Sealed Redox Battery Cell With Self-Circulating Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercialization of redox flow batteries (RFBs) is hindered by their high complexity, low reliability, low efficiency, large system footprint, and high system complexity, which lead to reliability failures, high operational costs, and reduced energy storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
The development of sealed redox batteries that eliminate the need for external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems by using self-circulating electrolytes within sealed half-cells, thereby reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but device complexity and system footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems from the redox flow battery system. The electrolyte circulation function is integrated directly into the battery cell structure itself, removing the need for separate external circulation infrastructure and significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrolyte storage and circulation functions into the battery cell structure. The electrolyte reservoirs are integrated within the cell housing, and the flow channels are built into the electrode structures, combining multiple functions (storage, circulation, reaction) into a unified compact design.
2Ease of operation
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the electrolyte flow channels are embedded within the electrode structures, and the electrolyte reservoirs are integrated into the cell housing. This nesting approach allows the circulation system to occupy the same spatial envelope as the electrochemical reaction components, minimizing the overall system footprint.
3Reliability
If sealed battery cell design is used, then reliability is improved, but pressure buildup may occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas-permeable membrane as an intermediary component between the sealed battery cell interior and the external environment. This membrane allows gases and pressure to be regulated and released while maintaining the sealed configuration, thus preventing pressure buildup without compromising the reliability benefits of the sealed design.
4Productivity
If electrolyte volume is increased for better circulation, then self-circulation is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar flow channels to three-dimensional serpentine and porous flow path structures. This dimensional change allows the electrolyte to traverse a much longer effective path length and cover larger electrode surfaces within a compact volume, improving circulation efficiency without proportionally increasing the electrolyte volume or device size.
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
Sealed redox batteries achieve improved reliability, efficiency, and power/energy density, reducing operational costs and simplifying system design, making them more suitable for widespread commercialization.
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.