Flow Battery Electrolyte Regeneration Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow batteries, particularly vanadium redox flow batteries, experience capacity reduction due to ion imbalance between anode and cathode electrolytes caused by membrane permeation, leading to cycle deterioration over time.
Innovation Solution
A module and method for regenerating electrolytes in flow batteries by introducing and circulating anode and cathode electrolytes between storage units using a pump and three-way valve, ensuring uniform mixing and maintaining ion balance, thereby recovering capacity and stabilizing cycle performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If vanadium redox flow battery operates for long period, then energy storage capacity increases, but ion imbalance between anode and cathode electrolytes causes capacity reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic regeneration cycles where the battery operates for a predetermined period, then pauses to mix the electrolytes. This periodic interruption restores ion balance between anode and cathode compartments, preventing cumulative capacity loss while maintaining long-term operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the degraded battery capacity by mixing the electrolytes during regeneration periods. The mixing process restores the ion concentration balance that was lost during operation, effectively recovering the battery's charge-discharge capacity without replacing components
2Reliability
If anode and cathode electrolytes are mixed to restore ion balance, then battery capacity is recovered, but additional equipment and operational steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrolyte storage tanks multi-functional: they serve both as storage containers during operation and as mixing vessels during regeneration. This eliminates the need for separate mixing equipment, reducing system complexity while enabling capacity recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the battery system to regenerate itself by utilizing its own components (pumps, valves, storage tanks) to mix the electrolytes. The system performs its own maintenance without requiring external intervention or specialized regeneration equipment
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 solution effectively recovers battery capacity and maintains long-term cycle stability by uniformly mixing anode and cathode electrolytes to an average oxidation number of V3.5+, enhancing process efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for introducing any one of anode and cathode electrolytes, which are respectively stored in anode and cathode electrolyte storage units, to a counter electrolyte storage unit
Implementation Method 2
a three-way valve for circulating any one of the anode and cathode electrolytes in a direction opposite to a direction of electrolyte introduction made by the pump
Implementation Method 3
a problem of causing deterioration in the battery capacity occurs due to a separator cross-over phenomenon of vanadium ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a module for regenerating an electrolyte capable of being used in a flow battery, and a method for regenerating an electrolyte of a flow battery using the same, and in particular, to a module for regenerating an electrolyte introducing any one of anode and cathode electrolytes each stored in anode and cathode electrolyte storage units to a counter electrolyte storage unit, and circulating any one of the anode and cathode electrolytes in a direction opposite to the direction of electrolyte introduction to uniformly mix the anode and cathode electrolytes, and as a result, capable of recovering battery capacity reduced by a membrane permeation phenomenon between the anode and cathode electrolytes when driving a flow battery for a long period of time, and a method for regenerating an electrolyte of a flow battery using the same.