Redox Flow Battery Pulse Charging for Stable High-Density Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redox flow batteries face challenges in maintaining high energy density due to the instability of ion concentrations in the electrolyte, leading to oxide precipitation and degradation, which reduces battery capacity and causes electrolyte flow issues.
Innovation Solution
A redox flow battery operation method that performs charge and discharge at a current density of at least 250 mA/cm2, incorporating a process that stabilizes the precipitated solid phase in the electrolyte, including pulse charging and discharging, and controlling the charge state to prevent sedimentation and maintain high energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the ion concentration in the electrolyte is increased to improve energy density, then the energy density is improved, but oxide precipitation occurs which reduces battery capacity and causes electrolyte flow issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a pulse charging method where the charging current is applied intermittently rather than continuously. This periodic current application prevents continuous oxide precipitation, allowing the electrolyte to maintain high ion concentration without excessive oxide formation that would reduce battery capacity and cause flow issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging parameter from constant current to pulsed current with specific duty cycles and frequencies. By modifying the current application pattern, the system can maintain high ion concentration in the electrolyte while controlling oxide precipitation through the periodic nature of the charging process.
2Quantity of substance
If the ion concentration in the electrolyte is increased to improve energy density, then the energy density is improved, but oxide precipitation occurs which causes electrolyte flow issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse charging method with periodic current application prevents excessive oxide precipitation that would clog the electrolyte flow paths. The intermittent charging allows high ion concentration to be maintained while the periodic nature of the process prevents continuous oxide formation that would impede electrolyte circulation.
3Reliability
If charge is performed at low current density, then oxide precipitation is reduced, but energy density cannot be maintained due to ion concentration instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed charging to achieve both ion concentration stability and high energy density. The pulsed current pattern allows sufficient charging to maintain high ion concentration while the periodic interruptions prevent excessive oxide precipitation, thereby maintaining both stability and energy density simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the current application through pulsing rather than using a static low current density. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high energy density through sufficient total charge while maintaining ion concentration stability by preventing continuous oxide formation.
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
The method allows for the stable existence of the precipitated solid phase in the electrolyte, preventing degradation and enhancing the battery's energy density and electrolyte flow stability.
Implementation Method 1
a redox flow battery operation method for performing charge and discharge by circulating an electrolyte between a tank and a first battery cell
Implementation Method 2
manganese oxide (MnO2) can be precipitated along with charge and discharge
Implementation Method 3
the precipitation of the manganese oxide is prevented by containing titanium ions in addition to the manganese ions in the positive electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
A redox flow battery operation method that performs charge and discharge by circulating an electrolyte between a tank and a first battery cell, the method includes a main process performing the charge at a current density greater than or equal to 250 mA/cm2.