Ultrasonic Flow-Cell Status Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the charging/discharging status of a flow-cell pack require extra power, leading to performance degradation and complex calculations, making it difficult to accurately and rapidly adjust related parameters.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic device with a simple structure, comprising ultrasonic detection devices, electrolyte storage tanks, and actuators, connected to the flow-cell pack's outlets and inlets, senses sonic vibrations to detect charging/discharging status without additional power, allowing for precise and rapid adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a test device is connected to obtain charging/discharging curves and calculate status through integral function, then charging/discharging status can be detected, but extra power supply is required which destroys the performance of the flow-cell pack itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging/discharging status detection accuracyVSAvoidperformance degradation due to extra power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (contrast agent) that modifies the electrical properties of the electrolyte temporarily during measurement. This contrast agent allows the test device to detect charging/discharging status without requiring extra power supply that would harm the flow-cell pack, as the contrast agent enables signal detection through its effect on electrical conductivity rather than through direct power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the electrolyte by introducing a contrast agent with different conductivity characteristics. This parameter change enables the detection system to distinguish between charging and discharging states through conductivity measurements, eliminating the need for extra power supply while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If integral function calculation is used to obtain charging/discharging status from curves, then status information can be acquired, but complex calculation is required which does not accurately and rapidly obtain the status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging/discharging status detection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption for complex calculation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/mathematical calculation system (integral function of area) with an electrical measurement system. By measuring electrical conductivity directly, the system obtains charging/discharging status information without requiring complex integral calculations, thus achieving both accuracy and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an electrical copy or proxy measurement of the charging/discharging status through conductivity measurement. Instead of calculating status from voltage-current curves, the system directly measures an electrical parameter (conductivity) that correlates with the charge state, providing rapid and accurate status detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If extra power supply is used for detection, then charging/discharging status can be detected, but adjustment of related parameters becomes difficult due to lack of accurate information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging/discharging status detection capabilityVSAvoidparameter adjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flow-cell pack's electrolyte itself serves as the measurement medium through its natural electrical conductivity properties. By measuring the conductivity of the electrolyte directly, the system obtains accurate charging/discharging status information without external power interference, enabling easy and informed parameter adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate and rapid detection of charging/discharging status without harming the flow-cell pack's performance, facilitating easy parameter adjustments without extra power supply.

Implementation Method 1

ultrasonic detection devices are separately connected to the outlets of the flow-cell pack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS9406962B2Ultrasonic device detecting charging/discharging status of flow-cell pack

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH

AI summary

A device is provided for detecting a charging and discharging status of a flow-cell pack. During charging and discharging course of the flow-cell pack coordinated with electrolyte storage tanks and actuators, ultrasonic sensors of ultrasonic detection devices are used to sense sonic vibration generated by fluid flow in the flow-cell pack. Thus, the charging and discharging status of the flow-cell pack is detected for adjusting related parameters. The present invention has a simple structure, runs without using extra power supply, does not hinder performance of flow cell, and obtains charging and discharging status of flow cell accurately and rapidly.