KR102615283B1 - Closed-loop module structure of secondary battery using sodium solution - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closed-loop module structure for a secondary battery using a sodium solution. More specifically, the sodium solution battery cell, water channel structure, and cover are made into one sodium solution battery stack, the sodium solution battery stack is modularized so that it can be connected to each other, and the sodium solution used as the anode material is injected into the modularized sodium solution battery. This relates to a closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using a sodium solution in which the injected sodium solution continues to circulate through the closed-loop module structure.

Description

Closed loop module structure of secondary battery using sodium solution {CLOSED-LOOP MODULE STRUCTURE OF SECONDARY BATTERY USING SODIUM SOLUTION}

The present invention relates to a closed-loop module structure for a secondary battery using a sodium solution. More specifically, the sodium solution battery cell, water channel structure, and cover are made into one sodium solution battery stack, the sodium solution battery stack is modularized so that it can be connected to each other, and the sodium solution used as the anode material is injected into the modularized sodium solution battery. This relates to a closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using a sodium solution in which the injected sodium solution continues to circulate through the closed-loop module structure.

A seawater battery is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged using seawater as an anode.

Seawater batteries can charge and discharge electricity anytime, anywhere as long as they have seawater, the anode material, and are also called eco-friendly energy storage devices because they utilize seawater, which is said to be an infinite resource, as a resource.

These seawater batteries are currently being used as small batteries in the form of cells. For example, seawater batteries in the form of cells are installed in life jackets and buoys that are frequently in contact with sea water, and provide electricity to the GPS that tracks the location of the life jacket. It is used for purposes such as providing electricity so that the LEDs provided on the buoy can be displayed.

However, since these seawater batteries are used with the entire seawater battery submerged in seawater, problems such as adhesion of seaweed, contact with microorganisms, and impurities occur, which shortens the lifespan of the seawater battery, and in addition, the seawater batteries currently developed have small quantities. It can only charge or produce electricity and has the problem of being very insufficient in capacity to store and produce medium/large-scale electric energy.

Accordingly, other than the method of replenishing or supplying seawater by immersing seawater batteries in seawater, there is a method of using anode materials other than seawater, and seawater batteries that charge or produce only a small amount of electricity can be used as medium/large-scale electric energy storage devices. The need for existing structures or methods is increasing.

The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is a sodium solution that can be modularized by connecting the sodium solution battery cell, water channel structure, and cover into one sodium solution battery stack, and connecting the sodium solution battery stack so that the user can obtain the desired power. The purpose is to provide a closed-loop module structure for secondary batteries using .

Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to replenish sodium ions without immersing the sodium solution battery cell in seawater, and to charge and discharge electricity in a closed loop method without exposing the sodium solution battery cell to the outside. The purpose is to provide a solution battery.

Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is that when a user inputs a sodium solution into a storage tank, the introduced sodium solution is moved to the solution inlet of the first sodium solution cell stack by a pump placed in the storage tank, and the first sodium solution is When the waterway guide of the solution cell stack is filled with sodium solution, the sodium solution is moved to the solution inlet of the second sodium solution cell stack placed next to the first sodium solution cell stack, and the sodium solution is moved to the waterway guide of the last sodium solution cell stack. When it is filled with solution, the sodium solution is stored in the storage tank again, and the stored sodium solution is moved back to the solution inlet of the first sodium solution cell stack by the pump, thereby implementing a method in which the sodium solution is circulated. there is.

Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is that the waterway guide inside the waterway structure is provided in a zigzag shape, so that the sodium solution contained inside the waterway structure is guided to flow in various directions, creating an environment like a sea environment inside the waterway structure. The purpose is to provide a closed-loop module structure for a secondary battery using a sodium solution that can be formed.

Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is a secondary water solution using a sodium solution that prevents the shape of the waterway guide from being deformed by seawater flowing inside the waterway guide by providing a waterway support, which is a pillar that penetrates both ends of the waterway guide. The purpose is to provide a closed-loop module structure for the battery.

Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is a closed-loop module of a secondary battery using a sodium solution that induces the sodium solution to be well mixed and an electrochemical reaction to occur by providing a vortex generating member that generates a vortex on the outer surface of the water channel support. The purpose is to provide structure.

Meanwhile, the technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to solve the above problem, a sodium solution battery with a closed-loop module structure is a sodium solution battery with a closed-loop module structure in which at least two or more sodium solution battery stacks are combined, wherein the sodium solution battery stack includes both electrodes and sodium solution battery stacks. A surface-type sodium solution battery cell for charging or discharging electricity using a solution as an anode material, a water conduit structure in contact with at least one surface of the sodium solution battery cell, accommodating a sodium solution, and having a water channel formed therein, and the sodium solution It may be characterized as including a cover covering the solution battery cell and the water conduit structure.

In addition, the sodium solution battery stack has the water conduit structure disposed at the center, sodium solution battery cells are disposed on both sides of the water conduit structure, the sodium solution battery cells are embedded in the cover, and the water conduit structure and the The cover may be characterized as having a form joined by a connecting member.

In addition, the water channel formed inside the water channel structure may be characterized in that it is formed in a zigzag shape.

Additionally, the waterway structure is for supporting waterway guides and may include a waterway support penetrating the waterway guides and a vortex generating member protruding from the outer surface of the waterway supporter.

In addition, the water channel structure may be characterized in that a solution inlet through which sodium solution flows in and out is disposed at the upper edge and lower edge of the edge.

In addition, the sodium solution battery of the closed-loop modular structure includes a storage tank for storing the sodium solution, a hose connected to the storage tank and the sodium solution battery stack to enable movement of the sodium solution, and applying pressure to the stored sodium solution. It may include a pump that allows the sodium solution to flow into the solution inlet located at the lower edge of the water conduit structure.

According to the present invention as described above, the present invention consists of a sodium solution battery cell, a water channel structure, and a cover as one sodium solution battery stack, and allows the sodium solution battery stack to be connected so that the user can obtain the desired power, The sodium solution battery of the invention can be used for household, industrial, and utility purposes, and has the effect of increasing utilization, such as allowing it to be used as a medium/large capacity ESS (Energy Storage System).

In addition, the present invention can replenish the sodium solution without immersing the sodium solution battery cell in seawater, and by adopting a closed-loop method that does not expose the sodium solution battery cell to the outside, the sodium solution battery cell can be protected from algae, microorganisms, dust, etc. It has the effect of extending the life of the sodium solution battery cell by preventing contact with it in advance.

In addition, the present invention allows the sodium solution to be replenished without having to immerse the sodium solution battery cell in seawater, thereby solving the problem that the concentration of seawater changes due to temperature changes, which may reduce the performance of the sodium solution battery. There is.

In addition, the present invention provides a waterway guide inside the waterway structure in a zigzag shape to guide the sodium solution contained inside the waterway structure to flow in various directions, thereby allowing the sodium solution to be easily supplied to the sodium solution battery cell, and the waterway structure. It has the effect of allowing the sodium solution contained within to mix well.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sodium solution battery module and a sodium solution battery stack of a closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using a sodium solution of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram conceptually explaining the operating principle of a sodium solution battery.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing the prior art underlying the sodium solution battery cell according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a sodium solution battery stack having a closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using the sodium solution of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the water channel structure of the closed loop module structure of a secondary battery using the sodium solution of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the water channel structure of the closed-loop module structure of the secondary battery using the sodium solution of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram conceptually showing the sodium solution circulation method of the closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using the sodium solution of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms, and the present embodiments are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to provide common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined. The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise in the context.

Terms such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one component from another component, and the scope of rights should not be limited by these terms. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component.

As used herein, “comprises” and/or “comprising” refers to a referenced component, step, operation and/or element that includes one or more other components, steps, operations and/or elements. Does not exclude presence or addition.

A sodium solution battery is a secondary battery designed to enable charging or discharging using sodium solution as an anode material.

Referring to Figure 1, the present invention implements this sodium solution battery in the form of a cell, and the cell-shaped sodium solution battery 110, the water channel structure 120, and the cover 130 surrounding it are one sodium solution. It is composed of a battery stack (Stack: 100), and a plurality of sodium solution battery stacks (100) configured in this way are stacked and modularized into a closed loop structure to form a sodium solution battery module (200), and this sodium solution battery module ( 200) is an invention designed to be used as a variety of medium/large-scale energy storage devices.

For reference, the ‘cell’ here refers to a small device that converts the emitted energy into electrical energy using chemical and physical reactions of materials. It is easier to understand if you think of the ‘cell’ of a solar cell. The present invention expands the size of these small cells or changes their shape so that they can be used as various medium- and large-scale energy storage devices.

Before explaining this ‘cell-shaped sodium solution battery (hereinafter abbreviated as sodium solution battery cell 110)’ and the closed-loop module structure, let’s briefly look at the operating principle of the sodium solution battery.

[Operating principle of sodium solution battery]

Figure 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the sodium solution battery in normal times and the sodium solution battery when it is charged (charging) and when it is discharged (discharging) in order to explain the operating principle of the sodium solution battery.

First, looking at a normal sodium solution battery (a) with reference to Figure 1, the sodium solution battery includes a positive electrode current collector, a solid electrolyte, an organic electrolyte, and a negative electrode material, and the sodium solution used as the positive electrode material of the sodium solution battery Inject it so that it is accommodated around the positive electrode current collector.

Here, the solid electrolyte is ‘NASICON’ made of ceramic material, and is provided in the form of a separator to prevent the sodium solution contained around the positive electrode current collector from indiscriminately moving to the organic electrolyte and the negative electrode material.

This solid electrolyte selectively moves only sodium ions when the sodium solution battery receives electrical energy. In other words, when the sodium solution receives electrical energy, an electrochemical reaction occurs. This electrochemical reaction causes the ions contained in the sodium solution to move, and the solid electrolyte moves only the sodium ions among the ions contained in the sodium solution. Pass selectively.

The organic electrolyte is an electrolyte that allows sodium ions selectively moved through the solid electrolyte to reach the cathode material. Specifically, sodium ions, which are positive ions, have the tendency to move to a negative electrode material, and the organic electrolyte plays a role in moving sodium ions with this property to a negative electrode material.

The cathode material, as the term suggests, is a material with a negative electrode, and is where sodium ions moved through the organic electrolyte accumulate. As sodium ions accumulate in the cathode material, the sodium solution battery is charged (b).

A sodium solution battery charged with electrical energy, that is, a sodium solution battery with sodium ions accumulated in the cathode material, is discharged when an operating device is connected (C). Specifically, when an operating device is connected to a sodium solution battery charged with electrical energy, the electrons stored in the cathode material are moved to the positive electrode current collector along the connected conductor, and at the same time, the sodium ions stored in the cathode material pass through the solid electrolyte and return to the sodium solution. As it moves to the anode current collector, electricity is generated and discharged.

[Sodium solution]

The sodium solution battery of the present invention uses a sodium solution containing seawater as an anode material. In other words, the sodium solution battery can use not only seawater but also salt water containing sodium ions that can charge and discharge electricity through the sodium solution battery as the anode material.

The reason why the present invention was designed so that not only seawater but also salt water can be used as the anode material used in the sodium solution battery is to increase the usability of the sodium solution battery. For example, the use of sodium solution batteries has been commercialized and can be used in automobiles. For example, when seawater, the anode material of a sodium solution battery, is depleted while driving a car and the car suddenly turns off, the driver must have seawater, the anode material, prepared in advance. Unless you have it, you cannot replenish seawater in the sodium solution battery, and unless there is an ocean nearby, it will be difficult to easily obtain seawater. However, if salt water can be used as an anode material for a sodium solution battery, salt water is relatively easy to obtain compared to seawater, and powder containing sodium ions in water (e.g., salt or powder that can be used as an anode material for a sodium solution battery) can be used as an anode material for a sodium solution battery. A method of producing sodium solution (salt water) using powder with a certain composition may be developed and utilized, so rather than using seawater as the anode material used in sodium solution batteries, salt water with a certain quality and concentration can be used. It can be used for home, commercial, industrial, and utility purposes.

Meanwhile, another reason why the cathode material used in the sodium solution battery was designed to use not only seawater but also salt water is to solve the problem of using the sodium solution battery by submerging it in seawater. Problems with using a sodium solution battery by immersing it in seawater can be problems caused by seaweed sticking to the sodium solution battery and problems caused by changes in the concentration of seawater due to temperature changes. To solve these problems, Not only seawater but also sodium solution can be used as the anode material for sodium solution batteries.

Above, we briefly looked at the operating principle of a sodium solution battery.

Next, let's take a closer look at the sodium solution battery cell 110 used in the closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using a sodium solution according to the present invention.

[Sodium solution battery cell (110)]

The sodium solution battery cell 110 of the present invention is a partially modified ‘anode and secondary battery for secondary battery’ of the shape shown in FIG. 3 so that it can be used as a module. Figure 3 conceptually shows the appearance of this sodium solution battery cell 110. Referring to Figure 3, the sodium solution battery cell 110 is a sodium solution battery cell 110 to overcome the limitations of the existing commercially available coin-shaped sodium solution battery. It may be a square-shaped sodium solution battery designed to expand the contact area between the solution and the current collector or electrode.

The sodium solution battery cell 110 includes an anode electrode 111 and a cathode electrode 112, and the previously described organic electrolyte (not shown) and solid electrolyte (not shown) are provided inside, and the sodium solution battery cell (110) can charge and discharge electricity through these components. Specifically, the sodium solution battery cell 110 is supplied with a sodium solution through a solution inlet (123; see Figure 4) formed along the circumference, and when it receives electrical energy from the outside while the sodium solution is supplied, it is included in the sodium solution. The sodium ions pass through the solid electrolyte, and the sodium ions that pass through the solid electrolyte are accumulated on the cathode electrode 112 through the organic electrolyte and are charged with electricity. A device that operates on the charged sodium solution battery cell 110. When connected, the electrons stored in the cathode electrode 112 are moved to the anode electrode 111, and at the same time, the sodium ions accumulated in the cathode electrode 112 pass through the solid electrolyte and move back to the sodium solution and the anode electrode 111, thereby generating electricity. is produced and discharged.

In this way, the sodium solution battery cell 110 has a similar operating principle to existing sodium solution batteries, and can be charged and used for electricity at any time as long as the sodium solution battery cell 110 and the sodium solution, which is an anode material, are required.

Above, the sodium solution battery cell 110 of the present invention was examined in detail.

Next, let's look at the sodium solution battery stack, which is the basic unit that forms the closed loop module structure of the sodium solution battery using the closed loop module structure of the present invention.

[Sodium solution battery stack]

Figure 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the sodium solution battery stack 100, which is the basic unit of the closed loop module structure of the sodium solution battery using the closed loop module structure of the present invention.

The sodium solution battery stack 100 of the present invention consists of a sodium solution battery cell 110, a water channel structure 120, and a cover 130. More specifically, the sodium solution battery stack 100 includes a water channel structure 120. This refers to a configuration in which two sodium solution battery cells 110 are placed on both sides of the water conduit structure 120, and in this arrangement, two covers 130 are placed at both ends.

The sodium solution battery stack 100 with this configuration is used as a single sodium solution battery stack 100 by stacking and combining each component, and when the components of the sodium solution battery stack 100 are stacked, The sodium solution battery cell 100 is inserted between the water conduit structure 120 and the cover 130. For reference, when the components of the sodium solution battery stack 100 are combined, the reason why the sodium solution battery cell 100 is inserted between the water conduit structure 120 and the cover 130 is because the sodium solution battery cell 100 is charged. This is to prevent air, foreign substances, etc. from penetrating during overdischarge so that the sodium solution battery cell 100 can operate properly, and at the same time, to prevent the lifespan of the sodium solution battery cell 100 from being shortened.

The arrangement and configuration of the sodium solution battery stack 100 are not limited to those mentioned above, and the arrangement order may be changed or components constituting the sodium solution battery stack 100 may be added or excluded. For example, in order to increase the amount of sodium solution supplied to one sodium solution battery stack 100, one additional water conduit structure 120 will be placed between both end covers 13 and the sodium solution battery cell 110. You can. In other words, the cover 130 - water channel structure 120 - sodium solution battery cell 110 - water channel structure 120 - sodium solution battery cell 110 - water channel structure 120 - cover 130 is one sodium solution. It may be composed of a solution cell stack (100). In addition, sodium solution battery cells 110 may be additionally configured to increase the amount of electricity charged or discharged by one sodium solution battery stack 100. In other words, one additional sodium solution battery cell 110 is placed between the cover 130 at both ends and the central water channel structure 120, so that the existing two sodium solution battery cells 110 are arranged into four. That it can happen.

Above, we looked at the configuration of the sodium solution battery stack 100 and the arrangement of the components.

Next, we will look at each component of the sodium solution battery stack 100, and since the sodium solution battery cell 110 has been described once before, it will be omitted to prevent redundant explanation.

[Waterway structure (120)]

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the water conduit structure 120 of the present invention and the components included therein.

The waterway structure 120 includes a waterway structure rim 121, a connecting member 122, a solution inlet 123, a waterway guide 124, a waterway support 125, a vortex generator 126, a drain 127, and a solenoid. Includes valve 128.

The waterway structure border 121 has the same shape as the cover border 131 (see Figure 4), but there are some differences in the purpose of use. Specifically, when the water channel structure edge 121 and the cover edge 131 are combined into the sodium solution battery stack 100, they are connected through the respective connecting members 122 and 132 so that they can be combined into the sodium solution battery stack 100. The arrangement positions of each connecting member 122 and 132 and the thickness and length of the edges 121 and 131 may be formed to be the same. However, when the waterway structure rim 121 is combined with the sodium solution battery stack 100, the waterway guide 124 and the waterway support 125, which are components within the waterway structure 120, are exposed to the outside. On the other hand, the cover border 131 is used to insert the sodium solution battery cells 110 when combined into the sodium solution battery stack 100 and to prevent the sodium solution battery cells 110 from being exposed to the outside. The difference is that it is used for the purpose of blocking.

The connection member 122 is at least one member arranged at predetermined intervals throughout the waterway structure edge 121. This connecting member 122 is used to connect and combine one sodium solution battery stack 100, and may also be used when connecting between sodium solution battery stacks 100. According to this use example, a sodium solution battery module 200, which will be described later, can be produced.

As shown in Figure 5, the connecting member 122 is partially penetrated to form a hole 122a, and a specially manufactured connecting rod (not shown) is passed through the hole 122a to connect each connecting member ( 122,132) can be used in a way that connects them.

Meanwhile, the connecting member 122 may be divided into a female connecting member (not shown) and a male connecting member (not shown) and used in a way that they correspond to each other and are combined. Specifically, one of the connecting member 122 of the water channel structure 120 and the connecting member 132 of the cover 130 may be partially penetrated and designed as a female connecting member as shown in Figure 5, and the other one may be designed as a female connecting member. It is designed as a male connecting member with a corresponding shape so that it can be fastened to the connecting member, and can be used to connect each connecting member (122, 132).

Referring to Figure 5, when the sodium solution is supplied to the solution inlet 123 by the storage tank 300 (see Figure 7) and the pump (310: see Figure 7), the supplied sodium solution flows into the water channel structure 120. This is a hole prepared for this.

The solution inlet 123 may be provided at the upper and lower ends of the water channel structure rim 121, so that the sodium solution flows first into the solution inlet 123 located at the lower part of the water channel structure rim 121, and the water channel structure rim ( 121) It serves as an outlet so that the sodium solution can be discharged to another water channel structure (120) through the solution inlet (123) located at the upper end. The circulation method of inflow or discharge of sodium solution through the solution inlet 123 will be examined in more detail when explaining the sodium solution circulation method of the sodium solution battery module 10 of FIG. 7.

Meanwhile, the reason why the solution inlet 123 is placed at each of the upper and lower parts of the water channel structure 120 is to ensure that the sodium solution is supplied only through the lower part of the water channel structure 120 and to the next stack only through the upper part of the water channel structure 120. This is to minimize the generation of bubbles by allowing the sodium solution to move. Specifically, if bubbles are generated when the sodium solution moves, it may interfere with the electrochemical reaction of the sodium solution, and the bubbles may stick to the sodium solution battery cell 110, shortening the lifespan of the sodium solution battery cell 110. . These bubbles occur when the sodium solution collides with something while moving. In particular, when the sodium solution moves from top to bottom, the force of gravity is added, causing more bubbles to be generated. Accordingly, the present invention allows the sodium solution to flow from the bottom to the top by supplying the sodium solution only through the lower part of the water conduit structure 120 when supplying the sodium solution to the sodium solution battery stack 100, and the sodium solution is fed to the next sodium solution battery. When moving to the stack 100, the sodium solution is discharged from the upper part of the water conduit structure 120 and moved from top to bottom through a hose 400 (see FIG. 7) to circulate the sodium solution without bubbles.

The waterway is a passage through which the sodium solution flowing into the waterway structure 120 from the solution inlet 123 moves, and this waterway may be formed along the structure of the waterway guide 124. The waterway guide 124 has a special structure to utilize the sodium solution flowing into the waterway structure 120 in a sea environment. Here, the special structure may be the zigzag structure shown in FIG. 5. If the structure of the waterway, more precisely, the structure of the waterway formed by the arrangement of the waterway guide 124, has a zigzag-like structure, unlike the sodium solution simply filling the waterway structure 120 and rising or falling in one direction, the waterway structure 124 has a zigzag-like structure. , an environment like a sea environment in which a sodium solution flows can be created by allowing the sodium solution to flow in various directions inside the water channel structure 120.

For reference, the structure of the waterway guide 124 may be a zigzag structure as shown in FIG. 5, but is not limited to this. What is the structure that allows the sodium solution contained inside the waterway structure 120 to flow in various directions? It can be used as the structure of a waterway guide (124). In addition, the waterway guide 124 may be designed by making the boundary between the waterway guides 124 as thin as possible (1 mm to 2 mm) in order to widen the contact surface with the sodium solution battery cell 110.

Meanwhile, as the sodium solution moves through the waterway guide 124, the waterway guide 124 may not be able to withstand the water pressure of the sodium solution and its shape may be deformed or the structure of the waterway guide 124 may be damaged. In order to prevent the shape of the waterway guide 124 from being deformed or damaged, a waterway support 125 that supports the waterway guide 124 may be additionally provided inside the waterway structure 120.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the waterway support 125 is a pillar-shaped support penetrating the left and right end portions of the waterway guide 124.

Like the waterway guide 124, the waterway support 125 can also be designed to be thin (1 mm to 2mm) so as not to impede the flow of sodium solution inside the waterway structure, and its shape can also be designed to be streamlined.

On the other hand, in order for the sodium solution battery cell 110 to charge or produce electricity, the supply of sodium ions from the sodium solution must be smooth. If the supply of sodium ions is not smooth, the performance of the sodium solution battery cell 110 will significantly deteriorate. do. In order to solve this problem, the present invention can temporarily change the flow path of the sodium solution and generate a vortex by forming a protruding vortex generator 126 on the outer surface of the water channel support 125. This improves the mobility of sodium ions contained in the sodium solution so that the sodium ions can be smoothly supplied to the sodium solution battery cell 110.

This vortex generator 126 may be designed in a cone shape as shown in FIG. 6, and the sodium solution flowing in one direction along the waterway guide 124 is divided into at least two by the cone-shaped vortex generator 126. It can be divided into branches and induced to flow. In addition, the sodium solution that was divided into branches can once again collide with the waterway guide 124 facing in the direction of flow, forming a vortex with a spiral flow.

For reference, the shape of the vortex generator 126 is not limited to the cone shape mentioned above, and is designed in various shapes as long as it allows the sodium solution flowing in one direction through the channel guide 124 to flow in various directions when hit. It can be.

On the other hand, the lifespan of a sodium solution battery that is in contact with the sodium solution, which is the cathode material, through the conduit structure 120 may be shortened as the contact with the sodium solution continues. For this reason, when the sodium solution battery is not used for a long time, it is desirable to discharge the sodium solution contained in the water channel structure 120. The present invention provides a method of discharging the sodium solution contained in the water channel structure 120 selectively when the user does not use the sodium solution battery. It may include a drain 127 and a solenoid valve 128 to discharge the contained sodium solution.

The drain 127 is disposed at the lower end of the water channel structure rim 121 and is a hole provided to discharge the sodium solution contained in the water channel structure 120. The solenoid valve 128 is a valve connected to the drain 127 and can control the flow of sodium solution using electric current, thereby allowing the user to selectively discharge the sodium solution contained in the water conduit structure 120. Specifically, the solenoid valve 128 is designed to open only when a predetermined current is received, and the inside of the solenoid valve 128 is provided with a gasket structure to allow the sodium solution to flow in only one direction when the valve is opened. Using the structure and principle of the solenoid valve 128, when the user attempts to discharge the sodium solution contained in the water conduit structure 120, the user opens the valve by allowing current to flow in the solenoid valve 128 to allow the sodium solution to flow into the drain 127. It can be discharged to the outside of the waterway structure 120. In addition, when the user tries to charge and discharge electricity using the sodium solution battery, the leakage of the sodium solution can be prevented by blocking the current in the solenoid valve 128 to close the valve. In this way, the user can prevent the leakage of the sodium solution by closing the solenoid valve 128. (128) can be used to selectively discharge the sodium solution contained in the water conduit structure (120).

[cover]

Referring again to FIG. 4, the cover 130 serves to cover and protect the remaining components of the sodium solution battery stack 110.

The cover 130 may include a cover edge 131 and a connection member 132. The description of the cover edge 131 and the connection member 132 was previously described as the waterway structure edge 121 and the connection member 122. ), so it will be omitted.

Inside the cover 130, there is a space where the sodium solution battery cell 110 can be inserted, but the anode 111 and cathode 112 of the sodium solution battery cell 110 can be designed to be exposed to the outside. there is.

Above, we looked at each component of the sodium solution battery stack 100.

Next, we will look at the sodium solution battery module 200 in which a plurality of sodium solution battery stacks 100 are modularized and the method in which the sodium solution is circulated in a closed loop within the sodium solution battery module 200.

[Sodium solution battery module (200)]

Referring again to FIG. 1, the sodium solution battery module 200 refers to at least two sodium solution battery stacks 100 combined face-to-face. Specifically, the sodium solution battery module 200 is formed by connecting the connection members 122 and 132 of the water conduit structure 120 and the cover 130 of each sodium solution battery stack 100 to each other.

In this way, the reason why a plurality of sodium solution battery stacks 100 are combined to form a sodium solution battery module 200 is that the capacity of about 6V to 7V that one sodium solution battery stack 100 can charge or produce is Because the utilization is low, the purpose is to create a battery of about 50V by combining them in series. For reference, Figure 1 shows 7 sodium solution battery stacks 100 (14 sodium solution battery cells 100) connected in series, and can charge or produce electricity of about 42V to 49V.

[Closed-loop module structure]

Meanwhile, the present invention relates to a closed-loop module structure of a secondary battery using a sodium solution. The closed-loop module structure means that after the sodium solution battery module 200 uses a sodium solution as a cathode material, the used sodium solution is circulated again. It is designed with a loop-type structure so that it can return. Here, the 'closure' of the closed loop module structure is different from the open method of replenishing the sodium solution, which is the anode material, by immersing the sodium solution battery in seawater to charge or produce electricity through the conventional sodium solution battery, the method of the present invention. The closed loop module structure refers to a structure in which the sodium solution can be replenished without the sodium solution battery cell 110 being exposed to the outside by injecting the sodium solution into the storage tank (300; see FIG. 7).

Figure 7 is a diagram specifically showing how the sodium solution circulates in this closed-loop module structure.

Referring to FIG. 7, a storage tank 300 is disposed below the sodium solution battery module 200. The sodium solution battery module 200 and the storage tank 300 may be coupled by a separate fastening member (not shown).

The storage tank 300, as the term suggests, is a component that stores the sodium solution. It has an inlet 310 through which the sodium solution is introduced into the storage tank 300 and a device that generates a predetermined pressure so that the sodium solution can be moved to the hose 400. It may include a pump 320 and a water level sensor (not shown) that measures the water level of the sodium solution in the storage tank 300. For reference, sodium solution collection ports (not shown) are provided throughout the upper part of the storage tank (300) and can be used to collect sodium solution that may leak from the sodium solution battery module (200) within the storage tank (300). there is.

Meanwhile, the hose 400 is connected to the inside and outside of the storage tank 300, and is also connected to the solution inlet 123 of the water conduit structure 120 to circulate the sodium solution through a closed loop module structure.

Looking at the circulation path of the sodium solution according to this closed-loop module structure with reference to FIG. 7, first, the sodium solution is introduced into the inlet 310 of the storage tank 300 (FIG. 7-①).

When the sodium solution is introduced, the sodium solution is stored in the storage tank 300, and the pump 320 generates a predetermined pressure at preset times to pump the sodium solution into the water conduit structure 120 of the first sodium solution cell stack 100. It is pumped through the solution inlet 123 located at the bottom (Figure 7-②).

When the pump 320 generates a predetermined pressure to move the sodium solution to the water conduit structure 120 of the first sodium solution cell stack 100, the water conduit structure 120 of the first sodium solution cell stack 100 As it is filled with sodium solution, the sodium solution can be discharged through the solution inlet 123 disposed at the upper part of the water conduit structure 120 of the first sodium solution battery stack 100. The sodium solution discharged in this way flows through the hose 400 to the solution inlet 123 disposed at the lower end of the water conduit structure 120 of the second sodium solution cell stack 100 disposed after the first sodium solution cell stack 100. It is moved (Figure 7-③).

In this way, if the water channel structure 120 of the last sodium solution cell stack 100 is filled with sodium solution, the solution inlet 123 disposed at the upper part of the water channel structure 120 of the last sodium solution cell stack 100 is The sodium solution is discharged, and the discharged sodium solution can be moved back to the storage tank 300 through the hose 400.

The sodium solution moved back to the storage tank 300 is circulated by being moved back to the water conduit structure 120 of the first sodium solution cell stack 100 by the pump 310 (FIG. 7-④).

Above, we have looked at all embodiments of a sodium solution battery using a closed-route module structure.

Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and application examples described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Of course, it is possible, but these modified implementations should not be understood separately from the technical idea or outlook of the present invention.

Sodium solution battery stack (100) cover (130)
Sodium solution battery cell (110) cover border (131)
Anode (111) Sodium solution battery module (200)
Cathode (112) Storage tank (300)
Waterway structure (120) inlet (310)
Waterway structure rim (121) Pump (320)
Connecting members (122,132) Hose (400)
Solution entrance (123)
Waterway guide (124)
Waterway support (125)
Vortex generator (126)
drain(127)
Solenoid valve(128)
Cover(130)

Claims (6)

In the sodium solution battery including a plurality of sodium solution cell stacks,
The sodium solution battery stack,
A surface-type sodium solution battery cell that includes both electrodes and uses sodium solution as the anode material to charge or discharge electricity;
A water channel structure that is in contact with at least one side of the sodium solution battery cell, accommodates a sodium solution, and has a water channel formed in a zigzag shape therein; and
A cover covering the sodium solution battery cell and water conduit structure;
Including,
In the sodium solution battery stack, the water conduit structure is disposed at the center, sodium solution battery cells are disposed on both sides of the water conduit structure, the sodium solution battery cells are embedded in the cover, and the water conduit structure and the cover has a form joined by a connecting member,
The waterway structure is for supporting waterway guides, and includes a waterway support penetrating the waterway guides; And a cone-shaped vortex generator that protrudes from the outer surface of the waterway support and guides the sodium solution flowing in one direction along the waterway guide to flow in at least two branches.
A solution inlet through which sodium solution flows in and out is disposed at the upper and lower edges of the water channel structure,
At the bottom of the sodium solution battery,
A storage tank for storing sodium solution;
A hose connected to the storage tank and the sodium solution cell stack to enable movement of the sodium solution; and
Characterized in that it is provided with a pump that applies pressure to the stored sodium solution and causes the sodium solution to flow into the solution inlet located at the lower edge of the water conduit structure.
Sodium solution battery with closed-loop module structure. delete delete delete delete delete