Multi-Chamber Electrolyte Tank for Redox Flow Battery Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional redox flow battery systems have complex layouts and high manufacturing costs due to separate tanks for positive and negative electrolytes, hydrogen gas storage, and gas/liquid separation systems, which increase operational complexity and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chambered electrolyte storage tank integrates both positive and negative electrolyte chambers with a bulkhead, allowing for fluid coupling to redox flow battery cells, eliminating the need for separate tanks and gas/liquid separators, and storing hydrogen gas in a head space for spontaneous separation and inert gas blanketing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tanks are used for positive and negative electrolytes with dedicated gas/liquid separation systems, then gas-liquid separation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tanks (positive electrolyte tank, negative electrolyte tank, hydrogen storage tank) and gas/liquid separation systems into a single integrated multi-chambered tank. The tank includes a positive electrolyte chamber, negative electrolyte chamber, and hydrogen storage chamber separated by bulkheads, eliminating the need for external separation equipment while maintaining functional reliability through internal phase separation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chambered tank performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores both positive and negative electrolytes, separates gas from liquid phases, and stores hydrogen gas. This universal design replaces several specialized components with a single multi-functional unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining all necessary separation and storage capabilities.
2Reliability
If separate tanks and gas/liquid separation systems are used, then gas separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate tanks and separation systems into one integrated multi-chambered tank structure. By combining positive electrolyte storage, negative electrolyte storage, and hydrogen gas storage within a single pressurized vessel with internal bulkheads, the design eliminates the need for multiple external separation units, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective gas-liquid separation through the bulkhead design.
3Reliability
If multiple auxiliary process units are employed, then operational reliability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated multi-chambered tank serves as a universal component that handles electrolyte storage, gas separation, and hydrogen storage operations. This consolidation reduces the number of auxiliary process units that require operational management, simplifying procedures while maintaining reliability through the robust internal bulkhead separation system that automatically maintains phase separation without additional operational intervention.
4Reliability
If separate tanks are used for electrolyte storage, then electrolyte management reliability is improved, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates separate positive electrolyte tanks, negative electrolyte tanks, and hydrogen storage tanks into a single multi-chambered pressurized vessel. The bulkheads create distinct chambers for each electrolyte type and hydrogen gas, maintaining proper electrolyte management and separation while dramatically reducing the overall system footprint compared to using multiple external tanks.
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 design simplifies the system layout, reduces the footprint, and decreases oxidation of the liquid electrolyte, thereby enhancing the energy density and operational efficiency of the redox flow battery system.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second liquid electrolyte volumes are separated by the bulkhead positioned therebetween
Implementation Method 2
storage of hydrogen gas in a head space above the liquid electrolyte chambers in the multi-chambered electrolyte storage tank allows for spontaneous gas-liquid separation, while providing an inert gas blanket for the liquid electrolyte, thereby reducing oxidation of the liquid electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
storage of hydrogen gas in a head space above the liquid electrolyte chambers in the multi-chambered electrolyte storage tank allows for spontaneous gas-liquid separation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-chambered electrolyte storage tank for a redox flow battery system, may include first and second electrolyte chambers, and a bulkhead, wherein the first and second electrolyte chambers are fluidly coupled to first and second sides of a redox flow battery cell, respectively, the first and second electrolyte chambers include first and second liquid electrolyte volumes, respectively, and the first and second liquid electrolyte volumes are separated by the bulkhead positioned therebetween. In this way, manufacturing and operational complexity of a redox flow battery system can be reduced.