Integrated Flow Battery Stack Heat Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flow batteries face challenges in maintaining electrolyte temperature within an optimal range due to inherent inefficiencies in electrochemical reactions, which lead to heat generation and potential degradation, especially in extreme temperatures, and existing thermal management solutions are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An integrated flow battery stack with a heat exchange module that includes thermally coupled current collector plates and a heat exchange plate regulated by a temperature controller to maintain electrolyte temperature within a predetermined range, using thermally conducting materials and air or fluid circulation for heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat exchangers are used upstream or downstream of the stack to cool the electrolyte, then the temperature control is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to the need for acid resistant materials such as graphite
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger with the current collector plates, merging two separate components (thermal management and electrical collection) into a single integrated structure. The current collector plates are made of thermally conductive material and serve dual functions: collecting electrical current and facilitating heat exchange with the electrolyte, thereby eliminating the need for separate acid-resistant heat exchanger materials
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector plates are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical current collection and thermal management. By using thermally conductive materials for the current collector plates, the system achieves multi-functionality where the same component handles both electrical and thermal tasks, reducing overall system complexity and material costs
2Temperature
If coolant loops are used inside or outside the reservoirs for heat extraction, then temperature management is improved, but the effectiveness is limited because the reservoirs are made of plastic with poor thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchange function directly with the stack structure through the current collector plates, bypassing the thermal limitations of plastic reservoirs. The heat exchanger is integrated into the stack where it directly contacts the electrolyte, ensuring effective heat transfer without relying on the thermal conductivity of reservoir materials
3Reliability
If expensive acid resistant materials such as graphite are used in heat exchangers, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger with the current collector plates, eliminating the need for separate expensive acid-resistant materials. The current collector plates are made of thermally conductive material that also provides acid resistance, reducing material costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector plates serve dual purposes as both electrical collectors and heat exchange surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional expensive materials specifically for heat exchange, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining system reliability
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 solution allows for efficient thermal management of the electrolyte without the need for expensive materials, preventing component degradation and maintaining optimal operating conditions while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange plate thermally coupled to at least one current collector plate, wherein said heat exchange plate exchanges heat with the battery stack
Implementation Method 2
said heat exchange plate further coupled to a temperature regulator, wherein said temperature regulator is configured to control the temperature of the heat exchange plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an integrated flow battery stack with a heat exchanger for thermal control of the battery during operation. The battery can comprise a stack consisting a plurality of electrochemical cells, each cell comprising a pair of electrodes separated by a membrane and sandwiched between a pair of bipolar plates. Each bipolar plate is shared between two adjacent cells. The stack is connected to an external electrical circuit by two current collectors placed at each end of the stack. At least one current collector plate is thermally coupled to a heat exchange plate which can be configured to have its temperature varied through external means. The heat exchange plate exchanges heat with the battery stack and maintains the temperature of the stack, by implication, maintains the temperature of the circulating electrolytes.