Flow Battery Electrolyte Phase Control for Higher Energy Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing redox flow battery systems have low energy density due to the low solubility of ions in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, requiring large volumes and high costs for energy storage.

Innovation Solution

The use of undissolved solid forms of active ions in combination with temperature swing and oversaturation techniques to increase energy density, allowing for higher concentrations of active ions in a given volume by precipitating solids at controlled temperatures or supersaturated states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If aqueous or non-aqueous soluble ions or compounds are used in the electrolyte solution, then the redox flow battery system can operate, but the energy density is low due to low solubility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidvolume of solution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the active material from dissolved to solid precipitated form. By controlling the solubility product through concentration and temperature parameters, the system achieves higher energy density in a compact volume while maintaining operational functionality through controlled precipitation and dissolution cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition between dissolved and solid precipitated states of active ions. The system cycles between these phases by controlling electrolyte concentration and temperature, allowing energy storage in a compact form factor while maintaining the electrochemical functionality required for battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Quantity of substance

If the concentration of active ions is increased to improve energy density, then more energy can be stored, but solid precipitation may occur causing system failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration of active ionsVSAvoidsystem failure from solid precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of electrolyte concentration and temperature to prevent harmful precipitation while enabling high energy density. The system adjusts operational parameters in real-time to maintain active ions in solution during charging/discharging cycles, preventing system failures from solid deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback control mechanisms to monitor electrolyte concentration and temperature, adjusting operational conditions to prevent solid precipitation. By continuously monitoring key parameters and making real-time adjustments, the system maintains reliability while operating at high energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If a very large volume of solution in a very large tank is used to store energy, then more energy can be stored, but the system becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the state of active material from dissolved to solid precipitated form, dramatically increasing energy density. This parameter change allows the same energy storage capacity to be achieved in a much smaller, more cost-effective tank volume, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining energy storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly enhances energy density comparable to solid lithium ion batteries, maintaining consistent voltage and power output while minimizing system failures from solid precipitation.

Implementation Method 1

flowing a liquid electrolyte from a storage tank of a flow battery system to an electrode chamber of the flow battery system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

inducing an electrochemical reaction in the electrode chamber to convert the first active ion dissolved in the solvent to a second active ion dissolved in the solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Implementation Method 3

the first solid dissolves to provide more of the first active ion dissolved in the solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 4

precipitating a second solid composed of the second active ion and the ion of the solvent in the storage tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS12567597B2Flow battery systems and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

AI summary

Flow battery systems are provided, including flowing a liquid electrolyte from a storage tank of a flow battery system to an electrode chamber of the flow battery system, the liquid electrolyte comprising a solvent and a first active ion dissolved in the solvent, wherein the storage tank comprises the liquid electrolyte and a first solid composed of the active ion and an ion of the solvent; inducing an electrochemical reaction in the electrode chamber to convert the first active ion dissolved in the solvent to a second active ion dissolved in the solvent, wherein the first solid dissolves to provide more of the first active ion dissolved in the solvent; flowing the liquid electrolyte comprising the solvent and the second active ion dissolved in the solvent from the electrode chamber back to the storage tank; and precipitating a second solid composed of the second active ion and the ion of the solvent in the storage tank.