Redox Flow Battery Electrode Angling for Parallel Electrolyte Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In redox flow batteries, increasing the cell size leads to higher flow resistance and pressure drop due to the complexity of the flow channel structure, which results in reduced efficiency and uneven electrolyte solution flow.
Innovation Solution
A redox flow battery design featuring a cell frame with recesses for sheet-like electrodes angled to intersect the membrane, allowing fluid flow parallel to the membrane, and a bipolar current collecting member penetrating the cell frame to reduce flow resistance and prevent uneven electrolyte distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the cell size is increased to meet the demand for high-output redox flow batteries, then the output is improved, but the flow resistance of the electrolyte solution through the entire cell increases, resulting in an increase in the pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow direction from perpendicular to the membrane (thickness direction) to parallel to the membrane plane. This dimensional change allows the electrolyte to flow through the larger surface area of the electrode without increasing the path length through the membrane, thereby maintaining low pressure drop while achieving high output through increased cell area.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flow channel structure is made complicated to allow even flow through the electrode, then the uniformity of electrolyte distribution is improved, but the flow resistance increases and pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the flow channel structure complicated to achieve uniform flow, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple parallel flow channel structure combined with electrodes disposed at angles intersecting the membrane. This inverted configuration naturally promotes uniform flow distribution without increasing flow resistance or requiring complex channel geometry.
3Loss of energy
If the electrode thickness is reduced to lower internal resistance, then the internal resistance is improved, but the structural strength and stability of the electrode may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces internal resistance not by thinning the electrode in the thickness direction, but by increasing the effective reaction area through the parallel flow configuration that allows electrolyte to access the entire electrode surface. This enables use of sufficiently thick electrodes for structural strength while maintaining low internal resistance through enhanced mass transport.
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 maintains high efficiency and output even with increased cell size, minimizing pressure drop and ensuring uniform electrolyte flow across the electrodes, thereby maximizing charge/discharge performance.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane stacked on the cell frame to cover the recess
Implementation Method 2
a redox flow battery which is charged and discharged through a redox reaction of active materials contained in an electrolyte solution
Data Source
AI summary
Redox flow battery 1 include cell frame 20 having recess 21, 22, at least one sheet-like electrode 11, 13 received in recess 21, 22, membrane 15 stacked on cell frame 20 to cover recess 21, 22, and bipolar current collecting member 40 penetrating cell frame 20 at recess 21, 22 and electrically connected to at least one electrode 11,13, wherein cell frame 20 has flow channels 31-38 communicating with recess 21, 22 so as to allow a fluid containing an active material to flow through recess 21, 22 parallel to membrane 15, and wherein at least one electrode 11, 13 is disposed in recess 21, 22 at an angle where at least one electrode 11, 13 intersects membrane 15.