Flow Battery Electrolyte Tank Circular Pipe Mixing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow batteries face challenges with electrolyte mixing uniformity in storage tanks, leading to reduced utilization rates and increased costs, as well as safety hazards due to electrolyte leakage and inaccurate state of charge (SOC) monitoring, which affects performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a multi-layer circular pipe structure within the storage tank with annular pipes and liquid holes to enhance electrolyte mixing and reduce dead zones, along with a SOC detection system and a multi-stage liquid leakage collection alarm system to improve safety and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple electrolyte output pipeline and return pipeline are used inside the storage tank, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electrolyte mixing uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank internal structure is segmented into multiple functional zones using baffle plates, dividing the tank into inlet zone, mixing zone, and outlet zone. This segmentation creates distinct flow paths that prevent short-circuiting and ensure thorough mixing of electrolyte without requiring complex external piping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical baffles and horizontal flow distributors that create three-dimensional flow patterns within the storage tank. The electrolyte flows through multiple vertical and horizontal paths, ensuring comprehensive mixing in all spatial dimensions rather than relying solely on horizontal circulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the storage tank structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the electrolyte utilization rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into functional sections using simple baffle plates that can be easily manufactured and installed. These baffles create effective flow paths that eliminate dead zones and ensure complete electrolyte circulation, maximizing utilization without requiring complex or expensive structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank structure itself performs the mixing function through strategically positioned baffles and flow distributors, eliminating the need for separate mixing devices or complex external circulation systems. The tank structure provides both containment and active mixing functionality.
3Reliability
If a fixed charge voltage upper limit is set, then the safety against side reactions is improved, but the chargeable capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The charge voltage upper limit is made dynamic rather than fixed, adjusting based on real-time SOC measurements from multiple detection points. The control system modifies the voltage threshold according to the actual state of charge, allowing higher voltages when safe and preventing side reactions when SOC is high, thereby optimizing both safety and chargeable capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring SOC at multiple points within the storage tank and using this information to dynamically adjust the charge voltage upper limit. This closed-loop control ensures the voltage threshold adapts to actual electrolyte conditions, preventing side reactions while maximizing chargeable capacity.
4Device complexity
If SOC detection is performed at a single point, then the device complexity is reduced, but the SOC monitoring accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensing points distributed throughout the storage tank at different heights and locations. Each sensor provides local SOC data, and the control system integrates these readings to determine the overall SOC state, accurately reflecting the gradient conditions within the tank without requiring a single complex detection device.
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
This design increases electrolyte utilization rates, reduces SOC lag, enhances SOC monitoring accuracy, and mitigates safety hazards by ensuring uniform electrolyte mixing and effective leakage management, thereby improving the performance and longevity of flow batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte in the positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks flows through the electrolyte circulation system and the cell stacks under the impetus of a circulation pump
Implementation Method 2
undergoes an electrochemical reaction in the cell stacks, such that the concentration of active materials of electrolyte entering the cell stacks changes
Implementation Method 3
an circular pipe I and a circular pipe II are provided inside the electrolyte storage tank... the annular perimeter of the circular pipe I is not equal to the annular perimeter of the circular pipe II
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of liquid holes is formed in tube walls of both of the annular tube I and the annular tube II
Data Source
AI summary
A flow battery system has an electrolyte storage tank, a flow battery, and a box-type flow battery system. A circular pipe I and a circular pipe II are provided in the electrolyte storage tank; the circular pipe II is communicated with an electrolyte return opening; the circular pipe I is communicated with an electrolyte delivery outlet; the annular perimeter of the circular pipe I is not equal to the annular perimeter of the circular pipe II. The multi-layer circular pipe structure in the storage tank reduces the flowing dead zone of electrolyte in the storage tank. Moreover, The reduction in the longitudinal distance between the electrolyte delivery outlet and the electrolyte return opening also reduced the problem of SOC lag so that the SOC monitoring accuracy of the flow battery is improved.