Redox Flow Battery Module With Local Electrolyte Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries face inefficiencies due to long electrolyte circulation pipes, high pump capacity requirements, increased system volume, and shunt current generation, which affect responsiveness and overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A redox flow battery design featuring battery modules with paired electrolyte tanks and a fluid controller that uses external pressure to circulate electrolytes, reducing the need for multiple pumps and minimizing shunt current by employing check valves and pressure control valves to manage electrolyte flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple electrolyte circulation pipes are used to connect the stack, pump, and electrolyte tank, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but the system volume increases and pump capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple battery modules, each with its own integrated electrolyte tanks and circulation system. This segmentation allows each module to be self-contained with minimized circulation pipe length, while the overall system achieves the required electrolyte circulation through parallel operation of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte tanks are positioned inside or integrated with the battery module structure, nesting the storage function within the operational structure. This eliminates the need for separate external tank connections and reduces the overall system volume while maintaining circulation functionality.
2Ease of operation
If pump capacity is increased to supply electrolyte uniformly to each stack, then electrolyte distribution is improved, but power consumption increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery module has its own dedicated electrolyte tanks positioned locally adjacent to the battery cells. This local arrangement ensures uniform electrolyte distribution to each stack without requiring high pump capacity, as the circulation distance and pressure requirements are minimized for each local system.
3Ease of operation
If electrolyte circulation pipe length is increased to connect all components, then electrolyte flow is maintained, but pump capacity increases and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into multiple independent loops, one for each battery module. Each loop has minimal pipe length connecting the local electrolyte tanks to the adjacent battery cells, reducing flow resistance and energy loss. The segmentation allows continuous electrolyte flow without requiring long circulation paths.
4Ease of operation
If multiple pumps are used to transfer electrolyte to battery cells, then electrolyte supply is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery modules share a common pump system, merging the pumping function at a higher level while maintaining independent circulation loops. This reduces the total number of pumps required compared to having dedicated pumps for each module, while still ensuring reliable electrolyte supply through the segmented architecture.
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 enhances battery efficiency, reduces system volume, and prevents shunt current, leading to improved responsiveness and lower manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for multiple pumps and minimizing electrolyte circulation distance.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid controller for transferring electrolyte from the electrolyte tank to the battery cell... a fluid controller transferring pressure applied from an outside of the battery module to the electrolyte flow passage
Implementation Method 2
a positive electrolyte and a negative electrolyte, respectively supplied from the positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks of each side of the membrane, circulate to perform ion exchange
Implementation Method 3
electrons move in above process to charge and discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A redox flow battery according to the present invention is provided with a battery module including a battery cell or a stack, and a pair of electrolyte tanks, and a replacement of a pump is applied for each battery module to transfer electrolyte to the battery cell and the stack such that shunt current is reduced. In addition, each battery module is provided with the pair of the electrolyte tanks such that a transfer distance of the electrolyte can be reduced, and a fluid controller using pressure instead of a pump for each module such that power required for driving the pump can be reduced and efficiency of the battery can be improved.