Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a permeable fuel electrode configured to support a metal fuel thereon, and an oxidant reduction electrode spaced from the fuel electrode. An ionically conductive medium is provided for conducting ions between the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes, to support electrochemical reactions at the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes. A charging electrode is also included, selected from the group consisting of (a) the oxidant reduction electrode, (b) a separate charging electrode spaced from the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes, and (c) a portion of the permeable fuel electrode. The charging electrode is configured to evolve gaseous oxygen bubbles that generate a flow of the ionically conductive medium. One or more flow diverters are also provided in the electrochemical cell, and configured to direct the flow of the ionically conductive medium at least partially through the permeable fuel electrode.

Abstract: A metal-halogen flow battery system includes a stack of flow cells, an electrolyte reservoir and one or more of a concentrated halogen return line fluidly connecting the stack to the reservoir, a venturi, a mixer, a concentrated halogen pump, or a concentrated halogen line heater.

Abstract: A modular arrangement of cells that enables adjustments in cell currents in response to changes in concentration of the redox reactants. The adjustments improve battery efficiency by more closely matching the current in a given cell to the rate at which reactants are supplied to that cell. The cell modules provide the flexibility to operate flow batteries efficiently over a wide range of electrolyte states of charge and allow managed scale-up while easing manufacturability concerns.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved electrochemical cell stacks having at least one protective channel on an end of the stack. Redox flow batteries (RFBs) containing the “protected” electrochemical cell stacks, and methods of operating such RFBs, are also provided.

Abstract: Various methods of rebalancing electrolytes in a redox flow battery system include various systems using a catalyzed hydrogen rebalance cell configured to minimize the risk of dissolved catalyst negatively affecting flow battery performance. Some systems described herein reduce the chance of catalyst contamination of RFB electrolytes by employing a mediator solution to eliminate direct contact between the catalyzed membrane and the RFB electrolyte. Other methods use a rebalance cell chemistry that maintains the catalyzed electrode at a potential low enough to prevent the catalyst from dissolving.

Abstract: Taylor Vortex Flow galvanic electrochemical cells (100, 300, 500) such as batteries, flow cells and fuel cells for converting chemical energy into electrical energy and comprising a cylindrical spinning particulate filter (140, 230) between static cylindrical current collectors (106, 108) for use with electrolytes containing galvanic charge transfer particles (200, 242, 380, 420) functioning as numerous miniature electrodes and means for pumping electrolyte through the filter to produce accelerated reaction electrochemistry for higher cell power density are disclosed.

Abstract: A flow battery reservoir includes a reservoir housing, an electrolyte inlet configured to provide an electrolyte mixture containing a liquid metal-halide electrolyte solution and a complexed halogen phase at or toward a stagnant zone in a lower portion of the reservoir, and an electrolyte outlet configured to outlet the liquid metal-halide solution from the reservoir. The electrolyte outlet is positioned such that in use the liquid metal-halide solution flows upward against the force of gravity to reach the electrolyte outlet while the complexed halogen phase settles in the stagnant zone.

Abstract: The invention provides in various embodiments methods and systems relating to controlling energy storage units in flowing electrolyte batteries.

Abstract: A flow battery system and method are provided. The flow battery system may include a feed system feeding positive electrolyte from a first storage tank to a positive inlet of a battery stack and negative electrolyte from a second storage tank to a negative inlet of the battery stack, a return system returning charged electrolyte from the battery stack to the first and second storage tanks, and a controller to selectively control at least one of the feed system and the return system so positive electrolyte, from the first storage tank, is applied a negative charge by the battery stack and then returned by the return system to the second storage tank, and so negative electrolyte, from the second storage tank, is applied a positive charge by the battery stack and then returned by the return system to the first storage tank.

Abstract: An energy storage device is provided that includes a separator having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines at least a portion of a cathodic chamber, and the second surface defines an anodic chamber. The cathodic chamber includes an alkali metal halide that forms an ion that is capable of conducting through the separator. The anodic chamber has a volume that is filled with a consumable fluid. The amount of the consumable fluid is greater than 90 percent by volume of the anodic chamber volume. Furthermore, the consumable fluid is reactive with an ionic species of the alkali metal halide. A method of sealing the energy storage device is also provided.

Abstract: Li-Ion/Polysulfide flow battery systems are provided to achieve high energy density and long service life. The system is configured to minimize corrosion of the lithium electrode by providing an electrochemical reactor comprising a first and a second electrode configured in spaced apart relation defining an inter-electrode channel through which the sulfur electrolyte is caused to flow.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes at least one electrochemical cell having an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, a reservoir configured to store an electrolyte and a mass distribution measuring device. The mass distribution measuring device includes at least one of a scale, a first pressure sensor located in a lower portion of the reservoir and a second pressure sensor located in an upper portion of the reservoir, or at least one strain gauge or load cell configured to measure a change a weight of the at least one electrochemical cell.

Abstract: RFBs having solid hybrid electrodes can address at least the problems of active material consumption, electrode passivation, and metal electrode dendrite growth that can be characteristic of traditional batteries, especially those operating at high current densities. The RFBs each have a first half cell containing a first redox couple dissolved in a solution or contained in a suspension. The solution or suspension can flow from a reservoir to the first half cell. A second half cell contains the solid hybrid electrode, which has a first electrode connected to a second electrode, thereby resulting in an equipotential between the first and second electrodes. The first and second half cells are separated by a separator or membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of redox flow battery systems having modular reactant storage capabilities. Accordingly to various embodiments, a redox flow battery system may include an anolyte storage module configured to interface with other anolyte storage modules, a catholyte storage module configured to interface with other catholyte storage modules, and a reactor cell having reactant compartments in fluid communication with the anolyte and catholyte storage modules. By utilizing modular storage modules to store anolyte and catholyte reactants, the redox flow battery system may be scalable without significantly altering existing system components.

Abstract: A method is provided for mitigating hydrogen evolution within a flow battery system that includes a plurality of flow battery cells, a power converter and an electrochemical cell. The method includes providing hydrogen generated by the hydrogen evolution within the flow battery system to the electrochemical cell. A first electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and a reactant is sensed, and the sensed current is used to control an exchange of electrical power between the flow battery cells and the power converter.

Abstract: A method of operating a redox flow battery includes a step of observing a difference in relative volume between the anolyte fluid volume and the catholyte fluid volume. The ionic molality of anolyte fluid is increased if the relative volume of the anolyte fluid decreases. A redox flow battery having balanced anolyte and catholyte initial ionic molalities is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for mitigating electrolyte migration in a redox flow battery system. A first parameter of a first electrolyte in a first flow path of a redox flow battery cell block may be measured. The first flow path may have an inlet to and an outlet from the redox flow battery cell block. A second parameter of a second electrolyte in a second flow path of the redox flow battery cell block may be measured. The second flow path may have an inlet to and an outlet from the redox flow battery cell block. The first parameter may be detected to be greater than the second parameter. A first device coupled to the redox flow battery cell block in the second flow path may be operated to increase the second parameter in the second flow path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a battery system includes a negative electrode, a separator adjacent to the negative electrode, a positive electrode separated from the negative electrode by the separator, the positive electrode including an electrode inlet and an electrode outlet, an electrolyte including about 5 molar LiOH located within the positive electrode, and a first pump having a first pump inlet in fluid communication with the electrode outlet and a first pump outlet in fluid communication with the electrode inlet and controlled such that the first pump receives the electrolyte from the electrode outlet and discharges the electrolyte to the electrode inlet during both charge and discharge of the battery system.

Abstract: A metal flow-through battery is provided, with ion exchange membrane. The flow-through battery is primarily made up of an anode slurry, a cathode slurry, and a hydroxide (OH?) anion exchange membrane interposed between the anode slurry and the cathode slurry, The anode and cathode slurries are both aqueous slurries. The anode slurry includes a metal, and associated oxides, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn). The cathode slurry includes a chemical agent such as nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), nickel (II) hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), manganese oxide (MnO2), manganese (II) oxide (Mn2O3), iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), iron (III) oxide (FeO), iron (III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)), or combinations of the above-referenced materials. A method is also provided for forming a voltage potential across a flow-through battery.

Abstract: A battery is provided with an associated method for transporting metal-ions in the battery using a low temperature molten salt (LTMS). The battery comprises an anode, a cathode formed from a LTMS having a liquid phase at a temperature of less than 150° C., a current collector submerged in the LTMS, and a metal-ion permeable separator interposed between the LTMS and the anode. The method transports metal-ions from the separator to the current collector in response to the LTMS acting simultaneously as a cathode and an electrolyte. More explicitly, metal-ions are transported from the separator to the current collector by creating a liquid flow of LTMS interacting with the current collector and separator.

Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage device includes at least one cell having at least one cathode, one anode, and one electrolyte which enables a current flow from the anode to the cathode. The electrochemical storage device is connected to a reservoir which contains a cover layer-forming additive.

Abstract: A system and method is presented that uses solar power driven expansion of an electrolytic solution to force the electrolytic solution from a container through at least one pore of an insulator having a fixed surface charge of one polarity into a collection receptacle. The velocities of the cations and anions flowing through the pore differ because of the fixed surface charge of the pore and this produces an electrical charge separation, the streaming potential, as a source of electrical power. Energy absorption spans the full solar spectrum including infrared, visible and near ultraviolet wavelengths.

Abstract: A Flow Cell System that utilizes a Vanadium Chemistry is provided. The flow cell system includes a stack, storage tanks for electrolyte, and a rebalance system coupled to correct the electrolyte oxidation state. Methods of rebalancing the negative imbalance and positive imbalance in the flow cell system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An accumulator with an accumulator housing, having at least one cell changer, with several electrodes and liquid electrolyte in each cell chamber with at least one wall element in the cell chambers to divide the cell chambers into at least two intercommunicating volume chambers. In the lower region of the volume chambers is a communicating connection for the liquid electrolyte between the volume chambers and a pressure equalization connection between the volume chambers is arranged in the upper region of the volume chambers to assure an equivalent air pressure in the intercommunicating volume chambers.

Abstract: Contemplated electrochemical devices and methods include an electrolyte flow path in which substantially all of the electrolyte has laminar flow. A segmented electrode contacts the electrolyte, and each of the segments in the segmented electrode is preferably coupled to a control device to provide control over the flow of current to and/or from the electrolyte. Thus, it should be appreciated that the redox state of the electrolyte can be changed in a single-pass through the flow path, which effectively eliminates problems associated with mass transport phenomena and reduced current efficiency.

Abstract: A power converter may include an uncharged tank for storing fluid including uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may include a plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells configured to receive the fluid from the uncharged tank and an input voltage, and charge the uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may also include a charged tank configured to receive fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells. The power converter may also include a first pump configured to pump the fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells to the charged tank. The power converter may include a plurality of series-connected reaction cells configured to receive fluid from the charged tank and provide electric power at an output voltage.

Abstract: A metal-halogen flow battery system includes a stack of flow cells, an electrolyte reservoir and one or more of a concentrated halogen return line fluidly connecting the stack to the reservoir, a venturi, a mixer, a concentrated halogen pump, or a concentrated halogen line heater.

Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.

Abstract: A fuel cell system (100) includes: a circulation pump (50) provided on a fuel gas circulation channel (27) so as to circulate a fuel gas; a pump temperature detection portion (420) that detects a temperature of the circulation pump (50); a warmup portion that warms up the circulation pump; a pump control portion (410) that drives the circulation pump; and a breakdown determination portion (450) that determines whether the circulation pump has broken. At the start of the fuel cell system, if the pump temperature detected by the pump temperature detection portion (420) is below the melting point of water, the warmup portion warms the circulation pump, and the pump control portion (410) drives the circulation pump (50). If the pump temperature is higher than or equal to the melting point of water and the rotation speed of the circulation pump (50) is less than a predetermined speed, the breakdown determination portion (450) determines that the circulation pump (50) has broken.

Abstract: A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.

Abstract: A system for distributing energy among a plurality of power consumers may include a plurality of reaction cells configured to receive electrolytes and provide electric power. The system may also include a first tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including positively charged electrolytes and a second tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including negatively charged electrolytes. The system may also include at least one pump configured to pump fluid among the plurality of reaction cells and the first and second tanks. The system may include a controller configured to control operation of the at least one pump based on a desired power supply to at least one of the plurality of power consumers.

Abstract: A spiral-wound convection battery device has flow in and out of the ends with flow proceeding through flow-permeable electrodes. In the preferred configuration electrolyte flows, reverse flows, or pressure-pulse reverse flows between an electrode and counter electrode through a flow-permeable separator. The preferred configuration is as a novel stacked-cell spiral-wound battery.

Abstract: A method for producing power from a liquid reserve battery. The method including heating a liquid electrolyte and forcing the heated liquid electrolyte into gaps dispersed in a battery cell.

Abstract: A battery pack system and a liquid leakage detection method thereof are provided. The battery pack system comprises battery cells, a isolated liquid and a battery box containing the isolated liquid. The battery cells are soaked in the isolated liquid. The battery box is formed with a isolated liquid outlet and a isolated liquid inlet. The outlet is connected together with the inlet via a circulation pump and a liquid separation device to form a circulation passage. When electrolyte leakage occurs to any of the battery cells, the electrolyte is separated into the liquid separation device and detected by a detection component. The present disclosure encloses the leaked electrolyte into the fire-retardant isolated liquid to prevent the electrolyte from contacting with the air so as to improve the safety of the battery box body.

Abstract: A flow battery system includes an ON mode, and OFF mode and a STANDBY mode. The ON mode enables access to a full energy capacity of the flow battery system with regard to an amount of electric power that can be drawn from or stored to the flow battery system. The OFF mode disables access to the full energy capacity and the STANDBY mode enables access to a portion of the full energy capacity.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: Li-Ion/Polysulfide flow battery systems are provided to achieve high energy density and long service life. The system is configured to minimize corrosion of the lithium electrode by providing an electrochemical reactor comprising a first and a second electrode configured in spaced apart relation defining an inter-electrode channel through which the sulfur electrolyte is caused to flow.

Abstract: An embodiment relates an electrochemical system. The system includes (a) at least one cell that comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a reaction zone between the first and second electrode. The system also includes (b) a liquefied halogen reactant (c) at least one metal halide electrolyte and (d) a flow circuit configured to deliver the halogen reactant and the at least one metal-halide electrolyte to the at least one cell. The flow circuit includes an electrolyte reservoir and a halogen reactant/electrolyte separation device comprising a halophilic material.

Abstract: Provided are a redox flow battery (RF battery) in which a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte are supplied to a battery cell including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a membrane, to charge and discharge the battery, and a method of operating the RF battery. The positive electrode electrolyte contains a manganese ion, or both of a manganese ion and a titanium ion. The negative electrode electrolyte contains at least one type of metal ion selected from a titanium ion, a vanadium ion, a chromium ion, a zinc ion, and a tin ion. The RF battery can have a high electromotive force and can suppress generation of a precipitation of MnO2 by containing a titanium ion in the positive electrode electrolyte, or by being operated such that the positive electrode electrolyte has an SOC of not more than 90%.

Abstract: An energy storage device is provided that includes a reservoir in operative communication with a positive electrode such that the positive electrode remains fully flooded, even at the top of the charge cycle. The device more particularly includes a housing receiving therein, in a coaxial manner, an ion conducting member, and a current collector member received coaxially within the ion conducting member. In this device, a first region is provided in the space between the housing and the ion conducting member and a second region is provided in the space between the ion conducting member and the current collector member. The interior of the current collector member defines a reservoir having a certain volume at least equal to the volume of the void space created in the second region during charging of the device.

Abstract: A battery case is disposed in a decompression chamber. An electrolyte in an aeration tank is injected into the battery case in the decompression chamber using a liquid injection nozzle. By exposing the electrolyte to an ambient pressure in the decompression chamber within the aeration tank before supplying the electrolyte to the liquid injection nozzle, a pressure of the electrolyte is regulated to a pressure in the decompression chamber, and gas molecules in the electrolyte are separated therefrom. By providing the aeration tank, an efficiency with which the gas molecules are separated from the electrolyte is improved, and as a result, the electrolyte is injected into the battery case smoothly.

Abstract: High performance flow batteries, based on alkaline zinc/ferro-ferricyanide rechargeable (“ZnFe”) and similar flow batteries, may include one or more of the following improvements. First, the battery design has a cell stack comprising a low resistance positive electrode in at least one positive half cell and a low resistance negative electrode in at least one negative half cell, where the positive electrode and negative electrode resistances are selected for uniform high current density across a region of the cell stack. Second, a flow of electrolyte, such as zinc species in the ZnFe battery, with a high level of mixing through at least one negative half cell in a Zn deposition region proximate a deposition surface where the electrolyte close to the deposition surface has sufficiently high zinc concentration for deposition rates on the deposition surface that sustain the uniform high current density.

Abstract: An electrochemical system, such as a flow battery, includes a vessel. The vessel contains at least one cell that includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a reaction zone between the first and second electrodes. The vessel also contains a flow circuit configured to deliver a fluid comprising a liquefied halogen reactant and at least one metal halide electrolyte to the at least one cell, and at least one sensor configured to measure a property of the electrochemical system indicative of a state of charge (SOC) of the electrochemical system.

Abstract: A redox flow battery system is provided with one or more tanks for containing electrolytes. Embodiments of electrolyte tanks include active and/or passive dividers within a single tank structure. Dividers may be configured to prevent mixing of a charged electrolyte and a discharged electrolyte stored within a single tank.

Abstract: A leak detection sensor for detecting a leakage of an electrolyte solution in a flow battery system is provided. The sensor includes a sensor housing, the sensor housing being at least partially surrounded by a fluid and having mounted therein at least one light source.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a vanadium redox battery that interfaces with a control system to optimize performance and efficiency. The control system calculates optimal pump speeds, electrolyte temperature ranges, and charge and discharge rates. The control system instructs the vanadium redox battery to operate in accordance with the prescribed parameters. The control system further calculates optimal temperature ranges and charge and discharge rates for the vanadium redox battery.

Abstract: A flow battery and method of operating a flow battery. The flow battery includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a reaction zone located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The flow battery is configured with a first electrolyte flow configuration in charge mode and a second flow configuration in discharge mode. The first electrolyte flow configuration is at least partially different from the second electrolyte flow configuration.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a flow cell battery is provided. The electrolyte includes a concentration of chromium ions that is greater than the concentration of iron ions.

Abstract: A flow battery system includes a flow battery stack, a sensor and a coolant loop. The flow battery stack has an electrolyte solution flowing therethrough, and the sensor is in communication with the electrolyte solution. The coolant loop is in heat exchange communication with the electrolyte solution, wherein the heat exchange communication is selective based on an output from the sensor.

Abstract: A separable mobile terminal device includes a main module to execute main functions in order to drive a mobile terminal and a user module to inform a user of visual and aural elements. At least one of the main module and the user module has a control unit to determine whether to execute the interworking between the main module and the user module depending on whether the main module and the user module are connected and whether the interworking between the main module and the user module is required. Each of the main module and the user module has an interface unit to enable data transmission/reception between the modules, and a battery to supply driving power to each respective module. Each of the main module and the user module has a connection means, so that the main module and the user module can be connected with or separated from each other via the connection means.