Dynamic Flow Battery Network for SOC Holding and Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow batteries face challenges in monitoring electrolyte characteristics, managing fluid flow, and performing diagnostics efficiently, leading to inefficiencies and structural burdens, while conventional shutdown methods result in high self-discharge and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic fluidic network system with modifiable flow structures and subflow structures allows for precise control over electrolyte flow, diagnostics, and anomaly management, enabling independent sizing of power and discharge duration without full shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shutdown methods are used to control SOC, then safety is improved, but self-discharge increases and degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fluidic network that can be reconfigured in real-time to enable arbitrary SOC holding. The system transitions from static shutdown methods to dynamic flow control, using adjustable flow structures and subflow structures to maintain electrolyte circulation at controlled rates, thereby preventing self-discharge while maintaining safety during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter dynamically to hold arbitrary SOC values. By adjusting the flow rate of electrolyte through the electrochemical cell, the system can maintain any desired state of charge without full shutdown, eliminating the self-discharge and degradation issues associated with conventional shutdown methods while preserving safety.
2Loss of information
If inline measurement of electrolyte characteristics is implemented, then diagnostic insight is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic fluidic network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls SOC, enables inline diagnostics, and manages fluid flow. The same flow structures and subflow structures that regulate electrolyte circulation also facilitate inline measurement of electrolyte characteristics, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own dynamic fluidic network infrastructure to provide diagnostic capabilities. The flow structures designed for SOC control inherently support inline measurement functions, allowing the system to self-diagnose electrolyte characteristics without requiring additional external measurement systems, thereby avoiding increased complexity.
3Productivity
If dynamic fluidic network with reconfigurable flow structures is used, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic network is segmented into modular flow structures and subflow structures that can be independently controlled and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high operational efficiency through flexible SOC management while keeping each module relatively simple, avoiding the complexity that would result from a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration of flow structures to optimize operational efficiency. The ability to adjust and reconfigure the fluidic network in real-time enables arbitrary SOC holding and improved productivity, while the modular dynamic architecture prevents excessive complexity by using standardized, reusable components rather than custom complex assemblies.
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 enhances operational efficiency, reduces waste, and maintains safety by allowing fine control over electrolyte flow and diagnostics, minimizing degradation and structural burdens.
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 in the electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 2
A dynamic fluidic network system with modifiable flow structures and subflow structures allows for precise control over electrolyte flow
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of operating a flow battery. The method includes charging a first active material in the first electrolyte and a second active material in the second electrolyte, where during charging of the second active material a metal impurity is precipitated out of the second electrolyte. The method includes isolating the second electrolyte in a subflow structure of a dynamic fluidic network, where the flow battery is configured to circulate the second electrolyte within the subflow structure while the subflow structure is in isolation from a second electrolyte source. The method includes discharging the second active material, where during discharging the metal impurity is dissolved in the second electrolyte circulating within the subflow structure. The method includes removing the second electrolyte comprising the metal impurity from the subflow structure.