Redox Flow Cell Electrode Assembly With Segmented Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries face inefficiencies due to pressure losses and energy consumption as electrolytes flow through long electrode paths, contradicting the need for large active cell areas and short electrode lengths for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An electrode arrangement with alternately spaced inlet and outlet channels closed by a support frame, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process and precise positioning, using porous electrode material with a support frame that forms liquid-tight closures to reduce pressure drops and maintain channel dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electrode length is increased to provide large cell surfaces, then the active cell area is improved, but the pressure losses and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple electrode strips arranged in parallel, each with its own inlet and outlet channels. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to flow through shorter paths in each strip while maintaining a large total active area across all strips, thereby reducing pressure losses while preserving energy storage capacity.
2Area of stationary object
If the electrode length is increased to provide large cell surfaces, then the active cell area is improved, but the pumping power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple electrode strips arranged in parallel, each with its own inlet and outlet channels. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to flow through shorter paths in each strip while maintaining a large total active area across all strips, thereby reducing pressure losses while preserving energy storage capacity.
3Area of stationary object
If the electrode length is increased to provide large cell surfaces, then the active cell area is improved, but the power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple electrode strips arranged in parallel, each with its own inlet and outlet channels. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to flow through shorter paths in each strip while maintaining a large total active area across all strips, thereby reducing pressure losses while preserving energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements different flow path lengths for different electrode strips by closing inlet or outlet channels at specific positions. This allows optimization of the flow distribution across the electrode surface, ensuring that each local region operates at optimal efficiency while maintaining overall high power generation efficiency.
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 hydraulic pressure drops across the electrode, enhancing the overall efficiency of the redox flow cell by ensuring consistent electrolyte flow and mechanical support for the membrane, while simplifying production and installation.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one inlet channel is closed at an end opposite the inlet end and the at least one outlet channel is closed at an end opposite the outlet end by liquid-tight closures
Implementation Method 2
an electrode made of porous electrode material with at least one inlet channel with an inlet end and at least one outlet channel with an outlet end
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode arrangement (1) for a redox flow cell, comprising an electrode (2) made of porous electrode material with at least one inlet channel (4) having an inlet end (5) and at least one outlet channel (6) with an outlet end (7), wherein the channels (4, 6) are arranged alternately at a distance from each other, wherein the at least one inlet channel (4) leads into the electrode (2) at the inlet end (5) and wherein the at least one outlet channel (6) leads out of the electrode (2) at the outlet end (7), wherein the at least one inlet channel (4) is closed at an end (8) opposite the inlet end (5) and the at least one outlet channel (6) is closed at an end (10) opposite the outlet end (7) by liquid-tight seals (9, 11), and a support frame (3) configured to hold the electrode (2), wherein the support frame (3) provides the seals (9, 11). trains and/or provides and/or supports.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode arrangement (1) for a redox flow cell.