Redox Flow Battery With Integrated Electrolyte Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries face inefficiencies due to large system volume, high pump requirements, and shunt current losses, which increase manufacturing costs and reduce responsiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A redox flow battery design with an independently provided electrolyte flow path, incorporating a fluid control unit with centrifugal force-driven impellers and a sealed structure to minimize electrolyte circulation distance and shunt current, featuring a closed circuit with a battery cell, electrolyte tank, and electrolyte flow path, and a pressure generating unit to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrolyte circulation pipes connect the tank and electrolyte tank to a predetermined spacing, then the redox flow battery can store large amounts of power, but the overall volume of the system becomes relatively large compared to other power storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte tank is integrated within the battery cell structure, with the electrolyte circulation path nested inside the cell rather than using external pipes connecting separate tanks. This nesting approach reduces the overall system volume while maintaining the power storage capacity by eliminating the need for external circulation infrastructure.
2Reliability
If multiple electrolyte circulation tubes are connected to the stack, then the redox flow battery can perform ion exchanges, but the pump capacity required increases, leading to increased size and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte circulation function is extracted from the external pump system and integrated directly into the battery cell structure through independently provided flow paths. This eliminates the need for high-capacity external pumps while maintaining reliable ion exchange capability, as the flow paths are designed to facilitate natural or low-energy circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell structure itself provides the electrolyte circulation function through independently provided flow paths, eliminating the need for external pump systems. The cell design enables self-circulation or low-energy circulation, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining ion exchange reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If the length of the electrolyte circulation tube is increased, then the pump capacity must be increased, but this increases power consumption and reduces overall battery efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte circulation path is nested within the battery cell structure rather than using long external tubes. This shortens the circulation path length, reducing the energy required for pumping and minimizing power consumption while maintaining adequate electrolyte circulation volume for effective ion exchange.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the redox flow battery is operated in a stopped state, then charging and discharging can be paused, but response time is delayed due to the time required for electrolyte circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte circulation function is extracted from the external pump system and integrated into the cell structure with independently provided flow paths. This enables faster response when transitioning from stopped to operational states, as the integrated design eliminates the startup delay associated with external pump systems and long circulation tubes.
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 reduces reaction time, minimizes shunt current, and improves overall efficiency by optimizing electrolyte circulation and reducing the need for large pumps, thereby enhancing the battery's responsiveness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid control unit provided in the electrolyte flow path in which an electrolyte solution for transferring from the electrolyte tank to the battery cell
Implementation Method 2
the anode and cathode electrolytes supplied from the anode and cathode electrolyte storage tanks on both sides of the bipolar plate are circulated to perform ion exchanges
Implementation Method 3
a redox flow battery (RFB), and the like... functions as a secondary battery capable of charging and discharging electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a redox flow battery having at least one battery module which consists of a battery cell, an electrolyte tank, an electrolyte flow path, a fluid control unit, and a pressure generating unit, wherein each of the battery modules is charged and discharged by independently circulating an electrolyte.