Stack-Type Flow Energy Storage System for High Power and Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional super capacitors have low energy density, which limits their use as next-generation energy storage devices, and existing energy storage systems face issues with stability and output characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A stack-type flow energy storage system is developed, utilizing a stack-type electrode cell composed of externally-supplied slurry and a slurry storage tank, where unit cells with a cathode, separation membrane, and anode are connected in parallel or series, and slurry storage tanks manage the electrode material and electrolyte mixture for enhanced energy density and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional super capacitors are used, then rapid charging and discharging characteristics are achieved, but energy density remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the super capacitor into two independent parts: a conventional super capacitor unit for rapid charging/discharging and a flow capacitor unit for energy storage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the super capacitor provides high power characteristics while the flow capacitor provides high energy density through external slurry circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conventional super capacitor structure with a flow capacitor system by connecting the super capacitor unit in parallel with flow capacitor units. The slurry storage tanks and circulation system are integrated with the electrode cell, creating a hybrid system that combines the high power density of super capacitors with the high energy density of flow capacitors
2Quantity of substance
If lithium secondary batteries are used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but output characteristics and lifetime are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the energy storage function (handled by the flow capacitor with large-capacity slurry tanks) from the power delivery function (handled by the super capacitor unit). This segmentation allows the flow capacitor to provide high energy storage capacity while the super capacitor maintains excellent output characteristics and rapid response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode material from solid (in conventional batteries) to fluid slurry that can be externally circulated. This parameter change enables the electrode material to be replenished and replaced, significantly extending the system lifetime while maintaining high energy storage capacity through adjustable slurry volume
3Reliability
If solid electrolyte and polymer protector are used, then stability is maximized, but this approach differs from the flow energy storage problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrolyte from a solid or confined liquid state and transforms it into a circulatory slurry system that flows between external storage tanks and the electrode cell. This extraction allows the electrolyte to be independently optimized for stability while the flow system provides flexibility for energy storage, separating the stability function from the energy storage function
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 system significantly improves stability, output, and energy density, enabling efficient energy storage and supply for various applications, including mobile appliances, hybrid vehicles, and renewable energy systems, while maintaining high-power characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane for separating the cathode and the anode
Implementation Method 2
the slurry being prepared by mixing an electrode material for a super capacitor with an electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is stack-type flow energy storage system. More particularly, the system includes a stack-type electrode cell composed of fluidic electrode material mixed with an electrolyte and storage tank for the electrode material, thereby remarkably improving stability, output and energy density. The stack-type flow energy storage system is advantageous in that unit cells, each consisting of a cathode, a separation membrane and an anode, are connected in parallel or in series to each other to make a stack cell, thus remarkably increasing output power. Further, the stack-type flow energy storage system is advantageous in that the sizes of slurry storage tanks connected to an electrode cell are adjusted, thus determining the required specification of energy density.