Patents by Inventor Rudolf Winter
Rudolf Winter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220328857Abstract: A system and method for a flowing electrolyte battery enables compression plates to be produced from a uni-directional glass fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite. The system includes: a cell stack of electrodes and separators, with a compression plate consisting of thermoplastic composite with uni-directional glass fibre reinforcement layers, with at least one layer of the uni-directional glass fibre configured in a direction perpendicular to a direction of another layer of uni-directional glass fibre; at least one integral manifold adjacent to the cell stack configured to seal the cell stack; and side plates consisting of thermoplastic composite with a plurality of uni-directional glass fibre layers configured in a direction perpendicular to the compression plates, the side plates consisting of at least one surface layer of a first end layer or a second end layer of thermoplastic composite having less uni-directional glass fibre content than another layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2020Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: RedFlow R&D Pty LtdInventors: Alexander Rudolf Winter, Thomas John
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Patent number: 10707469Abstract: A separator for a flowing electrolyte battery, and a method of forming such a separator, enable improved efficiency in a flowing electrolyte battery. The separator includes a sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A first spacer element is disposed on the first surface, and a second spacer element is disposed on the second surface. The first spacer element is wider than the second spacer element in a direction that is both parallel to the first and second surfaces and perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the first and second spacer elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: RedFlow R&D Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Patent number: 10549462Abstract: A method of forming an integral manifold adjacent a cell stack of a flowing electrolyte battery enables improved bonding of a molten material to the battery cell stack. The method includes defining a mould cavity adjacent the cell stack, with the mould cavity open to capillary openings of half cells of the cell stack; locating a plurality of pins in the mould cavity, with end regions of the pins being contiguous with the capillary openings; preheating the mould cavity by passing a fluid into a first end of the mould cavity and out of a second end of the mould cavity; and filling the mould cavity with molten material.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: REDFLOW R&D PTY. LTD.Inventors: Alexander Rudolf Winter, Thomas John
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Patent number: 10535861Abstract: A flowing electrolyte battery can be quickly and safely electrically stripped using electrolyte. The battery includes: a stack comprising a plurality of electrodes; a negative electrolyte circuit coupled to the stack, for circulating negative electrolyte through the stack; a positive electrolyte circuit coupled to the stack, for circulating positive electrolyte through the stack; and a valve coupling the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit. The valve includes a closed configuration that prevents flow of electrolyte between the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit, and an open configuration that enables flow of electrolyte from at least one of the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit to the other of the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit. The valve is opened and closed by changes in pressure differences between the positive and the negative electrolyte circuits.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: RedFlow R&D Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Patent number: 10403887Abstract: An electrode and a method of manufacturing an electrode for a flowing electrolyte battery enable improved robustness and reduced manufacturing costs of bipolar electrodes for flowing electrolyte batteries. The electrode includes a polymer sheet having a first side and a second side; a graphite layer on the first side; and an activated carbon layer on the second side.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Redflow R&D Pty Ltd.Inventors: Alexander Rudolf Winter, Thomas John
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Patent number: 9899689Abstract: An electrode plate, method for manufacturing an electrode plate, and method of testing an electrode plate enable efficient production of robust flowing electrolyte batteries. The method of testing an electrode plate includes forming a frangible portion in the electrode plate; providing a seal around a periphery of the electrode plate, wherein the periphery extends across the frangible portion; applying a gas adjacent a surface on a first side of the electrode plate; and detecting whether there is a presence of the gas adjacent a surface on a second side of the electrode plate, if the electrode plate passes testing, the frangible portion is removed from the electrode plate to define a cut-away region. The electrode plate is then positioned in a battery cell stack including a plurality of other electrode plates. A manifold is then attached to the cell stack adjacent the cut-away region of the electrode plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: REDFLOW R&D PTY LTDInventors: Alexander Rudolf Winter, Thomas John
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Publication number: 20170210045Abstract: A method of forming an integral manifold adjacent a cell stack of a flowing electrolyte battery enables improved bonding of a molten material to the battery cell stack. The method includes defining a mould cavity adjacent the cell stack, with the mould cavity open to capillary openings of half cells of the cell stack; locating a plurality of pins in the mould cavity, with end regions of the pins being contiguous with the capillary openings; preheating the mould cavity by passing a fluid into a first end of the mould cavity and out of a second end of the mould cavity; and filling the mould cavity with molten material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2015Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Alexander Rudolf Winter, Thomas John
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Publication number: 20170170444Abstract: A separator for a flowing electrolyte battery, and a method of forming such a separator, enable improved efficiency in a flowing electrolyte battery. The separator includes a sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A first spacer element is disposed on the first surface, and a second spacer element is disposed on the second surface. The first spacer element is wider than the second spacer element in a direction that is both parallel to the first and second surfaces and perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the first and second spacer elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Applicant: RedFlow R&D Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Rudolf WINTER
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Publication number: 20160380264Abstract: An electrode and a method of manufacturing an electrode for a flowing electrolyte battery enable improved robustness and reduced manufacturing costs of bipolar electrodes for flowing electrolyte batteries. The electrode includes a polymer sheet having a first side and a second side; a graphite layer on the first side; and an activated carbon layer on the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Alexander Rudolf WINTER, Thomas JOHN
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Publication number: 20160254553Abstract: An electrode plate, method for manufacturing an electrode plate, and method of testing an electrode plate enable efficient production of robust flowing electrolyte batteries. The method of testing an electrode plate includes forming a frangible portion in the electrode plate; providing a seal around a periphery of the electrode plate, wherein the periphery extends across the frangible portion; applying a gas adjacent a surface on a first side of the electrode plate; and detecting whether there is a presence of the gas adjacent a surface on a second side of the electrode plate, if the electrode plate passes testing, the frangible portion is removed from the electrode plate to define a cut-away region. The electrode plate is then positioned in a battery cell stack including a plurality of other electrode plates. A manifold is then attached to the cell stack adjacent the cut-away region of the electrode plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: RedFlow R&D Pty LtdInventors: Alexander Rudolf WINTER, Thomas JOHN
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Publication number: 20160111706Abstract: A flowing electrolyte battery can be quickly and safely electrically stripped using electrolyte. The battery includes: a stack comprising a plurality of electrodes; a negative electrolyte circuit coupled to the stack, for circulating negative electrolyte through the stack; a positive electrolyte circuit coupled to the stack, for circulating positive electrolyte through the stack; and a valve coupling the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit. The valve includes a closed configuration that prevents flow of electrolyte between the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit, and an open configuration that enables flow of electrolyte from at least one of the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit to the other of the positive electrolyte circuit and the negative electrolyte circuit. The valve is opened and closed by changes in pressure differences between the positive and the negative electrolyte circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: April 21, 2016Applicant: Redflow R&D Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Patent number: 9225042Abstract: A method of forming passages of an integral manifold adjacent a cell stack of a flowing electrolyte battery provides enhanced sealing between the manifold and capillary tubes of the cell stack. The method includes forming a mould cavity adjacent the cell stack, with the mould cavity open to capillary openings of cells of the cell stack. A plurality of pins are then located in the mould cavity, with end regions of the pins being contiguous with the capillary openings. The mould cavity is then filled with material and the material is allowed to solidify into a moulded section. The pins are then removed from the moulded section, thereby forming passages in the moulded section which are in fluid communication with the capillary openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: RedFlow R&D Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Publication number: 20150229141Abstract: A flowing electrolyte battery system and a method of maintaining a flowing electrolyte battery system is provided. The flowing electrolyte battery system includes a power bus, a maintenance bus, and a plurality of flowing electrolyte batteries switchedly connected to the power bus or the maintenance bus. A bi-directional converter connects the maintenance bus and the power bus, and the bi-directional converter includes a step-up mode, for creating a positive potential difference between the maintenance bus and the power bus, and a step-down mode, for creating a negative potential difference between the maintenance bus and the power bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2013Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Patent number: 9099722Abstract: A recombinator for a flowing electrolyte battery comprises a housing defining a reaction chamber for receiving a halogen source and a hydrogen source. A catalyst is located within the reaction chamber to catalyze the formation of hydrogen halide from the halogen source and the hydrogen source and substantially all of the halogen source, hydrogen source and hydrogen halide within the reaction chamber are maintained in gaseous form.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Redflow R&D Pty Ltd.Inventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Publication number: 20120308867Abstract: A flowing electrolyte reservoir system for a flowing electrolyte battery. The system comprises an outer electrolyte tank and an inner electrolyte tank placed under a battery cell stack. The inner tank is transversely positioned between opposite corners of the outer electrolyte tank, and beneath opposite corners of the battery cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: REDFLOW PTY LTD.Inventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Publication number: 20120270079Abstract: A zinc-bromine flowing electrolyte battery comprising a negative electrolyte pump to circulate negative electrolyte within a negative electrolyte circulation path, a positive electrolyte pump to circulate positive electrolyte within a positive electrolyte circulation path and having complexed bromine located within a positive electrolyte tank, the positive electrolyte tank in fluid communication with the positive electrolyte circulation path. In use, preferential activation of either of the negative electrolyte pump or the positive electrolyte pump will determine whether positive electrolyte only or a positive electrolyte and complexed bromine mix are circulated within the positive electrolyte circulation path.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: REDFLOW PTY LTDInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Patent number: 8293390Abstract: A cell stack (700) as provided enables a flowing electrolyte battery to have a reduced size and weight. The cell stack (700) includes a casing having a positive polarity end and a negative polarity end. A plurality of half cells (805) are inside the casing, and each half cell (805) includes an electrode plate (705), an adjacent separator plate (715), and at least one capillary tube (727) positioned between the electrode plate (705) and the adjacent separator plate (715). The capillary tube (727) has a first end extending outside of the half cell (805) and a second end located inside the half cell (805). At least one manifold (530) is in hydraulic communication with a plurality of capillary tube ends including the first end of the capillary tube (727) in each half cell (805). The capillary tube (727) in each half cell (805) enables electrolyte to circulate through the plurality of half cells (805) via the at least one manifold (530).Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Redflow Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Publication number: 20120202095Abstract: A recombinator for a flowing electrolyte battery comprises a housing defining a reaction chamber for receiving a halogen source and a hydrogen source. A catalyst is located within the reaction chamber to catalyse the formation of hydrogen halide from the halogen source and the hydrogen source and substantially all of the halogen source, hydrogen source and hydrogen halide within the reaction chamber are maintained in gaseous form.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: REDFLOW PTY LTDInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Publication number: 20110206960Abstract: A method of forming passages of an integral manifold adjacent a cell stack of a flowing electrolyte battery provides enhanced sealing between the manifold and capillary tubes of the cell stack. The method includes forming a mould cavity adjacent the cell stack, with the mould cavity open to capillary openings of cells of the cell stack. A plurality of pins are then located in the mould cavity, with end regions of the pins being contiguous with the capillary openings. The mould cavity is then filled with material and the material is allowed to solidify into a moulded section. The pins are then removed from the moulded section, thereby forming passages in the moulded section which are in fluid communication with the capillary openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: RedFlow Pty Ltd.Inventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
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Publication number: 20100119937Abstract: A cell stack (700) as provided enables a flowing electrolyte battery to have a reduced size and weight. The cell stack (700) includes a casing having a positive polarity end and a negative polarity end. A plurality of half cells (805) are inside the casing, and each half cell (805) includes an electrode plate (705), an adjacent separator plate (715), and at least one capillary tube (727) positioned between the electrode plate (705) and the adjacent separator plate (715). The capillary tube (727) has a first end extending outside of the half cell (805) and a second end located inside the half cell (805). At least one manifold (530) is in hydraulic communication with a plurality of capillary tube ends including the first end of the capillary tube (727) in each half cell (805). The capillary tube (727) in each half cell (805) enables electrolyte to circulate through the plurality of half cells (805) via the at least one manifold (530).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: REDFLOW PTY LTDInventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter