Autonomous Solids Separation in Flow Battery Electrolytes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flow batteries face operational issues due to solids formation, which compromises electrolyte circulation and component integrity, and conventional mitigation methods lead to pressure drops, high parasitic loads, and frequent maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating autonomous solids separators like lamella clarifiers or hydrocyclones into flow batteries to effectively remove solids, reducing operator intervention and allowing for the use of active materials near saturation concentrations, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional approaches such as in-line filters, crystallizers, or settling tanks are used to address solids formation, then solids can be removed from the electrolyte solution, but excessive pressure drops and high parasitic loads occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical solids removal systems (in-line filters, crystallizers, settling tanks) with a membrane-based separation system. The membrane selectively separates solids from the electrolyte solution through diffusion and size exclusion, eliminating the need for high-energy mechanical filtration and settling processes, thereby reducing parasitic loads while maintaining effective solids removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous membrane with specific pore sizes and structures to separate solids from the electrolyte solution. The membrane's porous structure allows selective passage of dissolved species while retaining solid particles, providing effective solids removal without the excessive pressure drops associated with conventional filtration systems
2Reliability
If conventional approaches such as in-line filters are used to address solids formation, then solids can be removed from the electrolyte solution, but frequent maintenance such as cleaning or filter replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems that require frequent cleaning and replacement with a membrane-based separation system. The membrane operates passively through diffusion and size exclusion mechanisms, eliminating clogging issues and reducing maintenance requirements to periodic replacement without intermediate cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention for cleaning or maintenance during operation. The separation process occurs automatically as the electrolyte solution flows through the membrane, with solids being continuously removed without operator intervention, thereby improving ease of operation
3Quantity of substance
If active material concentrations are increased to approach or exceed saturation concentrations, then energy density is improved, but solids formation occurs that compromises operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a membrane separation system that proactively removes solids from the electrolyte solution before they can accumulate to problematic levels. By continuously separating solids as the electrolyte circulates, the system maintains operability even at high active material concentrations that would otherwise lead to excessive solids formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of solids formation into a beneficial process by using the presence of solids as a driving force for membrane separation. The solids that would normally compromise operability are instead utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the membrane system, which selectively removes them while allowing dissolved active materials to pass, thereby enabling high concentrations without operability issues
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 autonomous solids separators enable high-throughput electrolyte solution circulation with reduced pressure drops and operational issues, allowing for the safe use of active materials with favorable electrochemical properties, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of flow batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrocyclone can be used as an alternative to a lamella clarifier in some embodiments
Implementation Method 2
at least one lamella clarifier in fluid communication with at least one of the first half-cell and the second half-cell
Data Source
AI summary
Solids can sometimes form in one or more electrolyte solutions during operation of flow batteries and related electrochemical systems. Over time, the solids can accumulate and compromise the integrity of flow pathways and other various flow battery components. Flow batteries configured for mitigating solids therein can include an autonomous solids separator, such as a lamella clarifier. Such flow batteries can include a first half-cell containing a first electrolyte solution, a second half-cell containing a second electrolyte solution, a first flow loop configured to circulate the first electrolyte solution through the first half-cell, a second flow loop configured to circulate the second electrolyte solution through the second half-cell, and at least one lamella clarifier in fluid communication with at least one of the first half-cell and the second half-cell. A hydrocyclone can be used as an alternative to a lamella clarifier in some instances.