Flow Battery SoC Detection via In-Line Optical Electrolyte Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring the state of charge (SoC) of flow batteries involve damaging the battery structure and are cumbersome, requiring electrolyte extraction and dilution for detection.
Innovation Solution
A detection system using a transparent pipe and a detection device with a light source and receiver in a radial configuration within the negative electrode circulation pipeline to monitor SoC without extracting electrolyte, employing a light source that emits a single wavelength and a receiver to output a signal based on light transmission through the electrolyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrolyte is taken out and diluted for detection, then detection can be performed, but the battery structure is damaged and the detection procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only a small portion of electrolyte through a sampling port for detection, while the majority of electrolyte remains in the battery. This allows detection to be performed on a sample rather than requiring complete extraction, thereby maintaining battery structure integrity while enabling measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sampling port and detection chamber that mediates between the battery interior and external detection equipment. The sampling port allows electrolyte to be temporarily extracted for measurement without requiring permanent structural modification or complete electrolyte removal.
2Loss of information
If electrolyte is taken out for detection, then state of charge can be monitored, but the detection procedure is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares a sampling port in advance during battery assembly, so that electrolyte sampling can be performed quickly during operation without requiring complex preparation steps. The detection chamber is also pre-configured with necessary components to enable rapid measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Only a small volume of electrolyte is extracted through the sampling port for detection, rather than requiring complete electrolyte removal. This minimal extraction significantly reduces the time and complexity of the detection procedure while still providing sufficient sample for accurate state of charge measurement.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then state of charge can be detected, but the battery structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only a small sample of electrolyte through a dedicated sampling port rather than requiring complete electrolyte removal or battery disassembly. This minimal extraction approach enables detection while preserving the overall battery structure and its operational integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling port serves as an intermediary structure that enables electrolyte sampling without compromising battery integrity. It provides a controlled interface between the battery interior and external detection systems, allowing measurement while maintaining structural reliability.
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
Enables real-time, non-invasive detection of the SoC of flow batteries, enhancing detection accuracy and convenience by avoiding structural damage and complex procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The light source emits a light with a single wavelength. After the light passes through the negative electrode electrolyte in the transparent pipe, the receiver receives the light and outputs a signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system of a state of charge of a flow battery is adapted to detect the state of charge (SoC) of the flow battery. The flow battery includes a negative electrode circulation pipeline adapted to circularly transport a negative electrode electrolyte between a negative electrode and a negative electrode electrolyte storage tank. The detection system of the state of charge of the flow battery includes a transparent pipe communicating with the negative electrode circulation pipeline and a detection device including a light source and a receiver. The light source and the receiver are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the transparent pipe in a radial direction of the transparent pipe. The light source emits a light with a single wavelength. After the light passes through the negative electrode electrolyte in the transparent pipe, the receiver receives the light and outputs a signal.