JPH0644996A - Electrolyte flow type battery apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent wasteful consumption of an active material of electrolyte so as to make high effective charge and discharge operation possible by providing an electrolyte supply stop means for stopping battery units to receive the electrolyte by being activated in response to short-circuiting of each of the battery units. CONSTITUTION:If a rated inter-terminal voltage of electrolyte flow type battery units A11-A25 of each of an electrolyte type battery apparatus 3 is V volt, when switches SW11-SW25 provided on the battery units A11-A25 are turned on or off, the interterminal voltage of the units A11-A25 change to 0 volt or V volt. By driving the apparatus 3 in response to such switching operation, the inter- terminal voltage of the apparatus 3 can be adjusted across six levels between 0-V volt in a unit of V volt. The apparatus 3 include valves BPS11-BPS25, BNS1-BNS25, etc., as electrolyte supply stopping means for stopping supply of the electrolyte from the electrolyte supply means. Therefore, the supply of the electrolyte is stopped by closing the valves PBS11-PBS25, BNS11-BNS25, etc., in response to the turning on of respective switches SW11-SW25 of short- circuiting circuits SC11-SC25.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in an electrolytic solution flow type battery device using an electrolytic solution flow type battery such as a redox flow type battery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various new batteries have been developed as a battery device for storing electric power, which replaces pumped storage power generation.

Among such new batteries, for example, redox flow type batteries and electrolyte flow type batteries such as zinc bromine batteries have received particular attention.

The structure and operating principle of the electrolyte flow type battery device will be described below by taking a redox flow type battery as an example.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a redox flow battery. Referring to FIG. 9, the redox flow battery 31 includes a battery reaction cell 32, a positive electrode liquid tank 33, and a negative electrode liquid tank 34.

The inside of the battery reaction cell 32 is partitioned by a diaphragm 35 made of, for example, an ion exchange membrane, and one side constitutes a positive electrode cell 32a and the other side constitutes a negative electrode cell 32b.

A positive electrode 36 is accommodated in the positive electrode cell 32a, and a negative electrode 37 is accommodated in the negative electrode cell 32b.

The positive electrode cell 32a and the positive electrode liquid tank 33 are
The positive electrode liquid supply conduit 38 that supplies the positive electrode liquid from the positive electrode liquid tank 33 to the positive electrode cell 32a is connected to the positive electrode liquid recovery conduit 39 that recovers the positive electrode liquid from the positive electrode cell 32a to the positive electrode liquid tank 33.

A pump 40 is provided in the positive electrode liquid supply conduit 38 as a means for circulating and circulating the positive electrode liquid.
The positive electrode liquid can be circulated and circulated between the positive electrode cell 32 a and the positive electrode liquid tank 33.

On the other hand, the negative electrode cell 32b and the negative electrode liquid tank 34
Means a negative electrode liquid supply conduit 41 for supplying the negative electrode liquid from the negative electrode liquid tank 34 to the negative electrode cell 32b, and the negative electrode liquid for the negative electrode cell 3
It is connected to the negative electrode liquid recovery pipe line 42 for collecting the negative electrode liquid from 2b to the negative electrode liquid tank 34.

A pump 43 is provided in the negative electrode liquid supply conduit 41 as a means for circulating and circulating the negative electrode liquid so that the negative electrode liquid can be circulated and circulated between the negative electrode cell 32b and the negative electrode liquid tank 34. It has become.

A positive electrode electrolytic solution is stored as an electrolytic solution in the positive electrode solution tank 33, and a negative electrode electrolytic solution is stored as an electrolytic solution in the negative electrode solution tank 34.

As the positive electrode electrolyte, for example, an aqueous solution of ions whose valence changes, such as iron ions, is used.
Further, as the negative electrode electrolyte, for example, an aqueous solution of ions whose valence changes such as chromium ions is used.

For example, a hydrochloric acid aqueous solution containing a positive electrode active material Fe ^{3 +} / Fe ^{2 +} is used as the positive electrode liquid electrolytic solution, and a negative electrode active material Cr ^{2 +} / Cr is used as the negative electrode electrolytic solution.
^An aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing ^{3 +} can be used.

Redox flow using such an electrolytic solution
The negative electrode liquid tank is used when charging with the battery cell 31.
Cr stored in C34^{3 +}Aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing ions
It is sent to the negative electrode cell 32b by the pump 43, and the negative electrode 37
Received electrons at Cr ^{2 +}Reduced to ions, negative
It is collected in the polar liquid tank 34.

On the other hand, Fe stored in the positive electrode liquid tank 33
^A hydrochloric acid aqueous solution containing ^{2 +} ions is sent to the positive electrode cell 32a by the pump 40, emits electrons to the external circuit at the positive electrode 36, is oxidized to Fe ^{3 +} , and is collected in the positive electrode liquid tank 33.

During discharge, the negative electrode liquid tank 3
The hydrochloric acid aqueous solution containing the Cr ^{2 +} ions stored in 4 is sent to the negative electrode cell 32b by the pump 43, emits electrons to the external circuit at the negative electrode 37, is oxidized to Cr ^{3 +} ions, and is stored in the negative electrode liquid tank 34. Be recovered.

On the other hand, Fe stored in the positive electrode liquid tank 33
^The hydrochloric acid aqueous solution containing ^{3 +} ions is sent to the positive electrode cell 32 a by the pump 40, receives electrons from the external circuit at the positive electrode 36, is reduced to Fe ^{2 +} ions, and is collected in the positive electrode liquid tank 33.

In such a redox flow battery, the charge / discharge reaction at the positive electrode 36 and the negative electrode 37 is
It becomes like the following formula.

[0020]

[Chemical 1]

An electromotive force of about 1 V is obtained by the above charge / discharge reaction. When using such a redox flow battery as an electrolyte flow battery device, it is necessary to stack a large number of battery reaction cells to obtain a practical voltage.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a specific example of a conventional electrolyte flow type battery unit.

Referring to FIG. 10, this electrolyte flow type battery device 44 includes a battery cell stack CS in which a plurality of battery reaction cells 45 are stacked.

The battery reaction cell 45 includes a bipolar plate 47, a negative electrode plate 48, a diaphragm 49, a positive electrode plate 50, and a bipolar plate 51.

The battery cell stack CS has a structure in which a large number of these components including the bipolar plate 47, the negative electrode plate 48, the diaphragm 49, and the positive electrode plate 50 of the battery reaction cell 45 described above are laminated in this order.

The electrolyte flow type battery unit 44 is
The positive electrode and the negative electrode are provided with an electrolytic solution circulation means for circulating the electrolytic solution.

That is, the frames 47f, 48f and 50f are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the bipolar plate 47, the negative electrode plate 48 and the positive electrode plate 50.
Are fixedly provided.

Formed on the frames 47f, 48f, 50f and the diaphragm 49 are manifolds M which serve as passages for supplying the electrolytic solution to the positive electrode cells and the negative electrode cells of the battery reaction cells.

Bipolar plate 5 at one end of the battery cell stack CS
At 2, a positive electrode liquid supply manifold 52Ma and a negative electrode liquid supply manifold 52Mb are formed.

Further, the bipolar plate 52 of the battery cell stack CS
The bipolar plate 53 at one end opposite to the positive electrode liquid recovery manifold 53Ma and the negative electrode liquid recovery manifold 52M.
b is formed.

The battery cell stack CS is provided with a terminal plate 54 and a terminal plate 55 so as to sandwich the bipolar plate 52 and the bipolar plate 53 at both ends thereof.

The terminal plate 54 and the terminal plate 55 are provided with a lead wire 54l and a lead wire 55l.

When a charging / discharging operation is performed using this electrolyte flow type battery unit 44, a positive electrode liquid supply pipe line (not shown) is connected to the positive electrode liquid supply manifold 52Ma to collect the positive electrode liquid. A pipe line (not shown) is connected to the positive electrode liquid recovery manifold 53Ma, and the positive electrode liquid is circulated and circulated to the positive electrode cells of the respective battery reaction cells included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 44.

Similarly, a negative electrode liquid supply conduit (not shown) is connected to the negative electrode liquid supply manifold 52Mb, and a negative electrode liquid recovery conduit (not shown) is connected to the negative electrode liquid recovery manifold 5.
3 Mb connected, the positive electrode liquid is an electrolyte flow type battery device 44
And is circulated to the negative electrode cell of each battery reaction cell included in.

The input power for charging and / or the output power for discharging are input / output through the lead wire 54l and the lead wire 55l.

By the way, the electrolyte flow type battery unit 44
In such a conventional electrolyte flow type battery device, the terminal voltage of the electrolyte flow type battery unit is uniquely determined by the number of battery reaction cells stacked in the battery cell stack included in the electrolyte flow type battery unit. Determined.

Therefore, in such a conventional electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit responds to changes in the input power for charging and / or the output power for discharging. The voltage between the terminals of the battery unit cannot be set to an optimal voltage, and highly efficient charge / discharge operation cannot be performed.

An electrolytic solution flow type battery device in which one large electrolytic solution flow type battery unit is used as an electrolytic solution flow type battery device and the voltage between its terminals can be varied is as follows:
Abstract of the 29th battery discussion held in Ube from 19th to 21st of October p. 169-p. The electrolyte flow type battery device described in 170 is known.

However, as a practical electrolytic solution flow type battery device, in order to obtain a practical voltage, one of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units such as the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 44 described above is used, Rather than stacking a large number of battery reaction cells that form a battery cell stack until a desired terminal voltage is obtained, an electrolyte solution flow type that includes a battery cell stack in which a certain number of battery reaction cells are stacked Battery devices are said to be preferred.

That is, in the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device comprising one electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit in which a large number of battery reaction cells are stacked until the desired terminal voltage is obtained, the battery cell forming the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit is used. When a failure occurs in a part of the battery reaction cells that are stacked as a stack, it is necessary to stop the operation of the entire electrolytic solution flow type battery device, and in the battery cell stack, many battery reaction cells are common. Since they are connected by the electrolytic solution, a leakage current is generated through piping such as a manifold, so that when a number of battery reaction cells are stacked and used as a battery cell stack,
This is because the charge / discharge efficiency of the entire electrolyte solution type battery device gradually decreases.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are schematic views each showing a specific example of an electrolyte solution flow type battery device including a plurality of conventional electrolyte solution flow type battery units.

Referring to FIG. 11, an electrolytic solution flow type battery device 57 shown in FIG. 11 is a conventional electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{1 1} , D _{1 2} , D _{1 3} , D _{1 4} , D ₁₅ 5 units are connected in series.

Each electrolyte flow type battery unit D
_{11 to} D ₁₅ are electrolytic solution flow type battery units having the same rating, and each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{11 to} D
Each of ₁₅ has the same structure as the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit 44 shown in FIG. 10, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here.

Further, in FIG. 11, for the sake of simplicity, only the supply side of the circulation paths of the positive electrode liquid and the negative electrode liquid is drawn, and the recovery side is omitted. That is, in FIG. 11, for each electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{11 to} D ₁₅
Each of the two electrolytic solution supply pipes, that is, only the positive electrode liquid supply pipe and the negative electrode liquid supply pipe are connected to each other. The recovery conduit, that is, the positive electrode liquid recovery conduit and the negative electrode liquid recovery conduit are connected.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58 shown in FIG. 12 includes ten conventional electrolytic solution flow type battery units D _{11 to} D ₂₅ .

Each electrolyte flow type battery unit D
_{11 to} D ₂₅ are electrolytic solution flow type battery units of the same rating, and each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{11 to} D 25
_Since each ₂₅ has the same structure as the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 44 shown in FIG. 10, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Further, in FIG. 12, of the circulation paths of the positive electrode liquid and the negative electrode liquid, only the supply side is shown, and the recovery side is omitted, for ease of explanation. That is, in FIG. 12, for each electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{11 to} D ₂₅ ,
Each of the two electrolytic solution supply pipes, that is, only the positive electrode liquid supply pipe and the negative electrode liquid supply pipe are connected to each other. The recovery conduit, that is, the positive electrode liquid recovery conduit and the negative electrode liquid recovery conduit are connected.

[0048]

However, in the conventional electrolytic solution flow type battery device, the terminal voltage of each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit constituting the electrolytic solution flow type battery device is different from each other. As a result of being uniquely determined by the number of battery reaction cells stacked in the flow-through type battery unit, the inter-terminal voltage of the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device is also uniquely determined.

[0049] For example, the rated voltage between the terminals of the electrolytic solution flow-cell device 57 each of the electrolyte flow-cell unit D _{1 1} ~D _{1 5} which are connected in series as shown in FIG. 11 when the U-bolts (V) The voltage between terminals of the electrolyte flow type battery device 57 is uniquely determined to be 5 U volts (V).

Further, the electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 1} to
When the rated charge / discharge power of each D ₁₅ is W watt (W), the charge / discharge power of the electrolyte flow type battery device 57 is uniquely determined to be 5 W watt (W).

Further, in an electrolytic solution flow type battery device such as the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 57 shown in FIG. 11, for example, when the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{1 1} fails, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{When 11} is removed from the electrolyte flow type battery device 57 for repair or the like, the electrolyte flow type battery device 57 is removed.
The circuit is cut, it is impossible to drive the remaining four electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 2} ~D _{1 5,} there arises a problem that must stop driving of the entire electrolyte flow-cell device 57 .

In addition, when the charging / discharging operation is performed in a state in which the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit D ₁₁ is connected to the electrolyte flow type battery device 57, the electrolyte flow type battery device 57 is used.
Current through the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{1 1} to D
Flowing through ₁₅ . As a result, an increase in the internal resistance of the malfunctioning electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₁ causes a problem that the charge / discharge efficiency of the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 57 as a whole decreases.

Similarly, each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58 shown in FIG.
When the _{1 1} to D ₂ between ₅ rated terminal voltage and U-bolts (V), the voltage between the terminals of the electrolytic solution flow-cell device, uniquely determined and 5U volts (V).

Similarly, assuming that the rated charge / discharge power of each of the electrolyte solution type battery units D _{11 to} D ₂₅ is W watt (W), the charge / discharge power of the electrolyte solution type battery device 58 is It is uniquely determined as 10W watt (W).

Further, in an electrolytic solution flow type battery device such as the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58 shown in FIG. 12, for example,
When the electrolyte flow type battery unit D ₁₁ is broken, the electrolyte flow type battery unit D ₁₁ is removed from the electrolyte flow type battery device 58 for repair or the like.
1 row electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{1 1} connected in series to D _{1 5} circuit included in the 8 is cut, the first row of the remaining four electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 2} ~ D _{1 5} driving becomes impossible, the electrolyte flow-cell device 58 then drives the five electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 1} to D _{2 5,} is necessary to continue the discharge operation Occurs.

In this case, the electrolyte flow type battery unit D
_{In the second} line where _{2 1 to} D ₂₅ are connected in series, the normal 2
Double current flows. In other words, as a result of the amount of work during the charge and discharge to be distributed to the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 1} to D _{2 5} each connected in series to the second line is increased, the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 In} each of _{1 to} D ₂₅ , it becomes an overcharged state or an overdischarged state, an exothermic reaction occurs, electrolysis of water occurs, or it can be taken out by the internal resistance of each electrolyte flow type battery The electric power is reduced, and the charge / discharge efficiency is significantly reduced.

When a charging / discharging operation is performed with the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit D ₁₁ connected to the electrolyte flow type battery device 58, the current flowing through the electrolyte flow type battery device 58 is 1 The electrolytic solution flow type battery units D _{11 to} D ₁₅ connected in series in the second row are the electrolytic solution flow type connected in series in the second row by the amount of the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₁ internal resistance increases compared with the battery unit D _{2 1} ~D _{2 5.}

Therefore, the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 is used.
The current flowing through 8 is the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₁ ~
From the first row of D _{1 5} are connected in series, it flows more through the second row of the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 1} to D _{2 5} are connected in series.

That is, the electrolyte flow type battery unit D
_{2 1} to D ₂ to ₅ second line connected in series is usually more current flows. In other words, as a result of the amount of work during the charge and discharge to be distributed to the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 1} to D _{2 5} each connected in series to the second line is increased, the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 In} each of _{1 to} D ₂₅ , due to an overcharged state or an overdischarged state, an exothermic reaction occurs, a side reaction such as electrolysis of water occurs, or the internal resistance of each electrolyte flow type battery unit causes , The power that can be taken out to the outside will decrease.

On the other hand, in the first line, the power source connected in series is connected.
Dissolution flow type battery unit D_{1 1}~ D _{1 5}Current flowing through
Is an electrolyte flow type battery unit D_{1 1}~ D_{1 5}Flow through
It As a result, the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit D
_{1 1}Due to the increase in the internal resistance of the
Electrolyte flow type battery unit D in the first row of No. 8_{1 1}~ D₁₅of
The charging / discharging efficiency is significantly reduced.

That is, in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58, when the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{1 1} fails,
When the charging / discharging operation is performed in a state where the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 1} is connected to the electrolyte flow type battery device 58, each electrolyte flow type battery unit included in the electrolyte flow type battery device 58. An imbalance occurs in the work amount distributed to D _{11 to} D ₂₅ , and the electrolyte flow type battery device 58
The charging / discharging efficiency as a whole is significantly reduced.

Further, referring to FIG. 12, an electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{1 1} and an electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{2 1}
If There failed, for repair or the like and the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{1 1} and the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 1,} when removed from the electrolyte flow-cell device 58, the electrolyte flow-cell device 58 connected in series in the first row and the circuit of the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{1 1} to D _{1 5} included, connected in series in the second line the electrolyte communication type battery unit D _{2 1} to D
Both the circuit of No. _{25 and} the circuit of No. ₂₅ are disconnected, and the remaining four fourth electrolytic solution flow type battery units D _{12 to} D _{15 in the first} row and the remaining four electrolytic solution flow type battery units D _{2 2 in the} second row. It becomes impossible to drive a total of eight electrolytic solution flow type battery units of D to D < _b > ₂₅ , which causes a problem that the driving of the entire electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58 must be stopped.

Further, when the charging / discharging operation is performed in a state in which the malfunctioning electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 1} and the malfunctioning electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{2 1} are connected to the electrolyte flow type battery device 58. The current flowing through the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58 flows through the electrolytic solution flow type battery units D _{11 to} D ₁₅ connected in series in the first row and the electrolytic solution flow type connected in series in the second row. flowing the battery unit D _{2 1} ~D _{2 5.} As a result, the charging / discharging efficiency of the entire electrolyte flow type battery device 58 decreases due to the increase in the internal resistance of the malfunctioning electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 1} and the malfunctioning electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{2 1.} Cause problems.

Further, referring to FIG. 12, in electrolyte solution type battery device 58 shown in FIG. 12, for example, electrolyte solution type battery unit D _{1 2} fails and electrolyte solution type battery unit D _{1 2} is replaced. Electrolyte flow type battery device 58 for repair etc.
Immediately after or after the removal, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₁ and the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D are removed.
_{If the} short circuit is connected between ₁₃ and the electrolyte flow type battery device 58, the remaining nine electrolyte flow type battery units D _{1 2 to} D ₂₅ are driven to continue the charging / discharging operation. can do.

However, in such a state,
Electrolyte flow type battery unit D connected in series in the first row
_{1 1, D 1 3 ~D 1} 5 has failed results electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 2} is removed, the electrolyte flow-connected in series with the second line cell unit D _{2 1} to D Compared with the internal resistance of _25, the internal resistance is reduced by one electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D _{1 2} unit.

Therefore, this electrolyte flow type battery device 5 is used.
The current flowing through 8 is the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₂₁ ~
From the _second line in which D ₂₅ is connected in series, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₂ is removed and the electrolytic solution flow type battery units D ₁₁ and D _{13 to} D ₁₅ are connected in series. More flow in the first line.

That is, the electrolyte flow type battery unit D
_{1 2} is removed and the electrolyte flow type battery units D _{1 1} , D
_{1 3} to D ₁ to ₅ is the first row which are connected in series is usually more current flows. The first line of each of the electrolyte flow-cell unit D ₁ connected in series to _1, D _{1 3} to D _{1 5} results workload during charge and discharge to be distributed increases, the electrolyte communication type battery unit D in _{1 1, D 1 3, D} 1 4, each of D _{1 5,} overcharged, or becomes over-discharged, or caused an exothermic reaction, or cause side reactions electrolysis such water, or, respectively Due to the internal resistance of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, the electric power that can be taken out is reduced.

[0068] On the other hand, the current flowing through the electrolyte flow-cell unit D _{2 1} to D _{2 5} connected in series to the second line, the normal following conditions. As a result, a result of the amount of work during the charge and discharge to be distributed to the second row of each of the electrolyte circulation type connected in series to the battery unit D _{2 1} to D _{2 5} decreases, the electrolyte communication type battery unit D each _{2 1} to D _{2 5} are not subjected to charging and discharging operations at a sufficiently high efficiency.

That is, in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58, when the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₂ fails,
Immediately after removing the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 2} from the electrolyte flow type battery device 58 for repair, etc.,
Or at the same time, the electrolyte flow type battery unit D _{1 1}
When the charging / discharging operation is performed in a state in which the battery unit and the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit D ₁₃ are connected to the paragraph circuit, each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units D _{1 1} and D included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 58 is included. _An imbalance or the like occurs in the work amount distributed to _{13 to} D ₂₅ , and the charging / discharging operation cannot be performed with the charging / discharging efficiency of the electrolyte flow type battery device 58 as a whole being sufficiently high.

The electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the power for input charging to the electrolytic solution flow type battery device and / or Depending on the output power for discharging, the voltage between terminals of the electrolyte flow type battery device including multiple electrolyte flow type battery units can be changed to perform highly efficient charging / discharging operation at the optimal voltage. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic solution flow type battery device that can be performed.

In addition, the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is designed so that even if some of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device fail. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic solution flow type battery unit that does not stop driving of another electrolytic solution flow type battery unit.

Further, the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is the electrolytic solution flow type battery device described above, which is capable of effectively preventing wasteful consumption of the active material of the electrolytic solution. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0073]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolyte flow type battery device, wherein a battery cell stack is formed by stacking a plurality of battery reaction cells in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are separated by a diaphragm, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units connected in series, each having an electrolytic solution flow means for circulating and circulating the liquid, and an electrolytic solution supply means for supplying the electrolytic solution to each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit. And a short-circuit means provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery units and for avoiding its own battery load, if necessary.

The electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to claim 2 is the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to claim 1, wherein each electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit is connected from the electrolytic solution supply means. Of electrolytic solution supply stopping means for stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution, the electrolytic solution supply stopping means is activated in response to the short circuit of the corresponding short circuit means of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, The battery unit stops receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution.

An electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units arranged in a plurality of rows, and each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A battery cell stack having a plurality of battery reaction cells separated by a diaphragm, and an electrolytic solution circulating means for circulating an electrolytic solution between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a plurality of electrolyzers included in each of a plurality of rows. The liquid flow type battery units are connected in series, and the plurality of columns are connected in parallel with each other. The means for supplying the electrolytic solution to each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit and the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit are respectively provided. And a short-circuit means for avoiding own battery load, if necessary.

The electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to claim 4 includes a plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units arranged in a plurality of rows, each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units being
It has a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery reaction cells in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are separated by a diaphragm are stacked, and an electrolytic solution circulation means for circulating an electrolytic solution in the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and is included in each of a plurality of rows. A plurality of electrolyte flow type battery units are connected in series, a plurality of rows are connected in parallel with each other,
A means for supplying an electrolytic solution to each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, and a short circuit means for avoiding its own battery load provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, if necessary,
Provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, including means for stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supply means, the electrolytic solution supply stopping means, depending on the short circuit of the short circuit means of the corresponding electrolytic solution flow type battery unit. And is activated to stop the supply of the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit.

The electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to claim 5 is the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the input electric power for charging, and And / or means for detecting the magnitude of the electric power for discharging the discharge, and determining the number of electrolytic solution flow type battery units to be driven in response to the magnitude of the electric power detected by the detecting means. Means and the short circuit means provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units is short-circuited or non-corresponding so as to correspond to the number of electrolytic solution flow type battery units determined by the means for determining the number of electrolytic solution flow type battery units. And a means for controlling a short-circuited state.

An electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to claim 6 is the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the terminal of each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit is used. Detecting means for detecting a defective or good electrolytic solution flow type battery unit by determining whether the inter-voltage is a predetermined value or less, and a good electrolytic solution in each row in response to the detection result of the detecting means. Means for determining the minimum number of the flow-through type battery units, and the number of good electrolyte flow-through type battery units included in each row to be driven correspond to the number determined by the minimum number determining means. like,
It further comprises means for controlling the short-circuit means provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units to a short-circuited state or a non-short-circuited state.

[0079]

The electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is a short-circuit means for each of a plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device to avoid its own battery load as necessary. have.

Therefore, each of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention has the short circuit means O for avoiding its own battery load.
By setting the N state or the OFF state, the own battery load, for example, the terminal voltage of each electrolyte flow type battery unit can be changed to 0 volt (V) or the rated terminal voltage volt (V). .

That is, in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention, the number of a plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units connected in series, which are included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device, is N, and When the rated terminal voltage of the liquid flow type battery unit is U volt (V), the short circuit means for avoiding the own battery load provided in each electrolyte flow type battery device is in the ON state or the OFF state. The voltage across the terminals of the entire electrolytic solution flow type battery device is set to 0 volt (V).
To N × U Volts (V) can be varied in N + 1 steps.

Therefore, the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is provided in each of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units connected in series, which are included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device. The short-circuiting means for avoiding its own battery load is turned on or off depending on the electric power for charging inputted to the electrolyte flow type battery device and / or the electric power for discharging outputted. To the state of
The voltage between terminals of the electrolyte flow type battery device is set to an optimal voltage, and highly efficient charge / discharge operation can be performed.

In addition, when an actual current I is applied to the electrolyte flow type battery unit, a voltage that can be used as external work,
That is, when the electromotive force is E and the internal resistance is Ri, the inter-terminal voltage U volt (V) of the electrolyte flow type battery unit is
It is expressed by Equation 1.

[0084]

## EQU1 ## U = E-IR _i Also, the electric power P that can be taken out from the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit at the time of charging / discharging is expressed by the equation 2.

[0085]

[Number 2] ^{P = UI = EI-I 2} R i Now, when the electrolyte communication type battery unit fails, the number 2
Medium, the value of R _i increases.

However, in the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to the present invention, each of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow-through type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device is provided with a short circuit for avoiding its own charge load. . That is, by turning on the short circuit that avoids the own battery load of the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit, the current flowing through the electrolyte flow type battery device flows through the short circuit side with less resistance.

Therefore, even if a charging / discharging operation is performed in a state in which the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit is connected to the electrolytic solution flow type battery device, the electrolytic resistance is increased due to an increase in the internal resistance of the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit. It is possible to effectively solve the problem that the charging / discharging efficiency of the liquid flow type battery device as a whole is lowered.

[0088]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

However, these examples are for mere explanation, and the present invention is not limited to these examples.

FIG. 1 is a diffusion exploded view schematically showing a specific example of the electrolyte solution flow type battery unit used in the electrolyte solution flow type battery device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, this electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 includes a battery cell stack CS and a short circuit SC for avoiding its own battery conversion.

The electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 1 is the same as the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 44 shown in FIG. 10 except for the following points, and the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding portions and the description thereof will be given. Is omitted.

Electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG.
However, the difference from the electrolyte flow type battery unit 44 shown in FIG. 10 is that a terminal plate 54 provided so as to hold the battery cell stack CS and a lead wire 54 provided at the terminal plate 55 are provided.
1 is provided so as to connect the lead wire 55l, and a short circuit SC is provided as a short circuit means for avoiding the own battery load, if necessary.

The short circuit SC is provided with a switch SW. When the switch SW provided in the short circuit SC is turned on, the short circuit SC is short-circuited, and when the switch SW is turned off, the short circuit SC is turned on.
Goes into a non-short-circuited state.

Lead wire 54l to which the short circuit SC is connected
The connection between the terminal board 54 and the terminal board 54 and the connection between the lead wire 55l to which the short circuit SC is connected and the terminal board 55 may be connected in a non-separable manner by welding or the like, or may be connected in a separable manner. May be.

Electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG.
However, the difference from the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit 44 shown in FIG. 10 is that the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit 1 includes an electrolytic solution supply stopping means for stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supply means. Is.

That is, the positive electrode liquid supply manifold 52
A valve BPS is connected to the connection portion between Ma and the positive electrode liquid supply conduit (not shown), and a valve BNS is connected to the connection between the negative electrode liquid supply manifold 52Mb and the negative electrode liquid supply conduit (not shown). The valve BPW is connected to the liquid recovery manifold 53Ma and the positive electrode liquid recovery conduit (not shown), and the valve BNW is connected to the negative electrode liquid recovery manifold 53Mb and the negative electrode liquid recovery conduit (not shown). Is provided, and the supply of the positive electrode liquid supplied from the positive electrode liquid and the supply of the negative electrode liquid supplied from the negative electrode liquid supply pipeline are stopped or restarted by opening / closing the valves BPS, BNS, BPW, and BNW. The point is that you can do it.

In the electrolyte solution type battery unit 1, the valves BPS, BNS, BPW, BNW are activated in response to the short circuit of the short circuit SC provided in the electrolyte solution type battery unit 1, and the electrolyte solution type battery unit 1 is activated. 1 can stop receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution of the positive electrode solution and the negative electrode solution.

Therefore, the electrolyte flow type battery unit 1
The supply of the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit 1 is stopped in response to the short circuit of the short circuit SC for avoiding its own charge load. It is possible to effectively prevent wasteful consumption of the active material that is lost due to circulation of the electrolytic solution in the state where the short circuit SC is ON in the CS.

Example 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of an electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, this electrolytic solution flow type battery device 2 includes five electrolytic solution flow type battery units A _{1 1 to} A ₁₅ similar to the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG. And each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units A _{11 to} A ₁₅ are connected in series.

Each electrolyte flow type battery unit A
_{11 to} A ₁₅ are electrolytic solution flow type battery units of the same rating, and each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{11 to} A
₁₅ is the electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts, and the description thereof will be omitted. It should be noted that in FIG. 3, the subscript number added to the end of the reference numeral indicates each electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{1 1 in} the electrolyte flow type battery device 2.
~ A ₁₅ are shown, and the addresses are shown by a matrix corresponding to the electrolyte flow type battery units A _{11 to} A ₁₅ .

Further, in FIG. 2, in order to facilitate the explanation,
Of the circulation paths of the positive electrode liquid and the negative electrode liquid, only the supply side is drawn, and the recovery side is omitted.

[0104] That is, in FIG. 2, for each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} ~A _{1 5,} 2 pieces of electrolyte supply conduit, i.e., the cathode solution supply conduit, negative electrolyte supply Although only the pipe for the purpose is connected, in addition, in addition, in addition, two pipes for collecting the electrolytic solution, that is, a pipe for collecting the positive electrode liquid,
The negative electrode liquid recovery conduit is connected.

Next, the operation of the electrolyte flow type battery device 2 will be described. Each electrolyte flow type battery unit A
_{1 1} If to A _{1 5} of the voltage between the rated terminal and U-bolts (V), the switch SW _{1 1} to SW _{1 5} provided on each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} to A _{1 5} of ON Corresponding to turning on or off, the inter-terminal voltage of each electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{11 to} A _{15 is set} to 0.
It can be changed to Volt (V) or U Volt (V).

Then, the electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{1 1}
To A _{1 5} switch SW _{1 1} provided in each of the ~SW
By operating the switch to turn ₁₅ on or off, the voltage between the terminals of the electrolyte flow type battery device 2 becomes U
Adjustable in units of Volt (V) and adjusting in 6 levels of 0 Volt (V), U Volt (V), 2U Volt (V), 3U Volt (V), 4U Volt (V), 5U Volt (V) be able to.

[0107] Further, when each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit rated discharge power of A _{1 1} ~A _{1 5} and W watt (W), each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} ~A _{1 5}
Switch SW _{1 1} ~SW _{1 5} the ON state or provided, to correspond to the state of OFF, 0 a charge-discharge electric power of each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} ~A _{1 5} It can be changed to watt (W) or W watt (W).

The electrolytic solution flow type battery devices A _{11 to} A 11
The switch operation of the switch SW _{1 1} to SW _{1 5} provided in _{1 5} the state or OFF state to ON, the charge-discharge power of the electrolyte flow-cell device 2 is variable with W watts (W) unit, 0 Watts (W), W Watts (W), 2W Watts (W), 3W Watts (W), 4W Watts (W), 5
It can be adjusted in 6 steps of W watt (W).

Therefore, this electrolyte flow type battery device 2
Is the voltage across the terminals of the electrolyte flow type battery device, which corresponds to the amount of power for charging and / or output power for discharging that is input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 2. Is set to an optimum voltage, and highly efficient charge / discharge operation can be performed.

Further, referring to FIG. 2, even if electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A ₁₁ connected in series to this electrolytic solution flow type battery device 2 fails, electrolytic solution flow type battery unit by the switch SW _{1 1} short circuit SC _{1 1} provided on the a _{1 1} to the state oN, the current flowing through the electrolyte flow-cell device 2 includes a short circuit SC _{1 1,} the electrolyte communication type battery unit a _{1 2} ~A _{1 5} the flow results,
The charging / discharging efficiency of the entire electrolyte flow type battery device 2 does not decrease due to the increase in the internal resistance of the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit A ₁₁ .

In addition, the electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{1 1} to
If the battery cell stack CS _{1 1} ~CS _{1 5} corresponding respectively with each of the short circuit SC _{1 1} ~SC _{1 5} of A _{1 5} is connected in freely form separation, other electrolyte communication type battery unit without stopping the driving of the a _{1 2} ~A _{1 5,} the battery cell stack CS _{1 1} of the failed electrolyte communication type battery unit a _{1 1} can be removed for repair or the like.

In addition, the defective battery cell stack CS ₁₁
By replacing the battery cell stack with a normal battery cell stack, the electrolyte flow type battery device 2 can be driven in a normal state.

Further, this electrolyte flow type battery device 2 is
Electrolyte supply to stop the supply of electrolyte from the electrolyte supply means
Valve BPS is used as a means to stop the supply._{1 1}~ BPS_{1 5}, B
NS _{1 1}~ BNS_{1 5}, Each electrolyte flow type battery unit
Of the positive electrode liquid recovery conduit (not shown)
Valves (not shown) installed in the
For liquid-flow battery unit, negative electrode liquid recovery conduit (Fig.
A valve (not shown) provided at the connection with (not shown)
Including.

Hereinafter, in this specification, "valve BPS"
_{1 1,} the term BNS _{1 1,} etc. ", for each of the electrolyte flow-cell unit, the valve valve BPS _{1 1} provided on the connecting portion between the cathode solution supply conduit, negative electrolyte supply pipe other BNS _{1 1} ~ provided in a connecting part between the road,
For each electrolyte flow type battery unit, a valve (not shown) provided at a connection portion with a positive electrode liquid recovery conduit (not shown) and for each electrolyte flow type battery unit, a negative electrode liquid recovery It means a valve (not shown) provided at a connection portion with a pipe line (not shown).

Therefore, this electrolyte flow type battery device 2 is used.
Is according to conventional methods, each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} to A ₁ short circuit is provided as a ₅ shorting means SC _{1 1} to SC _{1 5} of each of the switches SW _{1 1} to SW
In response to _{a 5} state to ON, it is possible to stop the supplied with electrolyte by closing these valves _{BPS 1 1 ~BPS 1 5, BNS} 1 1 ~BNS 1 5 etc. .

As described above, in the electrolyte flow type battery device 2, the short circuit of each of the electrolyte flow type battery units A _{1 1 to} A ₁₅ included in the electrolyte flow type battery device 2 is turned on. It is possible to effectively prevent wasteful consumption of the active material of the electrolytic solution which is lost by circulating and circulating the electrolytic solution through the above-described electrolytic solution flow type battery unit.

Example 2 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing one specific example of the electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, this electrolytic solution flow type battery device 3 includes ten electrolytic solution flow type battery units A _{1 1 to} A _{25 which} are similar to the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG. including.

Electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{11 to} A ₁₅
Are connected in series to form the first row.

[0120] In addition, the electrolyte flow-battery unit A _{2 1} ~
A ₂₅ are connected in series to form the second row.

[0121] Then, the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} to A _{1 5} connected in series to the first row, the second row are connected in series electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{2 1} to A _{2 5} and ₅ are connected in parallel with each other to form the electrolyte flow type battery device 3.

Each electrolyte flow type battery unit A
_{11 to} A ₂₅ are electrolytic solution flow type battery units of the same rating, and each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{11 to} A 25
₂₅ is the electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG.
The same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding portions and the description thereof will be omitted. It should be noted that in FIG. 3, the subscripts added to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective electrolyte solution flow type battery units A _{1 1 in the} electrolyte solution flow type battery device 3.
~ A ₂₅ are shown, and the addresses are shown in a matrix corresponding to the electrolyte flow type battery units A _{11 to} A ₂₅ .

Further, in FIG. 3, in order to facilitate the explanation,
Of the circulation paths of the positive electrode liquid and the negative electrode liquid, only the supply side is drawn, and the recovery side is omitted.

[0124] That is, in FIG. 3, for each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} ~A _{2 5, 2} pieces of electrolyte supply conduit, i.e., the cathode solution supply conduit and negative electrode solution for supplying Although only the conduits are connected, actually, two other electrolyte solution collecting conduits, that is, the positive electrode liquid collecting conduit and the negative electrode liquid collecting conduit are actually connected.

[0125] The electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{1 1} to A _{1 5} connected in series to the first row, the second row in the electrolytic solution flow-connected to the series battery unit A of _{2 1} to A _{2 5} Each is
The configuration is similar to that of the electrolyte flow type battery device 2 shown in FIG.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 will be described. Assuming that the rated terminal voltage of each electrolyte solution type battery unit A _{11 to} A ₂₅ is U volt (V), each electrolyte solution type battery unit A
Switches SW _{1 1 to} SW _{2 5} provided on _{1 1 to} A ₂₅
Corresponding to turning ON or OFF, the terminal voltage of each electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{11 to} A ₂₅ can be changed to 0 volt (V) or U volt (V). You can

Then, the electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{1 1}
To switches A ₁ to A _{2 5}
By operating the switch to turn ₂₅ ON or OFF, the electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{1 1} ~
And A _{1 5,} 2 line of electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{2 1} ~
By driving the electrolyte flow type battery devices 3 with the same number of A ₂₅ drives in each row, the terminal voltage of the electrolyte flow type battery devices 3 is changed in U volt (V) units, and 0 It can be adjusted in 6 levels of Volt (V), 1U Volt (V), 2U Volt (V), 3U Volt (V), 4U Volt (V), 5U Volt (V).

In this specification, the electrolytic solution flow type battery provided in each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit is used with the short-circuit means in the OFF state for avoiding its own battery load as necessary. The number of units is called the number of drives.

When the rated charge / discharge power of A ₁₁ to A ₂₅ is W watts (W) for each electrolyte flow type battery unit, the electrolyte flow type batteries included in the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 are shown. Switches SW provided in the units A _{1 1 to} A _{25
1 1} to SW _{2 5} the ON state or by the switch operation of the state OFF, the maximum 10W Watts charge and discharge power of the electrolyte flow-cell device 3, 0 watts (W) (W)
Can be changed up to.

Therefore, this electrolyte flow type battery device 3 is used.
Is the terminal voltage of the electrolyte flow type battery device in accordance with the magnitude of the power to be input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 and / or the magnitude of the power for discharge to be output. It is possible to carry out highly efficient charging / discharging operation with the voltage in the optimum state.

[0131] Further, with reference to FIG. 3, contained in the electrolytic solution flow-cell device 3, for example, it is the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} fails, the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} Switch SW of the short circuit SC ₁₁ provided in the
_{When 11} is turned on, the electric current flowing through the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 becomes short circuit S in the first row.
As a result of flowing through C ₁₁ and the electrolytic solution flow type battery units A _{12 to} A ₁₅ depending on the increase in the internal resistance of the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A ₁₁ , the electrolytic solution flow type battery device may be used as a hull. Charge / discharge efficiency does not decrease.

[0132] In addition, the electrolyte flow-battery unit A _{1 1} ~
With each of the short circuit SC _{1 1} ~SC _{2 5} of A _{2 5,} if the battery cell stack CS _{1 1} ~CS _{2 5} corresponding to each are connected by a universal form separation, other electrolyte communication type The battery cell stack CS _{11 of the} defective electrolyte flow type battery unit A ₁₁ can be removed for repair or the like without stopping the driving of the battery units A _{12 to} A ₂₅ .

The defective battery cell stack CS _{1 1}
By replacing the battery cell stack with a normal battery cell stack, the electrolyte flow type battery device can be driven in a normal state.

Further, referring to FIG. 3, if, for example, electrolyte solution flow type battery unit A _{1 1} and electrolyte solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1} included in this electrolyte solution flow type battery device 3 fail, Also, by turning on the switch SW _{1 1} of the short circuit SC ₁₁ provided in the electrolyte flow type battery unit A ₁₁ , the current flowing through the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 is reduced in the first row. a short circuit SC _{1 1,} through the electrolyte communication type battery unit a _{1 1} ~A _{1 5.}

Similarly, the switch SW of the short circuit SC _{2 1} provided in the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1
When 2 1} is turned on, the current flowing through the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 causes the short circuit S in the second row.
A C _{2 1,} flows through the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{2 2} ~A _{2 5.}

Therefore, the charging / discharging efficiency of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 3 as a whole is increased by the internal resistance of the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{1 1} or the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1} . It does not decrease with increasing internal resistance.

Further, the electrolyte flow type battery unit A_{1 1}~
A_{twenty five}Each short circuit SC_{1 1}~ SC_{twenty five}And each
Corresponding battery cell stack CS_{1 1}~ CS_{twenty five}Is separated
Other electrolyte flow type batteries, if they are connected in an
Unit A_{1 2}~ A_{1 5}, A _{twenty one}~ A_{twenty five}Stop driving
Without fail, the electrolyte flow-through type battery unit that has failed
A_{1 1}Battery cell stack CS_{1 1}And the faulty electric
Dissolution flow type battery unit A_{twenty one}Battery cell stack CS
_{twenty one}And can be removed for repairs.

Further, the defective battery cell stack CS_{1 1}
And the defective battery cell stack CS _{twenty one}Each normal power
By replacing with a pond cell stack
The pond device 3 can be driven in a normal state.

Further, the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 shown in FIG.
Each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units A _{11 to} A ₂₅ included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 3 includes an electrolytic solution supply stop means for stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supply means. There is.

That is, this electrolyte flow type battery device 3
Is an electrolytic solution for stopping the electrolytic solution supply from the electrolytic solution supply means.
As a supply stopping means, a valve BPS_{1 1}~ BPS_{twenty five},
BNS _{1 1}~ BNS_{twenty five}Including etc.

Therefore, this electrolyte flow type battery device 3 is used.
The short circuit is provided as each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} ~A _{2 5} shorting means SC _{1 1} ~SC _{2 5}
Each of the switches SW _{1 1} ~SW _{2 5} corresponds to the state of ON, these valves PBS _{1 1} ~BPS
By closing the _{2 5, BNS 1 1 ~BNS 2} 5 or the like,
The supply of the electrolytic solution can be stopped.

As a result of being constructed as described above, this electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device 3 exhibits the same effect as that of the second embodiment.

Example 3 This electrolyte flow type battery device 3 was operated according to the operation method of Example 3 shown below, and the charge / discharge efficiency of the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 was measured.

The battery characteristics of each of the electrolyte solution flow type battery units A _{11 to} A ₂₅ included in the electrolyte solution flow type battery device 3 were as follows.

Electrode area of positive electrode and negative electrode 3000 cm
² Number of battery reaction cells stacked in the battery cell stack 60 cells Rated charge / discharge power 6 kW Also, the rated charge / discharge power of the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 is 60
It is KW.

Referring to FIG. 3, when switch SW _{1 1} of short circuit SC _{1 1} provided in electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{1 1} included in electrolytic solution flow type battery device 3 is turned on. At the same time, valve BPS ₁₁ and valve BNS
A short circuit SC provided in the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1} while closing the four valves such as _{1 1 1} to make the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{1 1} stop receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution. and at the same time _{2 1} of the switch SW _{2 1} to the state oN, the valve BPS _{2 1,} 4, such as a valve BNS _{2 1}
With two valves closed and the electrolyte flow type battery unit A _{2 1} stopped to receive the supply of the electrolyte, the charge / discharge operation was repeated at 48 KW, which is 80% of the rated charge / discharge power of 60 KW,
The charge / discharge efficiency of the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 was measured. The measurement result was 85% to 87%.

Comparative Example 1 Referring to FIG. 4, the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device 4 shown in FIG.
Includes an electrolyte flow-eight electrolyte communication type battery unit of the electrolyte flow-cell unit and the same rating included in the battery unit 3 A _{1 1} ~A _{2 4} shown in FIG.

Electrolyte flow type battery units A _{1 1 to} A ₁₄
Are connected in series to form the first row.

[0149] Also, the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{2 1} ~
A _{2 4} are connected in series to form a second row.

Electrolyte flow type battery units A _{11 to} A ₁₄ connected in series on the first line and electrolyte flow type battery units A _{2 1 to} A ₂ connected in series on the second line. ₄ are connected in parallel with each other to form an electrolyte flow type battery device 4.

The electrolytic solution flow type battery device 4 has the same structure as the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 3 except for the above points, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Rated charging / discharging of this electrolyte flow type battery device 4
The power was 48 KW. This electrolyte flow type battery device 4
Electrolyte flow type battery unit A included in_{1 1}~ A _{twenty four}To
With the rated charge / discharge power of 48 kW, with all driven
The charging / discharging operation was repeated and the charging / discharging efficiency was measured. This measurement
The result was 85% to 87%.

As is clear from the above results, Example 3
Has a charge and discharge efficiency as high as that of Comparative Example 1.

In the third embodiment, as a result of setting the number of driven electrolytic solution flow type battery units connected in series to each row connected in parallel to each other as the same number, the current distributed to each row is uniform. There is no imbalance or the like in the amount of work at the time of charging / discharging distributed to the electrolyte flow type battery units during driving.

Then, in the third embodiment, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A while the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 3 is being driven.
_{1 2 ~A 1 5, A 2} 2 ~A 2 amount of work each charge and discharge to be distributed to the _5, electrolyte flow-cell device of Comparative Example 1 4
Similar to the amount of work of charging and discharging is to be the respective electrolyte distribution to the flow-cell unit A _{1 1} ~A _{2 4.}

Further, in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units in which the switch of the short circuit is turned on, the supply of the electrolytic solution is stopped, and as a result, the electrolytic flow type battery in which the short circuit is turned on is turned on. There is no problem that the active material is wastefully consumed by circulating and circulating the electrolytic solution to the unit.

Example 4 The electrolyte flow type battery device 3 used in Example 3 was operated according to the operation method of Example 4 described below, and the charge / discharge efficiency of the electrolyte flow type battery device 3 was measured.

[0158] With reference to FIG. 3, the electrolyte flow-cell device electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} contained 3 Assuming the failed, provided the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} At the same time when the switch SW _{11 of} the short circuit SC ₁₁ is turned on, the valve BPS ₁₁ and the valve BNS are
_The electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1} is in a state in which four valves such as 11 are closed to stop the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{1 1} from receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution, and the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1} is normally operating. short circuit SC _{2 1} of the switch SW provided in
At the same time when _{2 1} is turned on, the valve BPS _{1 1} ,
While closing the four valves such as the valve BNS _{2 1} and stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A _{2 1} , the charging / discharging operation was repeated at the rated charging / discharging electric power of 60 kW, and the electrolytic solution was discharged. The charge / discharge efficiency of the flow-through type battery device 3 was measured. The measurement result was 83% to 85%.

Comparative Example 2 Referring to FIG. 3, rated charge / discharge power of 60 KW was obtained with all of the electrolyte solution type battery units A _{11 to} A ₂₅ included in the electrolyte solution type battery device 3 being driven. The charging / discharging operation was repeated to measure the charging / discharging efficiency of the electrolyte flow type battery device. The measurement result was 85% to 87%.

[0160] With reference to Comparative Example 3 FIG. 3, the electrolyte flow-cell device electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} contained 3 Assuming the failed, electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} At the same time as turning on the switch SW _{11 of} the short-circuit SC ₁₁ provided in the switch, the four valves such as the valve BPS ₁₁ and the valve BMS ₁₁ are closed, and the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit A ₁₁ is electrolyzed. The charging / discharging operation was repeated at a rated charging / discharging power of 60 KW with the supply of the liquid stopped. Electrolyte flow-cell device 3 is 2 parallel, i.e. an electrolytic solution flow-cell unit of the first line A _{1 1} ~A _{1 5,} second line of electrolyte communication type complex unit of each of the A _{2 1} to A _{2 5} Due to the large voltage difference, charging / discharging could not be performed properly.

As is clear from the above results, Example 4
Has a higher charge / discharge efficiency than Comparative Example 3.

[0162] That is, in the electrolyte communication type battery unit 3, if the electrolyte communication type battery unit A _{1 1} fails,
Rather than using only the defective electrolyte flow type battery device A ₁₁ by short-circuiting, use the same number of driven electrolyte flow type battery units connected in series to each row connected in parallel. As a result, the electric currents distributed to the respective rows can be made uniform, and as a result, there is no imbalance in the work amount at the time of charging / discharging distributed to the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery units being driven. .

In comparison with Comparative Example 2, in Example 4, it was observed that the charging / discharging efficiency was slightly lowered due to the influence of the increase in current density.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing one specific example of the electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, this electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device 5 includes an electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit m × n similar to the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit 1 shown in FIG. The apparatus 6 and the arithmetic processing unit 7 are included.

[0166] The m × n electrolyte flow type battery units are
In FIG. 5, N electrolytic solution flow type battery units B _{1 1 to} B _{1 n} are connected in series from the left hand side of the first row of the upper stage to form the first row.

Further, in FIG. 5, n electrolytic solution flow type battery units B _{p 1 to} B _pn are connected in series from the left-hand side of the p-th row to form the p-th row.

Also, in FIG. 5, from the left-hand side of the lower m-th row, n
Electrolyte flow type battery units B _{m 1 to} B _{mn of the} table are connected in series to form the m-th row.

Each of the first to m-th rows in which n electrolytic solution flow type battery units are connected in series is connected in parallel with each other, and the electrodes of the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5 are connected to each other. Make up the department.

Each electrolyte flow type battery unit B
_{1 1} .about.B _mn is electrolyte flow-cell unit of the same rating, each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit B _{1 1} .about.B
_mn is the electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG.
Since it has the same configuration as the above, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding portions, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in FIG. 5, subscript numbers or subscript lowercase letters attached to the end of the reference numerals indicate the electrolyte flow type battery device 5
Each electrolyte solution type battery unit B _{11 to} B in
indicates the address of _mn, address is in correspondence with the alphabetic characters subscript numbers or subscripts lowercase attached to the electrolyte communication type battery unit B _{1 1} ~B _mn, indicated by the matrix.

Further, in FIG. 5, for ease of explanation,
Of the circulation paths of the positive electrode liquid and the negative electrode liquid, only the supply side is drawn, and the recovery side is omitted.

That is, in FIG. 5, for each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit B _{11 to} B _mn , two electrolytic solution supply conduits, that is, a positive electrode solution supply conduit and a negative electrode solution supply conduit are provided. Although only the use conduits are connected, actually, two electrolyte solution recovering conduits, that is, the positive electrode solution recovering conduits and the negative electrode solution recovering conduits are also connected.

Electrolyte flow type battery unit B _{1 1 to} B _mn
Each of short circuit SC _{1 1} provided as a short-circuiting means for avoiding its battery load if necessary ~SC
_An electromagnetic switch is used for each of the switches SW _{11 to} SW _mn of _mn .

Further, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit B_{1 1}~
B_mnOf the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supply means provided in each of the
BPS provided as means for stopping supply of_{1 1}~ B
PS _mn, Valve BNS_{1 1}~ BNS_mnValve etc.
Then, each electromagnetic valve is used.

Further, the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 outputs the magnitude of the power for charging and / or the power for discharging that is input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 5. Power meter 8 for measuring the input power for charging, and as a means for detecting the magnitude of the output power for discharging, the power meter for measuring the output power for discharging. Including 9.

The signal detected by the power meter 8 is sent to the A / D converter 6, converted from an analog signal to a digital signal, and input to the arithmetic processing unit 7.

[0177] electrolyte flow-cell device short circuits SC _{1 1} provided in each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit B _{1 1} .about.B _mn contained in 5 to SC _mn switches SW _{1 1} to SW
Each _mn is an electromagnetic switch.

Therefore, the signal S output from the arithmetic processing unit 7 for making the short-circuit means short-circuited or non-short-circuited.
Based on _{1 1 to} S _mn , the switches SW _{1 1 to} SW _mn
Can be controlled to an ON state or an OFF state.

Further, the valves BPS _{1 1 to} BPS _mn and the valve BNS provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units B _{11 to} B _mn included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5.
Each of _{1 1 to} BNS _{mn and the} like is an electromagnetic valve.

Therefore, the data is output from the arithmetic processing unit 7.
Signal S for making the short-circuiting means short-circuited or not short-circuited
_{1 1}~ S_mnCorresponding to, close each output valve
Signal or signal to open valve SBPS_{1 1}~ SBPS
_mn, SBNS_{1 1}~ SBNS _mnEach based on
, Valve BPS_{1 1}~ BPS_mn, Valve BNS_{1 1}
~ BSN_mnControl to close or open etc.
be able to.

In FIG. 5, the signal S for outputting the short-circuit means output from the arithmetic processing unit 7 to each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units B _{11 to} B _mn is in the short-circuited state or the non-short-circuited state.
_{1 1 to} S _mn and signal to close valve or signal to open valve SBPS _{11 to} SBPS _mn , SBNS ₁₁ to
Signals such as SBNS _mn are each represented by a single line, but this is only simplified to explain the flow of information, and in reality, it corresponds to each such signal. There are m × n signal transmission circuits each.

Further, FIG. 6 shows that the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5 is automatically changed to the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5 in accordance with the amount of electric power input to the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5 for charging. The number of driven electrolytic solution flow type battery units B _{11 to} B _mn is determined, and the electrolytic solution flow type battery units B ₁₁ to B _mn are determined.
_The short circuit means provided in each of the _mn is controlled to be in a short circuit state or a non-short circuit state, and the short circuit means is activated in response to the short circuit to make the short circuit state the electrolyte solution flow type battery unit receive the electrolyte solution supply. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation program of the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 stored in the arithmetic processing unit 7 in order to perform charge / discharge operation with high charge / discharge efficiency by controlling to stop.

The operation of the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, at step 101, the electric power meter 8 detects the amount of electric power for charging, which is input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 5.

Signal W ₈ Watt (W) detected by power meter 8
Is sent to the A / D conversion device 6, converted from an analog signal to a digital signal, and input to the arithmetic processing device 7.

In step 102, the signal W ₈ watts (W) detected by the power meter 8 is decomposed into a voltage U ₈ volts (V) and a current I ₈ amps (A).

Based on the voltage U ₈ volts (V), first,
In order to set the inter-terminal voltage of the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 to the voltage in the optimum state, the optimum number of drive units NS of the electrolyte flow type battery units which should be driven. Is determined.

At step 103, the current drive number NG and the optimum drive number NS of the n electrolyte solution flow type battery units connected in series from the first row to the m-th row are compared.

It was judged that NS> NG in each row.
In step 104, in step 103
N for the number of electrolytic solution flow type battery units judged to be necessary
A signal S for shorting the short-circuiting means until S = NG.
_hiIs an electrolyte flow type battery device B _hiOutput one by one
To be done.

In step 105, step 10
Corresponding to four of the short-circuit signal S _hi, to electrolyte flow type battery unit B _hi the hi address signal closes one by one valve SBPS _hi, SBNS _hi the like are outputted. In addition,
The hi address means a plurality of addresses determined in step 103.

When NS> NG is judged in each row, in step 106, the number of electrolyte flow type battery units judged necessary in step 103 is N.
Until S = NG, the short-circuit recovery signal S _{jk for putting} the short-circuiting means in the non-short-circuited state is 1 for the electrolyte flow type battery device B _jk.
It is output one by one.

In step 107, step 10
Short circuit recovery signal S of 5_jkCorresponding to, the flow of electrolytic solution at address hi
Through-type battery unit B_jkSignal to open the valve SB
PS _jk, SBNS_jkAre output. In addition, jk number
The address is a plurality of addresses determined in step 103.
means.

Therefore, this electrolyte flow type battery device 5 is used.
As a result of the first determination of the inter-terminal voltage of the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5, the electrolytic solution flow type batteries connected in series to each row connected in parallel to each other from the first row to the m-th row. The number of units to be driven is always the same in each row according to the magnitude of the electric power for charging that is input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 5.

Then, in response to the amount of electric power for charging that is input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 5, the number of the electrolyte flow type battery units to be driven is always determined by the above-mentioned operation program. NS = NG is kept.

Further, the supply of the electrolytic solution is stopped to the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit in which the short-circuit means is in the short-circuited state.

As described above, the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 responds to the magnitude of the electric power input to the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 and automatically and always performs a charging operation with high charging efficiency. Can be done. In the present embodiment, only the charging operation of the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 has been described, but the same operation as described above is performed based on the signal W ₉ watt (W) detected by the power meter 9. In response to the magnitude of the electric power output from the electrolyte flow type battery device 5,
The discharge operation with high discharge efficiency can always be performed automatically.

Further, in this embodiment, the electrolytic solution supply stopping means is activated in response to the short circuit of each of the short circuit means of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5. Only the case where the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit stops receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution has been described, but each of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device has only the short-circuit means. If so, step 1 of the flowchart showing the above operation program
In the same manner except that each of the steps 05 and 107 is omitted, the change in the electric power for charging and / or the electric power for discharging output to the electrolyte flow type battery device 5 is performed. Accordingly, the number of driven electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 5 is automatically determined, and the short-circuit means provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units is controlled to a short circuit state or a non-short circuit state. However, the charging / discharging operation with high charging / discharging efficiency can be performed.

Example 6 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, this electrolytic solution flow type battery device 10 has the same electrolytic solution flow type battery unit m × n as the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 1 shown in FIG. The apparatus 11 and the arithmetic processing unit 12 are included.

[0200] The m × n electrolyte flow type battery units are
In FIG. 7, n electrolytic solution flow type battery units C _{11 to} C _{1 n} are connected in series from the left-hand side of the first row of the upper stage to form the first row.

Further, in FIG. 7, n electrolytic solution flow type battery units C _{p 1 to} C _pn are connected in series from the left-hand side of the p-th row to form the p-th row.

Further, in FIG. 7, from the left-hand side of the lower m-th row, n
The electrolytic solution flow-through type battery units C _{m 1 to} C _mn are connected in series to form the m-th row.

Each of the first to m-th rows in which the n electrolyte solution flow type battery units are connected in series is connected in parallel to each other, and the electrolyte solution flow type battery device 10 is connected.
The electrode part of.

Each electrolyte flow type battery unit C
_{1 1} -C _mn is electrolyte flow-cell unit of the same rating, each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit C _{1 1} -C
_{Since mn} is the same as that of the electrolyte flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 except for the following points, the same reference numerals will be given to corresponding portions and the description thereof will be omitted.
In addition, the subscript number or the subscript lower case alphabetic character added to the end of the reference numeral in FIG. 7 indicates each electrolyte flow type battery unit C in the electrolyte flow type battery device 10.
The addresses of _{1 1 to} C _mn are shown, and the addresses are shown by a matrix corresponding to the subscript numbers or the subscript lowercase alphabetic characters attached to the electrolyte flow type battery units C _{11 to} C _mn .

Further, each electrolyte flow type battery unit C
_{11 to} C _mn are different from the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit C is
_{1 1} -C _mn and in each is that the voltmeter V _{1 1} ~V _mn to measure the terminal voltage of the electrolytic solution flow-cell device is provided.

Further, in FIG. 7, for ease of explanation,
Of the circulation paths of the positive electrode liquid and the negative electrode liquid, only the supply side is drawn, and the recovery side is omitted.

That is, in FIG. 7, for each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit C _{11 to} C _mn , two electrolytic solution supply conduits, that is, a positive electrode solution supply conduit and a negative electrode solution supply conduit are provided. Although only the use pipes are connected, in actuality, two other electrolyte recovery pipes, that is, the positive electrode liquid recovery pipe and the negative electrode liquid recovery pipe are actually connected. .

Electrolyte flow type battery unit C _{11 to} C _mn
Each of short circuit SC _{1 1} provided as a short-circuiting means for avoiding its battery load if necessary ~SC
_An electromagnetic switch is used for each of the switches SW _{11 to} SW _mn of _mn .

[0209] Also, the electrolyte flow type battery unit C_{1 1}~
C_mnOf the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supply means provided in each of the
BPS provided as means for stopping supply of_{1 1}~ B
PS _mn, Valve BNS_{1 1}~ BNS_mnValve etc.
In each case, an electromagnetic valve is used.

[0210] Detection signals of each of the voltmeter V _{1 1} ~V _mn is sent to the A / D converter 11, is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal is input to the arithmetic processing unit 12.

[0211] Switch SW _{1 1} of each paragraph circuits provided in SC _{1 1} to SC _mn of electrolyte communication type battery unit contained in the electrolytic solution flow-cell device 10 C _{1 1} ~C _{m n} ~S
W _{m n} is an electromagnetic switch, respectively.

Therefore, the signal S output from the arithmetic processing unit 12 for making the short-circuit means short-circuited or non-short-circuited.
Based on _{1 1 to} S _mn , the switches SW _{1 1 to} SW _mn
Can be controlled to an ON state or an OFF state.

Further, the valves BPS _{11 to} BPS _mn and the valve BNS provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units C _{11 to} C _mn included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 10.
_{11 to} BNS _{mn and the} like are electromagnetic valves.

Therefore, the signal S output from the arithmetic processing unit 12 for making the short-circuit means short-circuited or non-short-circuited.
_A signal for closing the valve or a signal for opening the valve SBPS that is output corresponding to _{1 1 to} S _mn SBPS _{11 to} SBPS
_mn , SBNS _{11 to} SBNS _mn, etc., based on the valves BPS _{11 to} BPS _mn and BNS _{11 to} B, respectively.
NS _mn etc. can be controlled to close or open.

[0215] In FIG. 7, the signal to the short-circuit device to be outputted from the arithmetic processing unit 12 to each of the electrolyte communication type battery unit C _{1 1} -C _mn short-circuit condition or a non-short-circuit state S
_{1 1 to} S _mn and a signal for closing the valve, or
Signal opens the valve SBPS _{1 1} ~SBPS _mn, SBN
Signals such as S _{1 1 to} SBNS _mn are each represented by a single line, but this is only simplified to explain the flow of information. There are m × n signal transmission circuits each.

Similarly, in FIG. 7, a voltmeter V provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units C _{11 to} C _mn.
Although the signal detected by _{11 to} V _mn is represented by a single line, this is merely a simplification to explain the flow of information, and in fact, each such signal is Correspondingly, there are m × n signal transmission circuits each.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an operation program of the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 10 stored in the arithmetic processing unit 12 for automatically operating the electrolytic solution flow type battery device.

The operation of the electrolyte flow type battery device 10 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step 201, flow of the electrolytic solution is carried out.
Type electrolyte unit batteries included in the battery unit 6
To C_{1 1}~ C_mnVoltmeter V provided on each of the_{1 1}~ V
_mnEach electrolytic solution flow type battery unit C detected by_{1 1}
~ C_mnTerminal voltage signal E _{1 1}~ E_mnIs A / D conversion
Sent to device 11 and converted from analog signal to digital signal
It is converted and input to the arithmetic processing unit 12.

In step 202, the inter-terminal voltage signals E ₁₁ -E _mn are input to the arithmetic processing unit 12 as inter-terminal voltages in the normal range of the electrolyte flow type battery units C ₁₁ -C _mn in advance. Stored threshold voltage E
_By comparing with _TH and determining whether the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value E _TH as the terminal voltage in the normal range, a defective or good electrolyte flow type battery unit is detected and its address is specified. .

In step 203, step 202
In response to the detection result of 1., the number of good electrolytic solution flow type battery units of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units connected in series in each row is calculated for each of the first to m-th rows. , The minimum number of good electrolyte flow type battery units is determined from each of the first to m-th rows.

In step 204, the number of good electrolyte flow type battery units determined in step 203 is the same as the minimum number for each line from the first line to the m-th line of the electrolyte flow type battery device 10. So that each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit C is provided for each line from the first line to the m-th line.
The address rs of the electrolyte flow type battery unit that short-circuits _{1 1 to} C _mn is determined. The determination of the rs address is given priority over the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery unit. The rs address means a plurality of addresses determined in step 203.

In step 205, step 20
The address of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit at the address rs specified by 4 is determined as the rs address of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit that stops the supply of the electrolytic solution.

In step 206, step 204
Electrolyte flow type battery unit C to be short-circuited in
short circuit provided in the _rs circuit SC _rs of the switch SW _rs
On the other hand, the short circuit signal S _rs is output.

Further, in step 207, the valve BP provided in the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit C _rs for stopping the supply of electrolytic solution in step 205.
Signal SBP for closing S _rs , valve BNS _rs, etc.
S _rs , SBNS _rs, etc. are output.

As described above, the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 10 automatically determines whether the defective electrolytic solution flow type battery units C _{11 to} C _mn included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device 10 are defective or good. Detects the electrolyte flow type battery unit, stops the drive of the defective electrolyte flow type battery unit, and sets the number of driven multiple electrolyte flow type battery units connected in series in each of the plurality of rows to each other. The same number, and by stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit that has stopped the drive, a part of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device Even if a failure occurs in the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, the charge / discharge efficiency of the entire electrolytic solution flow type battery device is not significantly reduced.

[0227]

The electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention comprises:
As a result of providing a short-circuit means for avoiding its own battery load to each of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device, a terminal of the electrolytic solution flow type battery device The voltage can be varied.

Therefore, in the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to the present invention, corresponding to the input power for charging and / or the output power for discharging to the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device, The voltage between terminals of the electrolyte flow type battery device is set to an optimal voltage, and highly efficient charge / discharge operation can be performed.

Further, the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is provided for avoiding its own battery load in each of a plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device. As a result of providing the short-circuit means, a failure occurs in a part of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, and driving of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit is performed. Even if the battery is stopped, it is not necessary to stop driving the other electrolyte flow type battery units.
Further, the charging / discharging efficiency of the entire electrolyte flow type battery device does not decrease due to the increase in the internal resistance of the malfunctioning electrolyte flow type battery unit.

Further, in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention, each of the plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in the electrolytic solution flow type battery device avoids its own battery load as necessary. And an electrolytic solution supply stopping means that is activated in response to the short circuit of the short-circuiting means and stops the supply of the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit. The flow-through type battery unit can be short-circuited, and the flow of the electrolyte solution to the short-circuited electrolyte flow-through type battery unit can be stopped.

That is, in the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to the present invention, the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit is activated in response to a short circuit of each electrolytic solution flow-through type battery unit to receive the supply of the electrolytic solution. By further providing the electrolytic solution supply stopping means for stopping, it is possible to effectively prevent wasteful consumption of the active material of the electrolytic solution.

Therefore, the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to the present invention can perform highly efficient charging / discharging operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diffusion exploded view schematically showing a specific example of an electrolyte solution flow type battery unit used in an electrolyte solution flow type battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of an electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of an electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device used in Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of an electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of one embodiment when the electrolytic solution flow type battery device according to the present invention is automatically operated.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of an electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an operation of an embodiment in automatically operating the electrolyte flow type battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of a redox flow battery.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a specific example of a conventional electrolyte flow type battery unit.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of an electrolyte solution flow type battery device including a plurality of conventional electrolyte solution flow type battery units.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a specific example of an electrolyte solution flow type battery device including a plurality of conventional electrolyte solution flow type battery units.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, A _{11 to} A ₂₅ , B _{11 to} B _mn , C ₁₁ to
C _mn , D _{11 to} D ₂₅ Electrolyte flow type battery unit 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 57, 58 Electrolyte flow type battery device 6, 11 A / D conversion device 7, 12 Arithmetic processing device 8 , 9 power meter SC, SC _{1 1} ~SC _mn short-circuit SW, SW _{1 1} ~SW _mn switch CS, CS _{1 1} ~CS _mn battery cell stack _{BPS, BPS 1 1 ~BPS mn,} BNS, BNS 1 1
-BNS _mn , BPW, BNW valve M, 52Ma, 52Mb, 53Ma, 53Mb manifold 31 redox flow type battery 32, 45 battery reaction cell 32a positive electrode cell 32b negative electrode cell 33 positive electrode liquid tank 34 negative electrode liquid tank 35, 49 diaphragm 36 positive electrode 37 Negative electrode 38 Positive electrode liquid supply / supply conduit 39 Positive electrode liquid recovery conduit 40, 43 Pump 41 Negative liquid supply conduit 42 Negative liquid recovery conduit 47, 51, 52, 53 Bipolar plate 48 Negative electrode plate 50 Positive electrode plate 47f, 48f, 50f frame 54 and 55 terminal plate 54l, 55l leads V _{1 1} ~V _mn voltmeter

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of battery cell stacks each having a plurality of battery reaction cells in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are separated by a diaphragm, and an electrolytic solution circulating means for circulating an electrolytic solution through the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An electrolytic solution flow type battery unit connected in series of a stand, an electrolytic solution supply means for supplying an electrolytic solution to each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, and provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, necessary And a short-circuit means for avoiding its own battery load according to the above. 2. Each of the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery units includes an electrolytic solution supply stopping means for stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supplying means, and the electrolytic solution supply stopping means corresponds to the electrolytic solution supply stopping means. Activated in response to a short circuit of the short circuit means of the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit, the electrolytic solution flow type battery unit stops receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution,
The electrolyte flow type battery device according to claim 1. 3. A plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units arranged in a plurality of rows, each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units having a plurality of battery reaction cells laminated with a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by a diaphragm. A battery cell stack and an electrolyte solution circulation means for circulating and circulating an electrolyte solution to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units included in each of the plurality of rows are connected in series. Connected, the plurality of columns are connected in parallel with each other, means for supplying an electrolytic solution to each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, and self-installed as required in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units. And a short-circuiting means for avoiding the battery load of 1. 4. A plurality of electrolytic solution flow type battery units arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units has a plurality of battery reaction cells laminated with a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by a diaphragm. A battery cell stack, and an electrolyte solution circulation means for circulating and circulating an electrolyte solution to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a plurality of electrolyte solution type battery units included in each of the plurality of rows are connected in series. The plurality of columns are connected in parallel with each other, means for supplying an electrolytic solution to each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, and provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, and if necessary, self A short-circuiting means for avoiding the battery load of, and each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units, including means for stopping the supply of the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution supply means, the electrolytic solution supply stopping means, Is activated in response to a short circuit of the short section of the electrolyte communication type battery unit corresponding to, the electrolyte solution circulation type battery unit is stopped from receiving the supply of the electrolytic solution, an electrolytic solution flow-cell device. 5. The input power for charging, and / or
Alternatively, the number of the electrolyte flow type battery units to be driven is determined in response to the detection means for detecting the magnitude of the electric power for the discharged discharge, and the magnitude of the electric power detected by the detection means. And a short-circuit means provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units so as to correspond to the number of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units determined by the means for determining the number of the electrolytic solution flow type battery units. The electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising means for controlling a short-circuited state or a non-short-circuited state. 6. Detecting means for detecting a defective or good electrolytic solution flow type battery unit by determining whether the voltage between terminals of each electrolytic solution flow type battery unit is a predetermined value or less, and said detecting means. In response to the detection result of, the means for determining the minimum number of good electrolyte flow type battery units in each row, among the good electrolyte flow type battery units included in each of the row Further, means for controlling the short-circuit means provided in each of the electrolytic solution flow-through type battery units into a short-circuited state or a non-short-circuited state so that the number to be driven corresponds to the number determined by the minimum number determination means. The electrolytic solution flow-through type battery device according to claim 3 or 4, which is provided.