Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.

Abstract: A spill and leak containment system for a liquid electrolyte battery such as a zinc-bromine battery. The system includes one-piece, electrolyte reservoirs with pump mountings and other openings positioned at or near the tops of each reservoir. Positioning the openings at the tops of the reservoirs reduces the amount of electrolyte that might spill out of them, in the event of a leak or breach in the seal between the opening and the component mounted therein. The pump openings are surrounded by sumps, which will catch and contain liquid if there is a leak. To help contain vapor leaks, the invention also includes a vapor recovery system coupled to reservoir when it is filled with or emptied of electrolyte. The vapor recovery system allows for an exchange of vapors to occur between an electrolyte container and the battery reservoir while electrolyte fluid is being transferred.

Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.

Abstract: A method of restoring electrochemical activity to an electrode of a battery. The battery is a bipolar, electrochemical flow battery including a predetermined number of electrochemical cells and an electrolyte. The method includes reversing the direction of the normal cycling current through the battery, and may include lowering the pH of the electrolyte in the battery.

Abstract: An energy storage system including a housing adapted to rest on a supporting surface. The housing has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each of a predetermined number of the plurality of openings has a door mounted therein. The housing includes a sump, and located inside the housing are one or more racks. Each of the racks is adapted to hold a plurality of energy storing devices. The racks may include sliding shelves or energy storing device access mechanisms which permit each energy storing device to be moved from a first position to a second position. In addition, and optionally, the racks may be mounted on wheels so that they may be moved within the housing in order to provide access to the energy storing devices mounted thereon.

Abstract: An electric energy storing device constructed from uniquely designed components. Each component includes a first nonconductive frame, having an opening and a predetermined perimeter. Mounted, by its peripheral edge, on the first nonconductive frame, is a plastic sheet, having a centrally positioned opening. The plastic sheet may be made from conductive carbon plastic or from nonconductive, ion-permeable plastic. Mounted to the centrally positioned opening of the plastic sheet is a second nonconductive frame. Each of the frames has a weld bead thereon and a plurality of components are welded together to form an operational device. The provision of a second, centrally located weld prevents deformation or defection at the center of the welded components.

Abstract: A module for liquid electrolyte, electric energy storing devices. The module includes a double-walled container having an innerwall and an outerwall and a rim. The container includes a first well for holding liquid electrolyte electric energy storing devices and which is defined by the inner wall. The container also includes a first electrolyte reservoir having a shelf and a lid for covering the first reservoir. The innerwall and outerwall define a second electrolyte reservoir which surrounds the first electrolyte reservoir so that the first and second reservoirs are in nested relationship. The reservoirs are designed so that a physical puncture of the module will cause the electrolyte from the first reservoir to mix with the electrolyte from the second before it leaks from the module.

Abstract: An improved capacitor including a plurality of plastic frame mounted electrode and separator inserts. The plastic frame mounted electrode and separator inserts are oriented in alternating succession, and have a carbon paste placed therebetween. The capacitor includes terminal electrodes through which electric charge may flow. The capacitor also includes a pair of rigid endblocks.

Abstract: A battery including a plurality of bipolar electrodes and non-conductive separators, each having first and second surfaces. A carbon coating is applied on the first surface of each of the plurality of carbon plastic electrodes, and each separator is disposed in spaced, sandwich relation with respect to two of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes and separators define a plurality of electrochemical cells, including a plurality of anodic half-cells, and a plurality of cathodic half-cells. A high surface area carbon material is disposed in, and completely fills, each cathodic half-cell, and an electrolyte is disposed in each half-cell. A spacer is disposed in each anodic half-cell. The spacer may be a mesh or screen made from polymeric material. The spacer may also be an aggregated glass mat.

Abstract: Improvements in the end block design for zinc/bromine batteries include modification of the end block configuration which previously has included rigid resin covers and end block plates with a honeycomb structure sandwiched therebetween. Such prior structures were used adjacent to terminal electrode frames. In the present invention, the terminal electrodes are preferably contained within the end plate, thereby eliminating two components used in prior zinc/bromine battery design and the end block itself is formed from two components by building a rib structure into the plate and cover and welding the two components together to join the ribs and form an integral and structurally sound unit. The end block configuration could be used for bipolar lead-acid batteries or other types of flowing or non-flowing batteries or capacitors.