Redox Flow Battery Electrolyte Balance via Gravity Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vanadium redox flow batteries experience efficiency and capacity decreases due to ion and water migration between electrodes during charge/recharge cycles, requiring complex and power-intensive electrolyte mixing procedures to maintain balance.
Innovation Solution
Maintaining liquid communication between positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks through a pipe with a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 10, which reduces self-discharge and eliminates the need for frequent mixing, ensuring stable liquid levels and prolonged battery operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional mixing procedures are performed to restore electrolyte balance after charge/discharge cycles, then electrolyte balance is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically restores electrolyte balance through self-service mechanisms: the anode compartment excess electrolyte flows back to the cathode compartment via gravity through connection pipes, and the proton exchange membrane autonomously transports protons to compensate for pH changes, eliminating the need for external mixing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful mixing operation is extracted and eliminated from the system by designing a passive flow architecture where electrolyte circulation occurs naturally through gravity-driven connections between compartments, removing the need for active mixing equipment and procedures
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex mixing procedures are implemented to maintain electrolyte balance, then battery capacity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive gravity-driven flow and autonomous proton exchange through the membrane to restore electrolyte balance without requiring external energy input, making the balance-maintenance process energy-neutral
Solution Approach 2:
The active mechanical mixing system (pumps, agitators, control systems) is replaced with a passive physical system utilizing gravity-driven natural circulation and membrane-based proton transport, eliminating energy consumption for mixing operations
3Productivity
If frequent mixing operations are performed to prevent ion migration effects, then battery efficiency is maintained, but operation duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous operational capability by establishing continuous passive flow paths between electrolyte compartments through gravity-driven connections and continuous proton exchange through the membrane, eliminating interruptions for mixing operations and enabling uninterrupted battery operation
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 approach stabilizes battery capacity and efficiency over long periods, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances economic benefits by minimizing the need for additional power and complex mixing procedures, while maintaining high reliability and current efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the migration of ions and water between a positive electrode and a negative electrode causes the electrolytes to be out of balance gradually
Implementation Method 2
the migration of ions and water between a positive electrode and a negative electrode causes the electrolytes to be out of balance gradually
Implementation Method 3
With a proton exchange membrane (PEM) which serves as a separator of the battery, electrolyte solutions flow in parallel across the surfaces of electrodes and an electro-chemical reaction occurs
Implementation Method 4
Vanadium redox flow battery (hereafter referred to as VRB) is a renewable battery energy storage system based on the redox reaction of metal element vanadium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a redox flow battery comprising a positive electrolyte storage tank and a negative electrolyte storage tank, wherein the positive electrolyte storage tank and the negative electrolyte storage tank is kept to be in liquid communication through a pipe, wherein the length-to-diameter ratio of the pipe for the liquid communication is not less than about 10. The present invention also provides a method for operating the redox flow battery continuously in a long period of time.