Flow Battery Cell Structure With Inter-Electrode Fluid Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries face issues such as electrolyte imbalance, short circuits, bulky size, complex manufacturing, and structural weaknesses due to the crossover phenomenon of metal ions and water through the separator during charge or discharge, leading to performance deterioration and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A battery design that eliminates the need for an electrolyte tank and fluid pump, featuring a hollow frame with an inter-electrode communication part allowing fluidic communication between electrode reservoirs, a separating membrane, and insulators to prevent leakage and support the membrane, ensuring balanced electrolytes and preventing short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separator is used to prevent crossover of metal ions and water, then short circuit prevention is improved, but electrolyte imbalance due to crossover cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
A wick structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the positive and negative electrodes. This wick allows controlled fluid communication that balances electrolyte levels while maintaining electrical isolation through the separator, thus resolving both the short circuit prevention and electrolyte balance requirements simultaneously
2Stability of the object's composition
If an electrolyte tank and fluid pump are used to maintain electrolyte balance, then electrolyte imbalance is resolved, but device complexity and bulky size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wick structure enables the battery to self-regulate electrolyte distribution passively through capillary action, eliminating the need for external tanks and pumps. The system automatically balances electrolyte levels without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional components
3Strength
If a frame structure is used to support the separator, then mechanical strength is improved, but leakage between separator and frame occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing layer is applied between the separator and frame structure, creating a leak-proof interface that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction. This flexible seal prevents electrolyte leakage while maintaining the mechanical support function of the frame
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 ensures balanced electrolytes, prevents short circuits, and enhances the battery's compact size, manufacturing ease, and structural robustness, thereby improving performance and extending lifespan while maintaining high power and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the frame includes a 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 2
a separating membrane coupled to the frame and disposed between the first electrode reservoir and the second electrode reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a first liquid electrode to undergo a first half reaction, a second liquid electrode to undergo a second half reaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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 interelectrode communication part configured to allow the first electrode reservoir and the second electrode reservoir to be in fluidic communication with each other.