Flow Battery Fluidic Network for Electrolyte and Shunt Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow batteries and flow battery systems face challenges in monitoring multiple aspects of fluid flow characteristics and performing system diagnostics, leading to inefficiencies in energy storage and management, particularly in controlling electrolyte flow rates and managing shunt currents, which affects performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dynamic fluidic network system with modifiable flow structures and subflow structures that allow for precise control of electrolyte flow, diagnostics, and treatment, including shunt current management, within the flow battery system, enabling real-time monitoring and optimized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow battery systems are used without dynamic fluidic networks, then the system structure is simpler, but the ability to monitor and control electrolyte flow characteristics and perform diagnostics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow battery system is divided into multiple electrochemical cells that can be independently monitored and controlled through the dynamic fluidic network. Each cell can have its flow characteristics and diagnostic parameters measured separately, allowing for granular control while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A dynamic fluidic network is introduced as an intermediary system between the electrolyte reservoirs and electrochemical cells. This network includes flow structures with adjustable resistance elements that mediate the flow of electrolytes, enabling precise control over flow rates and distribution to different cells while providing measurement capabilities.
2Productivity
If electrolyte flow rates are not precisely controlled, then the system operation is simpler, but energy waste increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic network incorporates dynamic flow control elements including adjustable resistance structures and variable geometry channels that can be modified in real-time based on operating conditions. This allows the system to optimize electrolyte flow rates dynamically to match demand, reducing pumping energy waste while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement structures within the dynamic fluidic network provide real-time feedback on electrolyte flow rates, pressure differentials, and other characteristics. This feedback is used to automatically adjust flow control elements, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy efficiency by matching electrolyte circulation to actual electrochemical cell needs.
3Reliability
If shunt currents are not managed, then the system structure is simpler, but degradation increases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the management of shunt currents from the main electrochemical reaction pathways. By using selective permeability structures and controlled flow distribution in the dynamic fluidic network, parasitic shunt currents are extracted and managed independently, preventing them from causing degradation while maintaining the simplicity of the core electrochemical cells.
4Loss of information
If inline measurement of electrolyte characteristics is not implemented, then the system is simpler, but diagnostic insight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic fluidic network structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they control electrolyte flow distribution, provide flow resistance management, and incorporate measurement capabilities for monitoring flow rates, pressure, and electrolyte characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic network structures themselves are designed to provide measurement capabilities through their inherent physical properties. For example, pressure differential measurements are obtained directly from the flow resistance elements, and flow rate information is derived from the geometry and operating characteristics of the flow control structures, eliminating the need for separate sensing 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 approach enhances the control and management of electrolyte flow, reduces energy waste, and improves the overall performance and safety of flow batteries by allowing for finer control over the process, minimizing degradation, and optimizing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy is either converted to or extracted from chemical potential energy in the reactants by way of reversible reduction and oxidation reactions
Implementation Method 2
electrical energy is either converted to or extracted from chemical potential energy in the reactants by way of reversible reduction and oxidation reactions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a flow battery that includes a first electrochemical cell. The first electrochemical cell includes a separator and a first half-cell. The first half-cell includes a first electrode and a first bipolar plate. The first bipolar plate includes a first active side comprising a first inner plate subflow architecture configured to receive a first electrolyte, and a second active side positioned opposite the first active side, the second active side comprising a second inner plate subflow architecture configured to receive a second electrolyte. The first inner plate subflow architecture is different than the second inner plate subflow architecture.