Sealed Redox Battery Architecture Without Tanks or Pumps
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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 conventional redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but system complexity increases and power/energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolyte circulation function into the battery cell structure itself by integrating flow channels directly into the electrode assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external tanks and pumping systems, reducing system complexity while improving reliability through fewer external components and connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery design enables self-circulating electrolyte flow through passive flow channels within the electrodes. The electrolyte circulates automatically driven by pressure gradients and concentration differences during charge/discharge cycles, eliminating the need for active pumping systems and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Power
If external electrolyte tanks and pumping systems are used in conventional redox flow batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but power and energy density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolyte storage and circulation functions directly within the battery cell by integrating flow channels into the electrode structure. This eliminates the need for separate external tanks and piping, increasing the active material volume fraction and thereby improving power and energy density while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional electrode structure to a three-dimensional flow channel network within the electrodes. This dimensional integration allows electrolyte to access more active material simultaneously, increasing power density while maintaining a compact, integrated structure without external tanks.
3Power
If sealed casing with ion exchange membrane is used, then power and energy density improve, but pressure buildup may occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible or expandable sealing structure that can accommodate pressure variations during operation. The sealed casing is designed with pressure-relief features or flexible elements that allow controlled expansion, preventing dangerous pressure buildup while maintaining the sealed configuration needed for high power and energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion exchange membrane acts as an intermediary that selectively allows ion transport while preventing bulk electrolyte mixing. This maintains the sealed configuration and high density while managing internal pressure through controlled ion flow, preventing pressure buildup without sacrificing the density benefits of the sealed design.
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, reduces system complexity, and facilitates modularized implementation and mass production, addressing the limitations of conventional RFBs.
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
Implementation Method 3
the first and second electrolytes self-circulate within respective ones of the first and second half cells
Implementation Method 4
self-circulate within respective ones of the first and second half cells
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.