains controlled electrochemical reactions while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for separate pumping systems.
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
This design simplifies the battery architecture, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and maintains electrochemical efficiency by allowing reactants to flow through a single path, minimizing auto-discharge and enhancing energy output.
Implementation Method 1
a porous second electrode disposed on the insert such that sloped separation zones are formed between the second electrode and the channels
Implementation Method 2
using a porous second electrode and an impermeable first electrode, with a biphasic electrolyte mixture allowing reactants to flow through a common path
Implementation Method 3
a halogen component for reduction at a normally positive electrode in discharge mode, and an oxidizable metal adapted to become oxidized at a normally negative electrode during the normal operation of the electrochemical system
Data Source
AI summary
Metal-halogen flow battery cell, stack, system, and method, the stack including flow battery cells that each include an impermeable first electrode, an insert disposed on the first electrode and comprising sloped channels, a cell frame disposed around the insert and including a cell inlet manifold configured to provide a metal halide electrolyte and an opposing cell outlet manifold configured to receive the electrolyte, a porous second electrode disposed on the insert, such that sloped separation zones are formed between the second electrode and the channels, conductive connectors electrically connecting the first and second electrodes, and ribs disposed on the second electrode and extending substantially parallel to the channels of the insert. A depth of the channels increases as proximity to the cell outlet manifold increases.