Internally Manifolded Flow Cell for All-Iron Hybrid Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid flow batteries face energy losses and imbalances due to shunt currents when multiple cells are hydraulically connected through electrically conductive electrolytes, causing voltage differences and inefficiencies in charge states across cells.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an internally manifolded flow cell stack with separate electrolyte inlet and outlet ports for each cell, and grouping cells of similar voltages into sub-stacks to minimize voltage differences and shunt current losses, along with optimizing electrolyte flow paths by increasing length and reducing cross-sectional areas to enhance ionic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple flow cells are hydraulically connected through electrically conductive electrolytes, then electrolyte circulation and charge-discharge operations can be performed, but shunt currents flow between cells causing energy losses and voltage imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow cell system into electrically isolated segments by providing separate electrolyte circulation paths for each cell. Each cell has its own inlet and outlet ports that are electrically isolated, preventing shunt currents while maintaining hydraulic connectivity for charge-discharge operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrically insulating components as intermediaries in the electrolyte circulation system. These include insulating fittings, gaskets, and flow path structures that allow electrolyte to flow between cells while blocking electrical current, thus eliminating shunt current losses
2Loss of energy
If separate electrolyte circulation paths with increased path length and reduced cross-sectional area are implemented, then ionic resistance is increased to minimize shunt currents, but pressure drop and pumping power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different flow path configurations to different regions of the system. High ionic resistance paths with increased length and reduced cross-section are used specifically where shunt current prevention is critical, while other regions maintain lower resistance for efficient electrolyte circulation, balancing energy loss prevention with pumping power requirements
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 configuration reduces shunt current losses and improves the overall performance of the battery by managing voltage differences and maintaining efficient charge states across cells, thereby increasing energy storage capacity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
optimizing electrolyte flow paths by increasing length and reducing cross-sectional areas to enhance ionic resistance
Implementation Method 2
The reduction-oxidation (redox) flow battery is an electrochemical storage device that stores energy in a chemical form and converts the stored chemical energy to an electrical form via spontaneous reverse redox reactions
Implementation Method 3
The membrane barrier separates the positive electrolyte and negative electrolyte from mixing while allowing ionic conductance
Implementation Method 4
Hybrid flow batteries are distinguished by the deposit of one or more of the electro-active materials as a solid layer on an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a system for a flow cell for a flow battery, comprising: a first flow field; and a polymeric frame, comprising: a top face; a bottom face, opposite the top face; a first side; a second side, opposite the first side; a first electrolyte inlet located on the top face and the first side of the polymeric frame; a first electrolyte outlet located on the top face and the second side of the polymeric frame; a first electrolyte inlet flow path located within the polymeric frame and coupled to the first electrolyte inlet; and a first electrolyte outlet flow path located within the polymeric frame and coupled to the first electrolyte outlet. In this way, shunt currents may be minimized by increasing the length and/or reducing the cross-sectional area of the electrolyte inlet and electrolyte outlet flow paths.