Sealed Redox Battery With Self-Circulating Electrolyte Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercialization of redox flow batteries (RFBs) is hindered by low reliability, low efficiency, high system complexity, and lower power and energy densities compared to other electrochemical storage technologies, leading to increased costs and complexity in design and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sealed redox battery that eliminates the need for external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems by using self-circulating electrolytes within the battery cell, reducing system complexity and improving power and energy density through a sealed casing and ion exchange membrane configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems from the redox flow battery system. By integrating the electrolyte reservoirs directly into the battery cell structure and using natural convection for electrolyte circulation, the system removes complex external components while maintaining electrolyte flow functionality, thereby reducing system complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrolyte reservoirs with the battery cell structure, creating an integrated sealed unit. The positive and negative electrolyte reservoirs are positioned adjacent to their respective electrodes within the same sealed casing, eliminating the need for separate external tanks and connecting piping, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pumping system with natural convection-driven electrolyte circulation. By positioning the electrolyte reservoirs adjacent to the electrodes and utilizing density differences created during electrochemical reactions, the system achieves electrolyte flow without mechanical pumps, eliminating pump energy consumption and improving overall system efficiency.
3Device complexity
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but power and energy densities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the electrolyte reservoirs are positioned adjacent to and integrated with the electrode structures within the sealed battery cell. This compact nested arrangement maximizes the active material volume per unit total volume, thereby increasing both power density and energy density while eliminating external tanks and piping.
4Device complexity
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but design and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems from the redox flow battery system. By integrating the electrolyte reservoirs directly into the battery cell structure and using natural convection for electrolyte circulation, the system removes complex external components while maintaining electrolyte flow functionality, thereby reducing system complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-circulating electrolyte system where the electrolyte flows naturally through density-driven convection currents generated during electrochemical reactions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pumping systems, reducing both manufacturing complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements while improving system reliability.
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 enhances the reliability and efficiency of the redox battery, improving power and energy density by up to 2-50 times and reducing system complexity, making it more suitable for commercial implementation and mass production.
Implementation Method 1
an ion exchange membrane separating the positive electrolyte reservoir and the negative electrolyte reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a first redox couple configured to undergo a first redox half reaction and a second redox couple configured to undergo a second redox half reaction
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology generally relates to energy storage devices, and more particularly to redox batteries. In one aspect, a redox battery comprises a first half cell and a second half cell. The first half cell comprises a positive electrolyte reservoir comprising a first electrolyte contacting a positive electrode and has dissolved therein a first redox couple configured to undergo a first redox half reaction. The second half cell comprises a negative electrolyte reservoir comprising a second electrolyte contacting a negative electrode and has dissolved therein a second redox couple configured to undergo a second redox half reaction. The redox battery additionally comprises an ion exchange membrane separating the positive electrolyte reservoir and the negative electrolyte reservoir. The first half cell, the second half cell and the ion exchange membrane define a redox battery cell that is sealed in a casing.