Redox Flow Battery Manifold U-Bend Shunt Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries experience shunt current generation due to electrolyte movement through flow paths and pipes during prolonged standby times, leading to self-discharge and power loss, which is exacerbated by the need to position electrolyte tanks low to prevent embrittlement of the separating membrane.
Innovation Solution
A manifold with U-bends in the supplying and exhausting flow paths positioned above or below the electrode reactor, effectively blocking electrolyte movement when pumps are stopped, thereby suppressing shunt current generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the pipes and electrolyte tanks are positioned low to move remaining electrolytes towards the tanks when operation is stopped, then shunt current is reduced, but the separating membrane may be kept dried causing embrittlement and longer charging/discharging time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections with U-bends created at strategic locations. This segmentation blocks the continuous movement of electrolyte through the flow path, preventing it from reaching positions that would cause membrane drying while still allowing adequate supply to electrodes during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
U-bends (curved sections) are introduced into the flow path at specific locations. These curved sections act as barriers to electrolyte flow during standby, preventing the electrolyte from moving towards positions that would leave the separating membrane dry, thus protecting membrane integrity while reducing shunt current.
2Loss of energy
If the pipes and electrolyte tanks are positioned low to prevent shunt current, then self-discharge is reduced, but more time is required for charging and discharging since electrolytes must be supplied using pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into segments with U-bends that block electrolyte movement during standby. This segmentation reduces self-discharge by preventing electrolyte circulation while maintaining adequate electrolyte supply to electrodes during active charging/discharging operations, thus not increasing operational time.
3Productivity
If electrolyte flow paths are left open for normal operation, then charging and discharging efficiency is maintained, but shunt current occurs during prolonged standby due to electrolyte movement through the flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
U-bends are strategically placed in the flow path to create barriers that block electrolyte movement during standby. During normal charging/discharging operations, the pumps provide sufficient force to overcome these U-bend barriers, maintaining adequate electrolyte flow to electrodes and preserving charging/discharging efficiency while preventing shunt current during idle periods.
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 manifold design significantly reduces shunt current and self-discharge by preventing electrolyte movement through the flow paths, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of redox flow batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the U-bends are formed to be positioned above a top end or below a bottom end of the first electrode electrolyte reactor
Implementation Method 2
the supplying flow path and the exhausting flow path include U-bends at a left side and at a right side of the first electrode electrolyte reactor, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for a redox flow battery capable of effectively suppressing a shunt current has a supply flow pathway and an exhaust flow pathway respectively formed at a left side and a right side of an anode or cathode electrode electrolyte reaction unit so as to include a U-shaped curved portion, and the U-shaped curved portion is formed to be positioned on the upper part of the top or the lower part of the bottom of the first electrode electrolyte reaction unit. When the manifold is applied to a redox flow battery, the supply flow pathway and the exhaust flow pathway having the U-shaped curved portion are formed on the upper part of the top or the lower part of the bottom of the electrode electrolyte reaction unit to prevent an electrolyte existing in the inside of a stack and a pipe from passing through the U-shaped curved portion.