Redox Battery Bus Bar Integration for Sealed Cell Stacks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The commercialization of redox flow batteries (RFBs) is hindered by reliability issues due to complex conduit connections, low efficiency from electrolyte circulation, lower power and energy densities, and high system complexity, which increases operational costs and reduces competitiveness compared to other electrochemical storage technologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of sealed redox batteries that eliminate external electrolyte tanks and circulation systems, utilizing self-circulating electrolytes and efficient bus bar integration to reduce system complexity and improve power and energy densities, enabling compact and reliable energy storage solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional redox flow batteries use external electrolyte tanks and circulation systems, then electrolyte storage capacity is improved, but system complexity and reliability deteriorate due to complex conduit connections and circulation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolyte storage function with the battery cell structure by integrating electrolyte reservoirs directly into the battery cell housing. This eliminates separate external tanks and complex conduit connections, reducing system complexity while maintaining electrolyte storage capacity. The bus bar structure is designed to serve both electrical connection and mechanical fastening functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both electrical conduction and mechanical fastening operations. By integrating the fastening function into the bus bar, the patent eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity and potential failure points while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional redox flow batteries use external circulation systems, then electrolyte flow control is improved, but operational efficiency and reliability deteriorate due to circulation system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-circulating electrolyte flow by utilizing natural convection currents generated during charge and discharge cycles. The electrolyte automatically circulates between the positive and negative half-cells without requiring external pumps or complex circulation control systems, thereby eliminating circulation-related failure points while maintaining effective electrolyte flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external circulation system (pumps, valves, and control mechanisms) from the redox flow battery design. By removing these components, the system achieves higher reliability while the electrolyte circulation function is maintained through passive natural convection mechanisms inherent to the electrochemical operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for electrical connection and mechanical fastening, then functional specialization is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and mechanical fastening function into a single integrated bus bar component. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the specialized electrical and mechanical performance required for reliable battery operation.
4Ease of operation
If complex conduit connections are used for electrolyte management, then electrolyte distribution is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to conduit-related failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex conduit connection system from the redox flow battery design. By removing separate conduits and connections for electrolyte management, the system achieves higher reliability by eliminating potential leakage and failure points, while electrolyte distribution is maintained through direct integration within the battery cell structure.
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 sealed redox batteries enhance reliability, efficiency, and reduce operational costs by eliminating conduit-related failures and circulation systems, allowing for higher power and energy densities, facilitating modular production and automation.
Implementation Method 1
an ion exchange membrane separating the first and second half cells
Implementation Method 2
a positive conducting bus bar extending in the stacking direction and electrically connecting the positive current collectors of the redox battery cells in parallel, and a negative conducting bus bar extending in the stacking direction and electrically connecting the negative current collectors of the redox battery cells in parallel
Implementation Method 3
Each of the redox battery cells comprises a first half cell connected to a positive current collector, a second half cell connected to a negative current collector
Data Source
AI summary
A redox battery comprises a plurality of redox battery cells stacked in a stacking direction, wherein each of the redox battery cells comprises a first half cell connected to a positive current collector, a second half cell connected to a negative current collector and an ion exchange membrane separating the first and second half cells. The redox battery additionally comprises a positive conducting bus bar extending in the stacking direction and electrically connecting the positive current collectors of the redox battery cells in parallel, and a negative conducting bus bar extending in the stacking direction and electrically connecting the negative current collectors of the redox battery cells in parallel. One or both of the positive and negative bus bars are configured as fastening means for mechanically fastening the stacked redox battery cells in the stacking direction.