Redox Flow Battery Sealing Frame Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional redox flow batteries face issues with electrolyte leakage and reduced performance due to unconsolidated portions between flow path frames and fixing parts, leading to mixing of anolyte and catholyte, and limited electrolyte flow rates.

Innovation Solution

The design includes flow path frames with opposite surfaces for anolyte and catholyte conveyance, featuring inflow and outflow paths with closed curved surfaces to prevent leakage and increase cross-sectional areas, and the use of gaskets and O-rings to enhance sealing, while distributing flow paths to evenly impregnate electrolytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional flow path frames are used with simple adhesion fixation, then manufacturing is easy and device complexity is low, but electrolyte leakage occurs through unconsolidated portions and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte leakage preventionVSAvoidflow path frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path frame is divided into multiple sealing sections with separate sealing structures. Each flow path (anolyte flow path and catholyte flow path) has its own sealing mechanism, allowing independent sealing optimization. The frame is segmented into regions with different consolidation requirements, enabling targeted sealing solutions for different functional areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A double sealing structure acts as an intermediary between the flow path frame and the membrane assembly. This intermediary sealing system includes both primary and secondary sealing layers that prevent electrolyte leakage without requiring complete consolidation of the entire frame structure, thus maintaining reliability while limiting complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If flow path cross-sectional area is increased to enhance electrolyte flow rate, then productivity improves, but device volume and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte flow rateVSAvoidflow path frame volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply increasing the cross-sectional area of flow paths in traditional dimensions, the design utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization within the flow path frame. The flow paths are configured to exploit available vertical and lateral spaces efficiently, achieving enhanced flow rates through sophisticated spatial arrangement rather than brute-force volume increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow paths incorporate curved and optimized geometries that improve fluid dynamics characteristics. Curved flow path designs reduce turbulence and improve flow distribution, enabling higher effective flow rates without proportionally increasing the overall frame volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If flow paths are distributed to evenly impregnate electrolytes, then reaction uniformity improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte distribution uniformityVSAvoidflow path frame fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path distribution system is segmented into multiple independent channels that can be manufactured as separate components. Each channel is designed to deliver electrolyte to specific regions, and the segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall fabrication complexity while achieving uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the flow path frame are designed with locally optimized flow path configurations tailored to specific functional requirements. Each local region has flow paths sized and positioned to achieve uniform electrolyte impregnation in that particular area, rather than using a uniform design throughout the entire frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration effectively prevents electrolyte leakage, enhances flow rates, and ensures even distribution, thereby improving the battery's performance and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

an anolyte and a catholyte circulate on opposite sides of the membrane and ions are exchanged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

a pump generating supply pressure of the electrolyte being supplied from the electrolyte tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11011759B2Redox flow battery

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 STANDARD ENERGY INC

AI summary

A redox flow battery includes a flow path frame provided with a flow path conveying an electrolyte introduced into a fixing frame having a flow path for introducing and discharging an electrolyte supplied from outside. The flow path frame is provided with an inflow path connected to the flow path of the fixing frame and an outflow path discharging the electrolyte to an impregnation part conveying the electrolyte to a reaction surface of a membrane, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte that is caused by a difference between supply pressure and circulation pressure of the electrolyte.