Integrated Flow Manifold for Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochemical energy storage systems are complex and costly due to numerous fluid connections and components, which increase installation time, maintenance needs, and the risk of accidental damage and leaks.
Innovation Solution
A flow manifold and flow manifold cover are integrated with the cell stack to simplify the reactant distribution system, reducing the number of fluid connections and using alternative manufacturing processes like lost-materials casting or rotational moulding to create fluid pathways, thereby simplifying installation and reducing system size and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous fluid connections and components are used in electrochemical energy storage systems, then the system can achieve complete functional coverage, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flow manifold directly into the cell stack structure, merging previously separate components (reactant distribution system and electrochemical cells) into a unified assembly. This integration eliminates numerous discrete fluid connections while maintaining complete functional coverage for reactant distribution to all cells, thereby reducing system complexity without sacrificing reliability
2Reliability
If numerous fluid connections and components are used in electrochemical energy storage systems, then the system can achieve complete functional coverage, but the installation time and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the flow manifold into the cell stack as a unified structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled during installation. The pre-integrated design allows for faster assembly since fewer discrete fluid connections and components need to be installed and connected, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining complete functional coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The flow manifold is pre-integrated with the cell stack during manufacturing, with fluid pathways already configured and connected to all cells before the system reaches the installation site. This preliminary integration of the reactant distribution network eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly of fluid connections, significantly reducing installation time and maintenance needs
3Reliability
If numerous fluid connections are used in electrochemical energy storage systems, then the system can achieve complete reactant distribution, but the risk of accidental damage and leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flow manifold directly into the cell stack structure, merging the reactant distribution system with the electrochemical cells. This integration eliminates numerous discrete fluid connections that would be vulnerable to damage and leaks, while maintaining complete reactant distribution to all cells through internally configured fluid pathways within the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate, exposed fluid connection components from the system design. By removing the need for numerous external pipes and connections and instead incorporating fluid pathways directly into the integrated manifold-stack structure, the design reduces the risk of accidental damage and leaks while preserving complete reactant distribution functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to electrochemical energy storage systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to particular systems and methods for providing a compact framework in which to house an electrochemical energy storage system. Various embodiments of electrochemical energy storage systems are disclosed that include a flow manifold and a flow manifold cover. The flow manifold may provide a plurality of channels for distributing liquid reactant to an electrical cell stack. The flow manifold may be utilized in conjunction with a flow manifold cover. The flow manifold cover may be configured to support a variety of components of a liquid reactant distribution system. Such components may include liquid reactant pump motors, inlet and outlet ports, a reference cell, and a variety of sensors. The distribution of liquid reactants to the cell stack from the inlet and outlet ports may be accomplished by way of the flow manifold cover.