Redox Flow Battery Module With Integrated 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 a battery module with a pair of electrolyte tanks and a fluid controller that applies external pressure to circulate electrolytes, reducing the need for multiple pumps and minimizing shunt current by using check valves and pressure control valves to manage electrolyte flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrolyte circulation pipes are used to connect the stack and the tanks, then the redox flow battery can store large amounts of electric power, but the overall system volume increases compared to other power storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte tanks are positioned above the stack and electrolyte is supplied through vertical passages formed within the stack structure itself. This nesting approach allows the electrolyte circulation system to be integrated into the stack volume rather than occupying additional external space, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining large-capacity power storage functionality
2Reliability
If a plurality of electrolyte circulation pipes are required to connect the stack, the pump, and the electrolyte tank, then the redox flow battery can operate, but the pump capacity must exceed a predetermined standard increasing manufacturing cost and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte circulation system is divided into multiple independent circulation paths, with separate circulation pipes provided for each cell or group of cells. This segmentation allows each pump to handle smaller flow rates for individual cells rather than requiring a single high-capacity pump to service the entire stack, reducing overall pump capacity requirements and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable electrolyte circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pressure control mechanisms including pressure sensors and control valves that adjust electrolyte flow in real-time based on system conditions. This dynamic regulation optimizes pump operation by matching actual flow requirements rather than maintaining constant high-capacity operation, reducing power consumption and extending pump life while ensuring reliable electrolyte circulation throughout the stack
3Reliability
If the length of the electrolyte circulation pipe becomes longer, then the redox flow battery can connect all components, but the required capacity of the pump is increased lowering overall power efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte circulation architecture transitions from horizontal pipe routing to vertical circulation paths. By utilizing the vertical dimension and positioning tanks above the stack with electrolyte supplied through vertical passages, the circulation path length is significantly reduced compared to horizontal routing, thereby decreasing pump power consumption while maintaining complete component connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including vertical passages integrated into the stack structure and pressure control valves that act as mediators between the tanks and cells. These intermediaries provide direct, short-circuit flow paths that eliminate long horizontal pipe runs, reducing the overall circulation path length and associated pump energy requirements while ensuring reliable electrolyte delivery to all cells
4Productivity
If electrolyte is supplied to each cell through each manifold, then the redox flow battery can charge and discharge, but shunt current is generated through the passage reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte supply path is extracted from the manifold structure and redirected through dedicated supply passages formed within the stack. By removing the manifold's electrolyte distribution function and replacing it with direct vertical passages, the patent eliminates the horizontal electrolyte path through the manifold that caused shunt current, while maintaining efficient electrolyte supply to each cell for charging and discharging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manifold distribution system with an electrically isolated vertical passage system. By substituting the manifold's electrolyte distribution function with directly formed passages that provide shorter, more controlled flow paths, the design eliminates the shunt current pathway while maintaining productive charging and discharging capability through proper electrolyte delivery to each cell
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 efficiency by reducing pump size and manufacturing costs, improving responsiveness, and minimizing shunt current, resulting in a more effective energy storage system with reduced system volume and increased power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid controller transferring a pressure applied from the outside of the battery module to the electrolyte flow passage
Implementation Method 2
the fluid controller may include: at least one check valve provided inside the electrolyte flow passage and allowing the electrolyte to flow in one direction
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
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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.