Flow Battery Tank Separators for Hydroelectric Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid flow redox battery systems face inefficiencies in power generation and energy storage due to the limitations of existing electrolyte management and pumping systems, which do not effectively utilize the potential energy stored in tank separators to generate additional power.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tank separators that are translatable to induce electrolyte flow through turbines, enhancing hydroelectric power generation and reducing the energy consumption of pumps by allowing the generated hydroelectric power to offset pump energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pumps are used to translate tank separators in the upward direction, then tank separators can be repositioned for electrolyte management, but energy is consumed by the pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the downward motion of tank separators (driven by gravity or controlled release) to drive turbines that generate electricity. This self-service mechanism converts the potential energy of the tank separators into electrical energy during their downward translation, offsetting the energy consumed by pumps during upward translation and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a dual-mode tank separator movement: upward movement powered by pumps for repositioning, and downward movement that drives turbines for power generation. This parameter change transforms the tank separator from a passive component to an active energy-generating element during descent
2Power
If turbines are added to electrolyte pathways, then hydroelectric power generation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank separators serve multiple functions: they manage electrolyte levels in the flow battery system and simultaneously drive turbines to generate hydroelectric power during their downward motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power generation components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still enabling power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the tank separator repositioning mechanism with the power generation mechanism. The same gravitational force that drives the tank separators downward is harnessed to rotate turbines, combining two functions (electrolyte management and power generation) into a single integrated process
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 achieves increased energy storage and harvesting capabilities, with hydroelectrically generated power exceeding or equaling the energy consumed by pumps, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing electrochemical losses.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more tank separators are translatable in a downward direction to induce electrolyte flow
Implementation Method 2
induce electrolyte flow from one or both of the lower anolyte opening and the lower catholyte opening through the one or more turbines to hydroelectrically generate power
Implementation Method 3
The electrochemical cell includes an ion-exchange membrane positioned between and electrochemically engaged with an anode and a cathode
Implementation Method 4
an ion-exchange membrane positioned between and electrochemically engaged with an anode and a cathode
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid flow redox battery system includes an electrochemical cell with an ion- exchange membrane, an anode, and a cathode, an anolyte tank, a catholyte tank, one or more tank separators, a plurality of electrolyte pathways, one or more turbines, and one or more power generation circuits. The anolyte tank includes a lower anolyte opening positioned below an upper anolyte opening. The catholyte tank includes a lower catholyte opening positioned below an upper catholyte opening. The electrolyte pathways extend between the upper and lower anolyte openings and the anode and the upper and lower catholyte openings and the cathode. The turbines are fluidly coupled to the electrolyte pathways. The tank separators are positioned within one or both of the anolyte tank and the catholyte tank and are translatable in a downward direction to induce electrolyte flow from the lower anolyte and catholyte openings, through the turbines to hydroelectrically generate power.