Flow Battery Electrolyte Leak Detection Using Optical Sensors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting and pinpointing ground faults in flow battery systems is challenging due to the high potential difference between electrolytes and ground, which can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.

Innovation Solution

A battery system with a fault detection system that includes sensors to measure electrolyte parameters at specific locations, comparing these measurements to reference values to determine the presence and location of leaks, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ground fault detection is implemented in flow battery systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground fault detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical ground fault detection systems with a simpler optical detection method. Sensors detect changes in optical properties (absorbance, reflectance, fluorescence) of the electrolyte when it leaks, converting an electrical measurement problem into an optical measurement that is easier to implement and interpret.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance or optical property change in the electrolyte that mediates the detection process. When electrolyte leaks, its optical characteristics change, serving as an intermediary signal that indicates the presence and location of the leak without requiring direct electrical contact with the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are deployed to pinpoint fault location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault location precisionVSAvoidsensor network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system divides the flow battery system into multiple monitoring zones, each equipped with sensors that detect optical properties of the electrolyte in that specific zone. By segmenting the system and monitoring optical characteristics in each segment, the patent achieves precise fault localization without requiring a complex interconnected sensor network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in optical properties (analogous to color changes) of the electrolyte to indicate leaks. Sensors detect variations in absorbance, reflectance, or fluorescence of the electrolyte, providing precise location information through optical signal variations that are easier to process than electrical signals from multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of substance

If early leak detection is implemented, then loss of substance is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte lossVSAvoidleak detection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent monitors changes in optical parameters (absorbance, reflectance, fluorescence intensity) of the electrolyte to detect leaks at early stages. By tracking these optical parameter changes over time and comparing them to baseline values, the system can identify even minor leaks early, preventing significant electrolyte loss while using achievable measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system continuously monitors optical properties of the electrolyte and provides feedback about its condition. When changes indicate a potential leak, the system can alert operators or trigger responses to prevent further electrolyte loss. This continuous feedback loop enables early detection and response without requiring extremely high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively identifies leaks and their locations, reducing downtime and repair costs by providing early detection and accurate fault localization, thus preventing further damage to the battery system.

Implementation Method 1

the first sensor is configured to sense a first optical property of the electrolyte at the first location, and the second sensor is configured to sense a second optical property of the electrolyte at the second location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorbance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS12107304B2Coordination chemistry flow battery electrolyte ground fault detection

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 LOCKHEED MARTIN ADVANCED ENERGY STORAGE LLC

AI summary

A flow battery system is disclosed.