Flow Battery Electrolyte Cooling for Integrated Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems are large and heavy due to the separate devices required for electrical power and thermal regulation, necessitating a solution that combines these functions for reduced size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A flow battery system that integrates electrical energy storage and thermal management by using its electrolyte as both a thermal energy storage medium and coolant, allowing for simultaneous electrical powering and thermal regulation of thermal loads, with a temperature control system that cools the electrolyte during inactive periods to optimize system performance and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for electrical power and thermal management, then sufficient electrical power and thermal management are provided, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical energy storage and thermal management functions into a single flow battery system. The electrolyte serves dual purposes: as the active material for electrical energy storage and as a thermal energy storage medium for cooling thermal loads. This merging eliminates the need for separate lithium ion battery and thermal management devices, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining both electrical power and thermal management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow battery electrolyte performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the charge-carrying medium for electrical energy storage, serves as a thermal energy storage medium for cooling, and can be cooled during inactive periods to optimize system performance. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate devices, addressing the weight reduction goal while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for electrical power and thermal management, then sufficient electrical power and thermal management are provided, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical energy storage and thermal management into a single flow battery system, eliminating the need for separate devices. The electrolyte tanks and circulation system occupy space that would otherwise be required for both a lithium ion battery and a thermal management system, thereby reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow battery system provides multiple functions through its electrolyte: electrical energy storage, thermal energy storage, and cooling capability. This universality allows one system to replace multiple separate devices, reducing the total area required for system installation.
3Weight of stationary object
If flow battery electrolyte is used for thermal management, then system size and weight are reduced, but electrolyte cooling capability must be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow battery system cools itself by utilizing its own electrolyte as the thermal energy storage medium. During inactive periods when electrical power demand is low, the electrolyte circulation system can cool the electrolyte without requiring external cooling equipment. This self-service approach enhances cooling capability while avoiding the added complexity of separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte acts as an intermediary between the electrical energy storage function and the thermal management function. By circulating the electrolyte through heat exchangers during inactive periods, the system can transfer heat from the electrolyte to the environment, thereby cooling it for subsequent thermal management tasks without requiring complex dedicated cooling infrastructure.
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 integrated approach enables smaller, lighter systems with improved operational flexibility and maintainability, reduced recharge times for vehicles, and cost-effective thermal energy storage for various applications, including grid energy storage and building temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte serves as the thermal energy storage medium
Implementation Method 2
the electrolyte cools a fluid or coolant used to regulate an operating temperature of a thermal load
Implementation Method 3
a temperature control system configured to cool an electrolyte of the flow battery in response to a thermal load being inactive
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a flow battery and a temperature control system. The flow battery is configured to thermally manage a thermal load. In some embodiments, the flow battery is also configured to electrically power the thermal load. The temperature control system is configured to cool electrolyte in the flow battery in response to the thermal load being inactive.