VRFB Electrolyte Purification Using Hydrocyclone and Fine Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for purifying vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) electrolytes are inadequate for on-site processing, particularly when shipping electrolyte as a gel, as they require dilution with water and lack efficient impurity removal techniques.

Innovation Solution

A portable commissioning subsystem that includes a filter system with fine-media filters rated less than 2 microns, coupled with a hydrocyclone, to purify VRFB electrolytes on-site by reducing the oxidation state and mechanically separating impurities, ensuring effective impurity removal and electrolyte purification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If electrolyte is shipped as a gel in densified form, then shipping efficiency and storage density are improved, but on-site purification capability and impurity removal efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte storage densityVSAvoidon-site purification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The purification system is divided into separate functional modules: a hydrocyclone for bulk impurity removal and fine-media filters for final polishing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates on-site assembly and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A portable commissioning subsystem is introduced as an intermediary between the shipped gel electrolyte and the VRFB system. This subsystem contains all necessary purification components (hydrocyclone, filters, pumping system) to transform the densified gel into purified liquid electrolyte ready for battery commissioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional filtration systems are used, then impurity removal is achieved, but system complexity and equipment size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpurity removal effectivenessVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex multi-stage mechanical filtration systems with a hydrocyclone that uses centrifugal force generated by fluid dynamics. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical moving parts while achieving effective impurity separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrocyclone utilizes hydraulic principles to generate centrifugal force through controlled fluid flow. The tangential inlet creates a vortex that separates impurities from electrolyte based on density differences, eliminating the need for external mechanical driving mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If filtration is performed at high oxidation state, then processing speed is improved, but impurity precipitation and filter clogging worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte processing speedVSAvoidfilter clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrocyclone performs preliminary impurity removal before the electrolyte enters the fine-media filters. By removing bulk impurities first through centrifugal separation, the subsequent filtration stage operates with cleaner feed, preventing rapid filter clogging and extending filter life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous electrolyte circulation through the purification train, with the hydrocyclone operating continuously to prevent filter loading. The integrated design ensures uninterrupted purification action throughout the commissioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables efficient on-site purification of VRFB electrolytes, maintaining high purity and stability, even when shipped in a densified gel form, by effectively removing impurities and promoting precipitation, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of VRFB systems.

Implementation Method 1

The solid precipitate is mechanically separated while the oxidation state is below 3.0 using a flow-through porous filter or a hydrocyclone to purify the electrolyte solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

a filter system with fine-media filters rated less than 2 microns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The oxidation state of the solution is reduced from the initial average oxidation state to a oxidation state below 3.0 to cause the at least one impurity to precipitate out as a solid precipitate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250023080A1System and Method for On-Site VRFB Electrolyte Purification

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 STORION ENERGY LLC

AI summary

There is provided a VRFB commissioning subsystem and process to purify a VRFB electrolyte on-site. In an embodiment, a reference VRFB system is combined with a portable commissioning system for preparing and provisioning a purified electrolyte solution to the VRFB. This on-site purification is especially synergistic with shipping of electrolyte as a gel since the electrolyte can be produced in a densified form and not diluted with water until it is on site.