Interlocking Cell Frame Structure for Leak-Safe Redox Flow Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional redox flow batteries face issues with leakage and short-circuiting due to deformation of sealing members under pressure and heat, requiring thick flow channels and increased installation space, which complicates processing and reduces output power.
Innovation Solution
A cell frame structure where a bipolar plate is positioned on the rear surface of an outer frame, with an inner frame interlocking to cover the bipolar plate, allowing for stack assembly without sealing or adhesive members, utilizing convex and concave channels and gates for electrolyte flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the flow channel or sealing member is increased to prevent deformation, then sealing reliability improves, but the overall stack is enlarged and excessive installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire flow channel or sealing member, the patent applies sealing protrusions and grooves at specific critical locations where sealing is needed. This localized approach provides enhanced sealing capability only where required, rather than increasing the overall dimensions of the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from preventing deformation through increased thickness (one-dimensional solution) to preventing deformation through geometric interlocking features (multi-dimensional solution). The sealing protrusions and grooves create a mechanical interlock that resists deformation in multiple directions without requiring increased component thickness.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fastening means such as bolts and nuts are used to couple cell frames, then the stack can be assembled, but continuous pressure and heat cause deformation of the sealing member
Solution Approach 1:
The cell frame structure is designed to be self-sealing through its geometric features. The sealing protrusions and grooves automatically engage and maintain sealing contact through the natural assembly process and operational pressure, eliminating the need for separate sealing members that would otherwise require active management or replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cell frame structure comprising: a rectangular panel-shaped outer frame having a rectangular opening in the center; and a rectangular inner frame, the inner frame interlocking onto the rear surface of the outer frame around the opening thereof to form a flow cell. The flow cell is preferably assembled into a cell frame by the inner frame interlocking onto the rear surface of the outer frame while covering the rim of a bipolar plate, the front-side rim of which is seated around the rear surface opening of the outer frame.