Redox Flow Battery Agitation Control for Tunable Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redox flow batteries (RFBs) lack the ability to tunably adjust their power output and storage capacity, with increasing electrode area being the only known method, which is cumbersome, costly, and requires downtime.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tunable agitation device that controllably agitates a dispersion of redox-active components within the RFB, allowing for adjustable power output and storage capacity by influencing the number of particles reaching the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrode area is increased to increase power output, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of agitation intensity to control power output. By varying the agitation intensity, particles are mobilized to different extents, changing the number of particles reaching the electrodes and thus the current generated. This allows power tuning without changing electrode area or adding complex structures.
2Power
If electrode area is increased to increase power output, then power delivery capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses agitation intensity as a controllable parameter to adjust power output dynamically. This eliminates the need for multiple battery units with different electrode areas, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining the ability to provide different power levels.
3Power
If electrode area is increased to increase power output, then power delivery capability is improved, but battery downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic agitation device that can be adjusted during battery operation to change power output. This allows real-time power tuning without requiring battery shutdown or physical reconfiguration, eliminating downtime associated with changing electrode areas.
4Power
If agitation intensity is increased to increase power output, then current generation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial agitation rather than continuous maximum agitation. By using just enough agitation to mobilize the required number of particles to reach the electrodes, the system generates sufficient current while minimizing energy consumption. The agitation intensity can be adjusted to match the actual power demand.
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 agitation device enables dynamic adjustment of power output and storage capacity without the need for increasing electrode area, enhancing the battery's efficiency and flexibility in matching electricity supply and demand.
Implementation Method 1
tunable agitation device that is configured to controllably gradually agitate at least part of said dispersion
Implementation Method 2
the intensity of agitation and/or agitation frequency influences the number of particles and optionally dissolved molecules that can reach the electrodes of the RFB
Implementation Method 3
redox-active components in liquid are pumped from the storage to the reaction cell where they are reacted to generate electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a redox flow battery that exhibits a tunable power output and/or tunable storage capacity, said redox flow battery comprising an anodic compartment and a cathodic compartment that respectively comprise an anolyte fluid and a catholyte fluid of which at least one comprises a dispersion of particles of a redox-active component, wherein said redox flow battery further comprises a tunable agitation device that is configured to controllably gradually agitate at least part of said dispersion. Further, the invention is directed to a method of operating the redox flow battery, for example by changing the agitation frequency of said tunable agitation device and/or by changing the displacement volume of the agitating device.