Flow Battery Frame With Inter-Electrode Channel for Electrolyte Balance
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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 between electrodes, then short circuit prevention is improved, but electrolyte imbalance due to crossover cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into two separate half-cells (first electrode reservoir and second electrode reservoir) that are physically isolated by a separating membrane. This segmentation prevents direct mixing of electrolytes while allowing independent management of each electrode's electrolyte balance through the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure that connects both half-cells and provides a controlled communication pathway. The inter-electrode communication part of the frame allows selective fluidic communication between half-cells to balance electrolyte levels without causing short circuits, mediating between the need for isolation and the need for balance.
2Productivity
If external tanks and fluid pumps are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure merges multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the electrolyte reservoirs, and incorporates the inter-electrode communication part that enables electrolyte circulation. This integration eliminates the need for separate external tanks and fluid pumps, reducing device complexity while maintaining electrolyte circulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, an electrolyte containment vessel, and a circulation pathway provider through its inter-electrode communication part. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the battery system.
3Manufacturing precision
If the inter-electrode communication part is disposed outside the separating membrane support part, then manufacturing precision is improved, but short circuit risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame material acting as an insulator serves as an intermediary that electrically isolates the inter-electrode communication part from the electrodes. This allows the communication part to be disposed outside the separating membrane support part for easier manufacturing while the insulating frame prevents any potential short circuit pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The inter-electrode communication part is extracted from the separating membrane support structure and disposed separately in the frame. This separation simplifies manufacturing by allowing independent assembly of the membrane and communication parts, while the insulating frame ensures electrical isolation is maintained.
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
a metal ion dissolved in an electrolyte is oxidized and reduced to charge or discharge the battery
Implementation Method 4
a first liquid electrode to undergo a first half reaction
Implementation Method 5
a second liquid electrode to undergo a second half reaction
Implementation Method 6
A first insulator can be attached to the frame to prevent the first liquid electrode or the second liquid electrode that flows through the inter-electrode communication part from contacting the first current collector
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.