WO2020158624A1 - 電池セル、セルスタック、及びレドックスフロー電池 - Google Patents
電池セル、セルスタック、及びレドックスフロー電池 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2020158624A1 WO2020158624A1 PCT/JP2020/002596 JP2020002596W WO2020158624A1 WO 2020158624 A1 WO2020158624 A1 WO 2020158624A1 JP 2020002596 W JP2020002596 W JP 2020002596W WO 2020158624 A1 WO2020158624 A1 WO 2020158624A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
- H01M8/0263—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant having meandering or serpentine paths
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/18—Regenerative fuel cells, e.g. redox flow batteries or secondary fuel cells
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
- H01M4/8605—Porous electrodes
- H01M4/8626—Porous electrodes characterised by the form
- H01M4/8631—Bipolar electrodes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
- H01M8/026—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/18—Regenerative fuel cells, e.g. redox flow batteries or secondary fuel cells
- H01M8/184—Regeneration by electrochemical means
- H01M8/188—Regeneration by electrochemical means by recharging of redox couples containing fluids; Redox flow type batteries
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/241—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
- H01M8/2418—Grouping by arranging unit cells in a plane
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to battery cells, cell stacks, and redox flow batteries.
- This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-014461 filed on January 30, 2019 in Japan, and incorporates all the contents described in the Japanese application.
- Redox flow batteries are known as one of the large-capacity storage batteries (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
- the redox flow battery may be referred to as an “RF battery”.
- the RF battery mainly includes a battery cell including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a diaphragm interposed between the two electrodes.
- a laminated body including a plurality of battery cells called a cell stack is used.
- the cell stack has a structure in which a cell frame, a positive electrode, a diaphragm, and a negative electrode are repeatedly stacked in order.
- the cell frame has a bipolar plate arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a frame body provided on the outer periphery of the bipolar plate.
- the positive and negative electrodes are arranged so as to face each other with the diaphragm interposed between the bipolar plates of the adjacent cell frames to form one battery cell.
- the electrolytic solution is supplied to the battery cells, the electrodes carry out a battery reaction, and the reacted electrolytic solution is discharged from the battery cells.
- Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a bipolar plate having a flow path through which an electrolytic solution flows on the surface of the bipolar plate on the electrode side.
- the surface of the bipolar plate on the electrode side is the surface facing the electrode.
- Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a meandering flow channel as a flow channel through which an electrolytic solution flows (see paragraphs 0041 and 0042 of FIG. 5 and paragraphs 0061 and 5 of Patent Document 2). reference).
- the battery cell of the present disclosure is An electrode and a bipolar plate arranged to face the electrode, In a plan view seen from the direction in which the electrode and the bipolar plate overlap, a battery cell having a supply edge for supplying an electrolytic solution and a discharge edge for discharging the electrolytic solution, When the direction from the supply edge to the discharge edge is the length direction, and the direction along the supply edge and the discharge edge is the width direction, A plurality of meandering flow paths that have an inlet communicating with the supply edge and an outlet communicating with the discharge edge, are formed in series from the inlet to the outlet, and are arranged in parallel in the width direction.
- the meandering channel is An introduction side section extending from the introduction port toward the discharge edge side and having an end portion on the discharge edge side, A folded-back section that is folded back from the end portion on the discharge edge side in the introduction side section toward the supply edge side, and has an end portion on the supply edge side, A discharge side section extending from the end on the supply edge side in the folded section toward the discharge edge side and reaching the discharge port,
- the length in the length direction of the region where the introduction side section, the folded section, and the discharge side section are arranged in the width direction is 100 mm or more and 2000 mm or less.
- the cell stack of the present disclosure is A battery cell according to the present disclosure is provided.
- the redox flow battery of the present disclosure is A cell stack of the present disclosure is provided.
- a battery cell according to the present disclosure is provided.
- FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating principle of the redox flow battery according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the redox flow battery according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a cell stack according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the cell frame included in the cell stack according to the embodiment, viewed from one surface side.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the bipolar plate included in the battery cell according to the embodiment as seen from one surface side.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing a meandering flow path in the battery cell according to the embodiment.
- Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a bipolar plate in which a meandering flow path is formed.
- the meandering flow paths described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are formed in series over the entire area of the bipolar plate. With this flow path, the electrolytic solution can be uniformly spread over the entire area of the bipolar plate.
- the total length of the flow path becomes long and the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution increases accordingly, there is a risk that the pressure loss when the electrolytic solution is passed increases.
- the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution is large, it is necessary to increase the power of the pump that sends the electrolytic solution, and thus the energy efficiency of the RF battery may be reduced. Therefore, conventionally, it cannot be said that sufficient consideration has been made on reducing the pump power of the RF battery.
- an object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery cell that can reduce pump power of a redox flow battery. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cell stack capable of improving the battery performance of a redox flow battery. Further, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a redox flow battery having excellent battery performance.
- the battery cell of the present disclosure can reduce pump power of a redox flow battery. Further, the cell stack of the present disclosure can improve the battery performance of the redox flow battery. The redox flow battery of the present disclosure has excellent battery performance.
- the battery cell according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is An electrode and a bipolar plate arranged to face the electrode, In a plan view seen from the direction in which the electrode and the bipolar plate overlap, a battery cell having a supply edge for supplying an electrolytic solution and a discharge edge for discharging the electrolytic solution, When the direction from the supply edge to the discharge edge is the length direction, and the direction along the supply edge and the discharge edge is the width direction, A plurality of meandering flow paths that have an inlet communicating with the supply edge and an outlet communicating with the discharge edge, are formed in series from the inlet to the outlet, and are arranged in parallel in the width direction.
- the meandering channel is An introduction side section extending from the introduction port toward the discharge edge side and having an end portion on the discharge edge side, A folded-back section that is folded back from the end portion on the discharge edge side in the introduction side section toward the supply edge side, and has an end portion on the supply edge side, A discharge side section extending from the end on the supply edge side in the folded section toward the discharge edge side and reaching the discharge port,
- the length in the length direction of the region where the introduction side section, the folded section, and the discharge side section are arranged in the width direction is 100 mm or more and 2000 mm or less.
- the battery cell of the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of meandering flow paths, so that the electrolytic solution can be distributed in a wide range of the electrode along each meandering flow path.
- the battery cell of the present disclosure includes a plurality of meandering flow paths instead of one meandering flow path as in the related art, and thus the total length of each meandering flow path is longer than that in the case where one meandering flow path is provided. It gets shorter. Therefore, the battery cell of the present disclosure can reduce the pressure loss when the electrolytic solution is passed. Therefore, the battery cell of the present disclosure can reduce the pump power of the RF battery.
- the length of the region where the introduction side section, the folded section and the discharge side section are arranged in the width direction is 100 mm or more, it is easy to diffuse the electrolytic solution in a wide range of the electrode.
- region where each said section is located in a line in the width direction may be called "parallel area.” Therefore, the above-mentioned form is easy to cause a battery reaction in an electrode.
- the length of the parallel region is 2000 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the meandering flow path from becoming excessively long. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering flow path can be reduced, so that the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be easily reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned form can reduce pump power more easily.
- the distance in the width direction between the introduction-side section and the turn-back section and between the discharge-side section and the turn-back section may be 1 mm or more and 36 mm or less, respectively.
- the distance between each of the introduction side section and the discharge side section and the turn-back section is within the above range, so that the diffusibility of the electrolyte solution to the electrodes can be improved. Therefore, the said form can perform a battery reaction efficiently.
- the cross-sectional area of the meandering channel may be uniform over the entire length from the inlet to the outlet.
- the cross-sectional area of the meandering channel is uniform over its entire length, making it easy to keep the flow rate of the electrolyte constant over the entire length of the meandering channel.
- the cross-sectional area of the meandering channel may be 0.5 mm 2 or more and 16 mm 2 or less.
- the cross-sectional area of the meandering flow path is within the above range, so that the flow rate of the electrolytic solution flowing in the meandering flow path can be easily secured and the electrolytic solution can be easily spread over a wide range of the electrode. Therefore, the above-mentioned form is easy to cause a battery reaction in an electrode. Further, when the cross-sectional area of the meandering flow path is within the above range, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering flow path can be reduced, so that the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be easily reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned form can reduce pump power more easily.
- the total length of the meandering channel may be 300 mm or more and 6000 mm or less.
- the total length of the meandering channel is 300 mm or more, it is easy to diffuse the electrolyte solution over a wide area of the electrode. Therefore, the above-mentioned form is easy to cause a battery reaction in an electrode.
- the total length of the meandering channel is 6000 mm or less, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering channel can be sufficiently reduced, so that the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be easily sufficiently reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned form can easily reduce the pump power sufficiently.
- the meandering channel may be provided in the bipolar plate.
- the meandering flow path is preferably provided on at least one of the bipolar plate and the electrode. It is easy to provide a flow path in the bipolar plate. Therefore, in the above embodiment, it is easy to form a meandering flow path.
- the meandering channel may be provided in the electrode.
- the meandering channel may include a groove.
- the serpentine channel contains grooves so that the electrolyte can flow more easily into the serpentine channel. Therefore, the above-mentioned form is easy to reduce pressure loss of electrolyte solution more. Therefore, the above-mentioned form can reduce pump power more easily.
- the meandering flow path may be formed not only by the groove but also by a sparse portion where the porosity of the porous body itself forming the electrode is locally large. The sparse portion having a large porosity in the groove or the porous body allows the electrolytic solution to flow more easily and functions as a flow channel than a portion having no groove or a dense portion having a small porosity.
- the transmittance of the electrode may be 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 13 m 2 or more and 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 10 m 2 or less.
- the electrode transmittance is an index showing the ease of circulation of the electrolyte solution in the electrode. The higher the transmittance, the easier the electrolytic solution flows to the electrode. When the transmittance is within the above range, the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution flowing through the electrode can be further reduced. Further, when the transmittance is within the above range, the electrolytic solution is easily diffused in the electrode, and the electrolytic solution is easily spread over a wide area of the electrode. Therefore, in the above embodiment, a battery reaction is likely to occur at the electrodes.
- the turn-back section is One vertical section arranged between the introduction side section and the discharge side section; It is possible to cite that it has the discharge side end portions of the introduction side section and the vertical section, and two horizontal sections that respectively connect the discharge side section and the supply edge side end portions of the vertical section. ..
- the above-mentioned form can constitute a meandering flow path.
- the cell stack according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is The battery cell according to any one of (1) to (9) above is provided.
- the cell stack according to the present disclosure can reduce the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution and allow the electrolytic solution to flow in a wide range of the electrode. Therefore, the cell stack of the present disclosure can reduce the pump power of the RF battery. This is because the cell stack of the present disclosure includes the battery cell of the present disclosure described above. Therefore, the cell stack of the present disclosure can improve the battery performance of the RF battery.
- the redox flow battery according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is The cell stack according to (10) above is provided.
- a redox flow battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is The battery cell according to any one of (1) to (9) above is provided.
- the RF battery of the present disclosure includes the above-described battery cell of the present disclosure or the above-described cell stack of the present disclosure, pump power can be reduced. Therefore, the RF battery of the present disclosure has excellent battery performance.
- the RF battery 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 uses, as the positive electrode electrolytic solution and the negative electrode electrolytic solution, an electrolytic solution containing a metal ion whose valence changes by redox as an active material.
- the RF battery 1 charges and discharges by utilizing the difference between the redox potential of ions contained in the positive electrode electrolyte and the redox potential of ions contained in the negative electrode electrolyte.
- a vanadium-based RF battery using a vanadium electrolytic solution containing vanadium (V) ions as a positive electrode electrolytic solution and a negative electrode electrolytic solution is shown.
- the RF battery 1 indicates a charging reaction, and a broken arrow indicates a discharging reaction.
- the RF battery 1 is connected to the power system 90 via the AC/DC converter 80.
- the RF battery 1 is used, for example, for load leveling applications, instantaneous voltage drop compensation, applications such as emergency power sources, and output smoothing applications for natural energy generation such as solar power generation and wind power generation.
- the RF battery 1 may be a manganese-titanium-based RF battery in which the positive electrode electrolyte contains manganese ions and the negative electrode electrolyte contains titanium ions.
- the electrolyte solution may have a known composition.
- the RF battery 1 includes a battery cell 10 that is charged and discharged, tanks 106 and 107 that store an electrolytic solution, and circulation flow paths 100P and 100N that circulate the electrolytic solution between the tank 106 and 107 and the battery cell 10.
- the battery cell 10 includes a positive electrode 14, a negative electrode 15, and a diaphragm 11 interposed between both electrodes.
- the structure of the battery cell 10 is divided into a positive electrode cell 12 and a negative electrode cell 13 with a diaphragm 11 interposed therebetween, and the positive electrode cell 12 has a positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode cell 13 has a negative electrode 15 built therein.
- the battery cell 10 is configured by arranging a positive electrode 14 and a negative electrode 15 between bipolar plates 31 so as to face each other via a diaphragm 11 (see also FIG. 3 ).
- the battery cell 10 of the present embodiment has a supply edge 311 to which the electrolytic solution is supplied and a discharge edge 312 to which the electrolytic solution is discharged.
- the battery cell 10 includes a plurality of meandering flow paths 4 as flow paths through which the electrolytic solution flows.
- the meandering channel 4 is provided, for example, on at least one of the electrodes such as the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 and the bipolar plate 31.
- the bipolar plate 31 is provided with a plurality of meandering flow paths 4.
- the meandering flow path 4 has an introduction side section 41, a turnback section 45, and a discharge side section 42.
- One of the features of the meandering flow path 4 is that when the direction from the supply edge 311 to the discharge edge 312 is the length direction and the direction along the supply edge 311 and the discharge edge 312 is the width direction, the introduction side section 41 and the folded section. It is a point that the length in the length direction of the parallel region 4A in which the 45 and the discharge side section 42 are arranged in the width direction is 100 mm or more and 2000 mm or less. The length of the parallel region 4A is the dimension indicated by L 4A in FIG.
- the basic configuration of the battery cell 10 will be described first, and then, the configuration of the meandering flow path 4 provided in the battery cell 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6.
- Electrode An electrolytic solution such as a positive electrode electrolytic solution and a negative electrode electrolytic solution is supplied to each of the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 of the RF battery 1. Each electrode functions as a reaction field where the electrolytic solution performs a battery reaction.
- the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 are formed of a porous body having conductivity. Since the electrode formed of the porous body has pores, the electrolytic solution can be circulated in the electrode.
- carbon felt, carbon cloth, carbon paper and the like can be preferably used.
- the diaphragm 11 is formed of, for example, an ion exchange membrane that transmits hydrogen ions.
- the transmittance of each of the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 is, for example, 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 13 m 2 or more and 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 10 m 2 or less.
- the transmittance is an index showing the ease of circulation of the electrolytic solution. The higher the transmittance, the easier the electrolytic solution flows to the electrode.
- the transmittance is 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 13 m 2 or more, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the electrode is reduced, and the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution flowing in the electrode can be further reduced. Further, when the transmittance is 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 13 m 2 or more, the electrolytic solution is easily diffused in the electrode, and the electrolytic solution is easily spread over a wide area of the electrode.
- the transmittance is too high, the proportion of the electrolytic solution that passes through the electrode without reacting with the battery and not reacting increases. Therefore, the battery reaction is less likely to occur at the electrodes.
- the transmittance is 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 10 m 2 or less, it is possible to reduce the amount of the electrolytic solution that passes through the electrode unreacted. Therefore, a battery reaction is likely to occur at the electrodes.
- a more preferable electrode transmittance is 2 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 13 m 2 or more, and further 5 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 13 m 2 or more and 5 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 11 m 2 or less.
- the transmittance is the reciprocal of the transmission resistance of the electrode, and is calculated by the Darcy-Weisbach equation shown below.
- ⁇ P (h/K) ⁇ (Q/wd)
- K is the transmittance (m 2 ).
- ⁇ P is the pressure loss (Pa)
- Q is the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the electrode (m 3 /s)
- ⁇ is the viscosity of the fluid (Pa ⁇ s)
- h is the electrode length (m)
- w is the electrode
- the width (m) and d indicate the thickness (m) of the electrode, respectively.
- the thickness of the electrode is the thickness of the electrode in a compressed state when the electrode is incorporated in the battery cell 10.
- the transmittance is a value specific to the electrode regardless of the type of fluid.
- the transmittance is a constant that can be measured using a fluid such as water having a known viscosity.
- the transmittance of the electrode can be obtained by using the measuring method described in
- electrolyte solutions such as a positive electrode electrolyte solution and a negative electrode electrolyte solution circulate in the positive electrode cell 12 and the negative electrode cell 13 that configure the battery cell 10, through the circulation flow paths 100P and 100N.
- a positive electrode electrolytic solution tank 106 that stores a positive electrode electrolytic solution is connected to the positive electrode cell 12 via a positive electrode circulation channel 100P.
- the negative electrode cell 13 is connected to a negative electrode electrolytic solution tank 107 that stores a negative electrode electrolytic solution via a negative electrode circulation channel 100N.
- Each circulation flow path 100P, 100N includes a forward pipe 108, 109 for sending the electrolytic solution from each tank 106, 107 to the battery cell 10, and a return pipe 110, 111 for returning the electrolytic solution from the battery cell 10 to each tank 106, 107.
- Pumps 112 and 113 for pumping the electrolyte solution stored in the tanks 106 and 107 are provided in the outward pipes 108 and 109, respectively.
- the electrolytic solution is circulated in the battery cell 10 by the pumps 112 and 113.
- the RF battery 1 may be a single cell battery including a single battery cell 10 or a multi-cell battery including a plurality of battery cells 10.
- the RF battery 1 normally uses a cell stack 2 in which a plurality of battery cells 10 are stacked as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the cell stack 2 is configured by sandwiching a plurality of sub-stacks 200 from both sides thereof with two end plates 220 and tightening the end plates 220 on both sides with a tightening mechanism 230.
- FIG. 3 shows a cell stack 2 including a plurality of sub-stacks 200.
- the sub-stack 200 has a structure in which the cell frame 3, the positive electrode 14, the diaphragm 11, and the negative electrode 15 are repeatedly stacked in this order, and the supply/discharge plates 210 are arranged at both ends of the stacked body. To the supply/discharge plate 210, the outward pipes 108 and 109 and the return pipes 110 and 111 of the circulation flow passages 100P and 100N (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are connected.
- the cell frame 3 has a bipolar plate 31 arranged between the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 and a frame body 32 provided around the bipolar plate 31 (see also FIG. 4). ).
- the positive electrode 14 is arranged on one side of the bipolar plate 31 so as to face it.
- the negative electrode 15 is arranged so as to face it.
- a bipolar plate 31 is provided inside the frame 32, and the bipolar plate 31 and the frame 32 form a recess 32o.
- the recesses 32o are formed on both sides of the bipolar plate 31, and the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 are housed in the recesses 32o with the bipolar plate 31 sandwiched therebetween.
- the bipolar plate 31 is made of, for example, conductive plastic, typically plastic carbon.
- Plastic carbon is a composite material of conductive carbon and resin.
- the frame body 32 is formed of plastic such as vinyl chloride resin (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, fluororesin, or epoxy resin.
- the cell frame 3 may be manufactured by integrating the frame 32 around the bipolar plate 31 by injection molding or the like.
- a sealing member is arranged between the outer peripheral portion of the bipolar plate 31 and the inner peripheral portion of the frame body 32, and the outer peripheral portion of the bipolar plate 31 and the inner peripheral portion of the frame body 32 are overlapped with each other. It can also be manufactured in.
- one surface side and the other surface side of the frame bodies 32 of the adjacent cell frames 3 are opposed to each other and abutted against each other, and between the bipolar plates 31 of the adjacent cell frames 3.
- One battery cell 10 is formed for each (see FIG. 3 ).
- the bipolar plate 31 is interposed between the adjacent battery cells 10.
- Each of the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 is housed in each recess 32 o of the frame 32 when the battery cell 10 is constructed.
- An annular seal member 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) such as an O-ring or a flat packing is arranged between the frame bodies 32 of the cell frames 3 in order to suppress leakage of the electrolytic solution.
- Supply and discharge of the electrolytic solution to and from the battery cell 10 are performed by penetrating the frame body 32 with the liquid supply manifolds 33 and 34 and drainage manifolds 35 and 36, and with the liquid supply slit 33s formed in the frame body 32. 34s and drain slits 35s and 36s.
- the positive electrode electrolyte is supplied to the bipolar plate 31 from the liquid supply manifold 33 formed in the lower portion of the frame body 32 through the liquid supply slit 33s formed on one surface side of the frame body 32. It is supplied on one side.
- the supplied positive electrode electrolytic solution is discharged to the drainage manifold 35 via the drainage slits 35s formed on the upper portion of the frame body 32.
- the negative electrode electrolyte is supplied to the other surface side of the bipolar plate 31 from the liquid supply manifold 34 formed in the lower portion of the frame body 32 through the liquid supply slit 34s formed on the other surface side of the frame body 32. It The supplied negative electrode electrolytic solution is discharged to the drainage manifold 36 via the drainage slit 36s formed on the upper portion of the frame body 32.
- the liquid supply manifolds 33, 34 and the drainage manifolds 35, 36 are respectively connected to the outward pipes 108, 109 and the return pipes of the circulation flow passages 100P, 100N (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the supply/discharge plates 210 (see FIG. 3).
- the pipes 110 and 111 are connected to each other.
- the battery cell 10 of this example is configured such that the electrolytic solution is supplied from the lower edge side and discharged from the upper edge side. That is, the overall flow direction of the electrolytic solution in the battery cell 10 is the upward direction of the page.
- the cell frame 3 has a supply-side rectifying section 330 and a discharge-side rectifying section 350.
- the supply side rectifying section 330 is a groove formed on one surface side of the frame body 32 and extending along the lower edge of the inner periphery of the frame body 32.
- the liquid supply slit 33s is connected to the supply-side rectifying unit 330.
- the supply-side rectifying unit 330 has a function of diffusing the positive electrode electrolyte supplied from the liquid supply slit 33s along the lower edge of the bipolar plate 31.
- the discharge side rectifying section 350 is a groove formed on one surface side of the frame body 32 and extending along the upper edge of the inner circumference of the frame body 32.
- the drain slit 35s is connected to the discharge side rectifying section 350.
- the discharge-side rectifying unit 350 has a function of collecting the positive electrode electrolyte discharged from the upper edge of the bipolar plate 31 in the drain slit 35s.
- the supply-side rectifying unit 330 and the discharge-side rectifying unit 350 are provided in the frame 32, but the supply-side rectifying unit 330 and the discharge-side rectifying unit 350 can be provided in the bipolar plate 31.
- a groove may be formed along the lower edge of the bipolar plate 31.
- a groove may be formed along the upper edge of the bipolar plate 31.
- FIG. 4 only the supply side rectifying section 330 and the discharge side rectifying section 350 for the positive electrode electrolyte formed on one surface side which is the positive side of the cell frame 3 in which the positive electrode 14 (see FIG. 3) is arranged are shown. ing. Similarly to the one surface side, the supply side rectification section and the discharge side rectification section for the negative electrode electrolyte are formed on the other surface side which is the negative electrode side of the cell frame 3 in which the negative electrode 15 (see FIG. 3) is arranged. There is.
- the bipolar plate 31 has a plan view when viewed from a direction in which the respective electrodes of the positive electrode 14 (see FIG. 3) and the negative electrode 15 (see FIG. 3) and the bipolar plate 31 overlap each other. It has a supply edge 311 for supplying the electrolytic solution and a discharge edge 312 for discharging the electrolytic solution.
- the lower edge of the peripheral edge of the bipolar plate 31 is the supply edge 311.
- the upper edge of the peripheral edge of the bipolar plate 31 is the discharge edge 312.
- the planar shape of the bipolar plate 31 of this example is rectangular.
- One surface side of the bipolar plate 31 viewed from the front side of the paper surface in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a surface facing the positive electrode 14 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the other surface side of the bipolar plate 31 viewed from the back side of the paper surface in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a surface facing the negative electrode 15 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the battery cell 10 of the present example includes a plurality of meandering flow paths 4, as shown in FIG.
- the meandering flow path 4 is typically provided in the bipolar plate 31.
- the meandering flow path 4 can be provided in at least one of the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15.
- the meandering flow path 4 is formed by, for example, a groove.
- a porous body may be housed in the groove.
- the meandering flow path 4 may be formed by a sparse portion where the porosity of the porous body itself forming the electrode is locally large. In the sparse portion having a large porosity in the groove or the porous body, the electrolytic solution flows more easily than in the non-groove portion or the dense portion having a small porosity.
- each meandering flow path 4 is formed by a groove. It is relatively easy to form a groove in the bipolar plate 31. Therefore, it is easy to form the meandering flow path 4 formed of a groove in the bipolar plate 31. Further, when the meandering flow path 4 includes a groove, the electrolytic solution is more likely to flow in the meandering flow path 4, so that the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution is easily reduced.
- the direction from the supply edge 311 to the discharge edge 312 is the length direction.
- the direction along the supply edge 311 and the discharge edge 312 is the width direction. That is, the vertical direction of the paper surface in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the length direction.
- the left-right direction of the paper surface in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the width direction. 4 and 5, only the plurality of meandering flow paths 4 through which the positive electrode electrolytic solution provided on the positive electrode 14 side, which is one surface side of the bipolar plate 31, flows are illustrated.
- a plurality of meandering channels through which the negative electrode electrolytic solution flows are provided, as with the one surface side. 4 and 5, only the two meandering flow paths 4 of the plurality of meandering flow paths 4 are shown, and the other meandering flow paths are abbreviated by "... (dot)".
- a plurality of meandering flow paths 4 are arranged in parallel in the width direction.
- the meandering flow paths 4 are provided side by side over substantially the entire area of the bipolar plate 31.
- the number of the meandering flow paths 4 can be appropriately selected according to the size of the bipolar plate 31, typically, the length of the bipolar plate 31 in the width direction, so that the electrolytic solution can be uniformly spread over the entire area of the bipolar plate 31. preferable.
- Each meandering flow path 4 has an inlet 4i communicating with the supply edge 311 and an outlet 4o communicating with the discharge edge 312.
- Each meandering channel 4 is formed in series from the inlet 4i to the outlet 4o.
- the meandering flow path 4 has an introduction side section 41, a turnback section 45, and a discharge side section 42.
- the introduction side section 41 extends from the introduction port 4i toward the discharge edge 312 side and has an end portion 411 on the discharge edge 312 side.
- the end portion 411 of the introduction side section 41 on the side of the discharge edge 312 does not reach the discharge edge 312 and does not communicate with the discharge edge 312.
- the folded-back section 45 is folded back from the end 411 on the discharge edge 312 side in the introduction side section 41 toward the supply edge 311 side and has an end 451 on the supply edge 311 side.
- the end portion 451 of the folded section 45 on the side of the supply edge 311 does not reach the supply edge 311 and does not communicate with the supply edge 311.
- An end portion 452 of the turnback section 45 on the discharge edge 312 side is connected to an end portion 411 of the introduction side section 41.
- the discharge side section 42 extends from the end 451 on the supply edge 311 side of the folded section 45 toward the discharge edge 312 side and reaches the discharge port 4o.
- the discharge side section 42 has an end portion 421 on the supply edge 311 side.
- the end 411 on the discharge edge 312 side of the introduction side section 41 and the end 421 on the supply edge 311 side of the discharge side section 42 communicate with each other via the folded section 45.
- the meandering flow path 4 has a parallel region 4A in which the introduction side section 41, the folded section 45, and the discharge side section 42 are arranged in the width direction.
- the parallel region 4A is a region where the introduction-side section 41, the turn-back section 45, and the discharge-side section 42 overlap each other when the introduction-side section 41, the turn-back section 45, and the discharge-side section 42 are viewed in the width direction.
- the introduction-side section 41, the turn-back section 45, and the discharge-side section 42 that form the meandering flow path 4 of this example are formed by grooves.
- the introduction side section 41 and the discharge side section 42 are provided in parallel along the length direction.
- the introduction side section 41 and the discharge side section 42 are formed so as to be partially aligned with each other in the width direction. Specifically, a portion from the vicinity of the introduction port 4i to the end portion 411 in the introduction side section 41 and a portion from the vicinity of the discharge port 4o to the end portion 421 in the discharge side section 42 are formed side by side in the width direction. ing.
- the folded section 45 shown in FIG. 6 is provided mainly along the length direction.
- the turn-back section 45 is configured by one vertical section 52 along the length direction and two horizontal sections 53 along the width direction.
- the vertical section 52 is provided in parallel with the introduction side section 41 and the discharge side section 42, and is arranged between the introduction side section 41 and the discharge side section 42.
- the horizontal section 53 is provided at each end of the vertical section 52 on the discharge edge 312 side and the supply edge 311 side.
- the end of the vertical section 52 on the discharge edge 312 side is connected to the end 411 of the introduction side section 41 via the horizontal section 53, and the end of the vertical section 52 on the supply edge 311 side is the horizontal section.
- the end portion 421 of the discharge-side section 42 is connected via 53.
- the flow of the electrolytic solution when the meandering channel 4 is provided will be described.
- the electrolytic solution such as the positive electrode electrolytic solution supplied from the supply edge 311 is introduced into the meandering flow path 4 from the introduction port 4i.
- the electrolytic solution introduced into the meandering flow path 4 flows along the meandering flow path 4 and is discharged from the discharge port 4o to the discharge edge 312.
- the electrolytic solution flowing in the meandering flow path 4 permeates from the meandering flow path 4 into an electrode such as the positive electrode 14 facing the meandering flow path 4 and diffuses from the surface of the electrode into the inside of the electrode.
- the diffusion of the electrolytic solution into the electrode can cause the electrolytic solution to flow inside the electrode.
- the meandering flow path 4 shown in FIG. 6 has a uniform cross-sectional area over the entire length from the inlet 4i to the outlet 4o.
- the “cross-sectional area of the meandering channel 4 ” is a cross-sectional area of a cross section orthogonal to the flowing direction of the electrolytic solution in the meandering channel 4.
- the "uniform cross-sectional area” means the following. A plurality of locations are selected along the meandering flow path 4, and the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of locations in the meandering flow path 4 are measured.
- the cross-sectional areas of a plurality of points in each of the introduction side section 41, the turn-back section 45, and the discharge side section 42 are measured.
- the number of points to be measured is, for example, 10 or more in each section, that is, 30 or more in total, and may be set at equal intervals.
- the average value of the measured cross-sectional areas is obtained, and when the cross-sectional area at each location is within ⁇ 30% of the average value, it is considered that the cross-sectional area is uniform. More preferably, the cross-sectional area at each location is within ⁇ 20% of the average value, and further within ⁇ 10%.
- the cross-sectional area of the introduction-side section 41, the turn-back section 45, and the discharge-side section 42 that configure the meandering flow path 4 is, for example, 0.5 mm 2 or more and 16 mm 2 or less, and further 1 mm 2 or more and 12 mm 2 or less.
- the cross-sectional area of the meandering flow path 4 is within the above range, it is easy to secure a sufficient flow rate of the electrolytic solution flowing in the meandering flow path 4. Therefore, when the cross-sectional area of the meandering flow path 4 is within the above range, the electrolytic solution is likely to spread over a wide area of the electrode, so that a battery reaction is likely to occur at the electrode. If the cross-sectional area of the meandering flow path 4 is within the above range, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering flow path 4 can be reduced, and thus the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be easily reduced.
- the meandering channel 4 has a rectangular cross section.
- the “cross-sectional shape of the meandering channel 4” is the shape in the above-mentioned cross section.
- the cross-sectional shape of the meandering flow path 4 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a semicircular shape, a semielliptic shape, or the like.
- the width and depth of the meandering flow path 4 are uniform over the entire length from the inlet 4i to the outlet 4o.
- the “width of the meandering channel 4” is the width in the above-mentioned cross section.
- the depth of the meandering flow path 4 is the depth in the cross section.
- the width of the meandering channel 4 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and further 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.
- the depth of the meandering channel 4 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 6 mm or less, and further 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less.
- the total length of the meandering flow path 4 is, for example, 300 mm or more and 6000 mm or less, and further 450 mm or more and 4800 mm or less.
- the "total length of the meandering flow path 4" means the length along the center line from the inlet 4i to the outlet 4o. If the total length of the meandering flow path 4 is too short, the electrolyte solution is less likely to diffuse from the meandering flow path 4 to the electrodes. As a result, the electrolytic solution may not sufficiently flow through the electrodes, and the electrolytic solution may pass through the meandering flow path 4 without being reacted.
- the total length of the meandering flow path 4 is 300 mm or more, diffusion of the electrolytic solution from the meandering flow path 4 to the electrode is likely to occur sufficiently. Therefore, the electrolyte solution is likely to flow inside the electrode. Therefore, when the meandering flow path 4 has a total length of 300 mm or more, the electrolytic solution is easily diffused in a wide area of the electrode, and thus a battery reaction is likely to occur in the electrode.
- the total length of the meandering channel is 6000 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering channel 4 from becoming too large. Therefore, when the total length of the meandering flow path 4 is 6000 mm or less, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering flow path 4 can be sufficiently reduced, so that the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be easily sufficiently reduced.
- the length of the parallel region 4A in the meandering flow path 4, that is, the length L 4A shown in FIG. 6 is 100 mm or more and 2000 mm or less, and further 150 mm or more and 1600 mm or less.
- the length of the parallel region 4A corresponds to the length of the folded section 45 in the length direction, that is, the length of the vertical section 52.
- the above-described length of the turn-back section 45 refers to the lengthwise distance between the portion closest to the discharge edge 312 and the portion closest to the supply edge 311 in the turn-back section 45.
- the length of the parallel region 4A is equal to the lengthwise distance between the end 411 of the introduction side section 41 and the end 421 of the discharge side section 42.
- the length of the parallel region 4A is 100 mm or more, the electrolytic solution is easily diffused in a wide area of the electrode, so that the battery reaction is easily caused in the electrode.
- the length of the parallel region 4A is 2000 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the overall length of the meandering flow path 4 from becoming excessively long. Therefore, when the length of the parallel region 4A is 2000 mm or less, the flow resistance of the electrolytic solution in the meandering flow path can be reduced, and thus the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be easily reduced.
- the ratio of the length of the parallel region 4A to the length of the bipolar plate 31 is, for example, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more.
- the length of the bipolar plate 31 is the distance in the length direction from the supply edge 311 to the discharge edge 312.
- the ratio of the length of the parallel region 4A to the length of the bipolar plate 31 is 60% or more, it is easy to diffuse the electrolytic solution in a wide area of the electrode and cause a battery reaction in the entire area of the electrode.
- the ratio of the length of the parallel region 4A to the length of at least one of the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 is, for example, 60% or more, and further 70% or more. , 80% or more.
- the distance between the end 411 on the discharge edge 312 side and the discharge edge 312 in the introduction side section 41 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 150 mm or less, further 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and 4 mm or more and 80 mm or less. Further, the distance between the end 421 on the supply edge 311 side and the supply edge 311 in the discharge side section 42 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 150 mm or less, further 2 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and 4 mm or more and 80 mm or less.
- the distances in the width direction between the introduction side section 41 and the turn-back section 45 and between the discharge side section 42 and the turn-back section 45 are, for example, 1 mm or more and 36 mm or less, and further 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less. This can improve the diffusivity of the electrolytic solution to the electrodes.
- the “distance between the introduction-side section 41 and the turn-back section 45” means the distance between the center line of the introduction-side section 41 and the center line of the vertical section 52 in the turn-back section 45.
- the “distance between the discharge side section 42 and the turn-back section 45” means the distance between the center line of the discharge side section 42 and the center line of the vertical section 52 in the turn-back section 45.
- the distance between the introduction-side section 41 and the turn-back section 45 and the distance between the discharge-side section 42 and the turn-back section 45 are the dimensions indicated by P 11 and P 12 in FIG. 6, respectively.
- the “center line of the introduction side section 41” is a line passing through the center of the width of the introduction side section 41.
- the “center line of the vertical section 52 in the folded section 45” is a line passing through the center of the width in the vertical section 52.
- the “center line of the discharge side section 42 ” is a line passing through the center of the width of the discharge side section 42.
- the center line of the introduction side section 41, the center line of the vertical section 52 in the turn-back section 45, and the center line of the discharge side section 42 are each shown by a dashed line.
- the distance P 11 and the distance P 12 between each of the introduction-side section 41 and the discharge-side section 42 and the turn-back section 45 are 1 mm or more, respectively, between the introduction-side section 41 and the turn-back section 45, and The area of the portion (so-called ridge) located between the discharge side section 42 and the folded section 45 increases. Therefore, it is easy to secure the contact area between the electrode and the bipolar plate 31. Therefore, when the distances P 11 and P 12 are 1 mm or more, the battery reaction can be efficiently performed. In addition, when the distances P 11 and P 12 are 36 mm or less, the diffusion of the electrolytic solution from the meandering flow path 4 to the electrode is sufficient, and the battery reaction easily occurs over the entire area of the electrode. Therefore, when the distances P 11 and P 12 are 36 mm or less, the battery reaction can be efficiently performed.
- the bipolar plate 31 in the battery cell 10 according to the embodiment includes the plurality of meandering flow paths 4, the electrolytic solution can be distributed in a wide range of the electrode along each meandering flow path 4. Since the battery cell 10 includes the plurality of meandering flow paths 4, the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution can be reduced. Therefore, the battery cell 10 can reduce the pump power of the RF battery 1.
- the length of the parallel region 4A in the meandering flow path 4 is 100 mm or more and 2000 mm or less, it is easy to diffuse the electrolytic solution in a wide range of the electrode while reducing the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution.
- the cell stack 2 since the cell stack 2 according to the embodiment includes the battery cell 10 described above, the pump power of the RF battery 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the cell stack 2 can improve the battery performance of the RF battery 1.
- the RF battery 1 includes the battery cell 10 or the cell stack 2 described above, the pump power is low and the battery performance is excellent.
Abstract
Description
本出願は、2019年1月30日付の日本国出願の特願2019-014461号に基づく優先権を主張し、前記日本国出願に記載された全ての記載内容を援用するものである。
電極と、前記電極に対向して配置される双極板とを備え、
前記電極と前記双極板とが重なる方向から見た平面視において、電解液が供給される供給縁と前記電解液が排出される排出縁とを有する電池セルであって、
前記供給縁から前記排出縁に向かう方向を長さ方向、前記供給縁及び前記排出縁に沿う方向を幅方向とするとき、
前記供給縁に連通する導入口と、前記排出縁に連通する排出口とを有し、前記導入口から前記排出口まで一連に形成され、前記幅方向に並列に配置される複数の蛇行流路を備え、
前記蛇行流路は、
前記導入口から前記排出縁側に向かって伸び、前記排出縁側に端部を有する導入側区間と、
前記導入側区間における前記排出縁側の端部から前記供給縁側に向けて折り返され、前記供給縁側に端部を有する折返し区間と、
前記折返し区間における前記供給縁側の端部から前記排出縁側に向かって伸び、前記排出口まで至る排出側区間とを有し、
前記導入側区間、前記折返し区間及び前記排出側区間が前記幅方向に並ぶ領域の前記長さ方向の長さが100mm以上2000mm以下である。
本開示の電池セルを備える。
本開示のセルスタックを備える。
本開示の電池セルを備える。
RF電池の更なる電池性能の向上が望まれており、エネルギー効率を高めることが求められている。特に、電解液の圧力損失を低減できつつ、電極の広範囲に電解液を流通できることが求められている。
本開示の電池セルは、レドックスフロー電池のポンプ動力を低減することができる。また、本開示のセルスタックは、レドックスフロー電池の電池性能を向上させることができる。本開示のレドックスフロー電池は、電池性能に優れる。
最初に本開示の実施態様を列記して説明する。
電極と、前記電極に対向して配置される双極板とを備え、
前記電極と前記双極板とが重なる方向から見た平面視において、電解液が供給される供給縁と前記電解液が排出される排出縁とを有する電池セルであって、
前記供給縁から前記排出縁に向かう方向を長さ方向、前記供給縁及び前記排出縁に沿う方向を幅方向とするとき、
前記供給縁に連通する導入口と、前記排出縁に連通する排出口とを有し、前記導入口から前記排出口まで一連に形成され、前記幅方向に並列に配置される複数の蛇行流路を備え、
前記蛇行流路は、
前記導入口から前記排出縁側に向かって伸び、前記排出縁側に端部を有する導入側区間と、
前記導入側区間における前記排出縁側の端部から前記供給縁側に向けて折り返され、前記供給縁側に端部を有する折返し区間と、
前記折返し区間における前記供給縁側の端部から前記排出縁側に向かって伸び、前記排出口まで至る排出側区間とを有し、
前記導入側区間、前記折返し区間及び前記排出側区間が前記幅方向に並ぶ領域の前記長さ方向の長さが100mm以上2000mm以下である。
前記導入側区間と前記折返し区間との間、及び前記排出側区間と前記折返し区間との間の前記幅方向の距離がそれぞれ1mm以上36mm以下であることが挙げられる。
前記蛇行流路の断面積が前記導入口から前記排出口までの全長にわたって一様であることが挙げられる。
前記蛇行流路の断面積が0.5mm2以上16mm2以下であることが挙げられる。
前記蛇行流路の全長が300mm以上6000mm以下であることが挙げられる。
前記蛇行流路が前記双極板に設けられていることが挙げられる。
前記蛇行流路は溝を含むことが挙げられる。
前記電極の透過率が1×10-13m2以上1×10-10m2以下であることが挙げられる。
前記折返し区間は、
前記導入側区間と前記排出側区間との間に配置される1つの縦区間と、
前記導入側区間と前記縦区間における前記排出縁側の端部同士、及び前記排出側区間と前記縦区間における前記供給縁側の端部同士をそれぞれ接続する2つの横区間と、を有することが挙げられる。
上記(1)から(9)のいずれか一つに記載の電池セルを備える。
上記(10)に記載のセルスタックを備える。
上記(1)から(9)のいずれか一つに記載の電池セルを備える。
本開示の電池セル、セルスタック、及びレドックスフロー電池(RF電池)の具体例を、以下に図面を参照しつつ説明する。図中の同一符号は同一又は相当部分を示す。なお、本願発明はこれらの例示に限定されるものではなく、請求の範囲によって示され、請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれることが意図される。
図1~図6を参照して、実施形態に係るRF電池1、並びに、RF電池1に備える電池セル10及びセルスタック2の一例を説明する。
図1、図2に示すRF電池1は、正極電解液及び負極電解液として、酸化還元により価数が変化する金属イオンを活物質として含有する電解液を使用する。RF電池1は、正極電解液に含まれるイオンの酸化還元電位と、負極電解液に含まれるイオンの酸化還元電位との差を利用して充放電を行う。ここでは、RF電池1の一例として、正極電解液及び負極電解液にバナジウム(V)イオンを含有するバナジウム電解液を使用したバナジウム系RF電池を示す。図1中の電池セル10内の実線矢印は充電反応を、破線矢印は放電反応をそれぞれ示している。RF電池1は、交流/直流変換器80を介して電力系統90に接続されている。RF電池1は、例えば、負荷平準化用途、瞬低補償、非常用電源などの用途、太陽光発電、風力発電といった自然エネルギー発電の出力平滑化用途に利用される。RF電池1は、正極電解液にマンガンイオンを含み、負極電解液にチタンイオンを含むマンガン-チタン系RF電池などでもよい。電解液は公知の組成のものを利用できる。
電池セル10は、図1に示すように、正極電極14と、負極電極15と、両電極間に介在される隔膜11とを備える。電池セル10の構造は、隔膜11を挟んで正極セル12と負極セル13とに分離され、正極セル12に正極電極14、負極セル13に負極電極15が内蔵されている。電池セル10は、図2に示すように、双極板31の間に、正極電極14と負極電極15とが隔膜11を介して対向するように配置されて構成される(図3も参照)。
RF電池1の正極電極14及び負極電極15の各電極には、正極電解液及び負極電解液といった電解液が供給される。各電極は電解液が電池反応を行う反応場として機能する。正極電極14及び負極電極15は、導電性を有する多孔体で形成されている。多孔体で形成された電極は、空孔を有するため、電極内に電解液を流通させることができる。正極電極14及び負極電極15には、例えば、カーボンフェルト、カーボンクロス、カーボンペーパーなどが好適に利用できる。隔膜11は、例えば、水素イオンを透過するイオン交換膜で形成されている。
正極電極14及び負極電極15の各電極の透過率は、例えば1×10-13m2以上1×10-10m2以下であることが挙げられる。透過率は、電解液の流通のし易さを示す指標である。透過率が高いほど電極に電解液が流れ易いことを示す。透過率が1×10-13m2以上であることで、電極における電解液の流通抵抗が小さくなり、電極に流れる電解液の圧力損失をより低減できる。また、透過率が1×10-13m2以上であれば、電極に電解液が拡散し易く、電極の広範囲に電解液を行き渡らせ易い。透過率が高過ぎると、電池反応せずに未反応のまま電極内を通過する電解液の割合が多くなる。そのため、電極において電池反応が生じ難くなる。透過率が1×10-10m2以下であることで、未反応のまま電極内を通過する電解液を低減できる。よって、電極において電池反応が生じ易い。より好ましい電極の透過率は、2×10-13m2以上、更に5×10-13m2以上5×10-11m2以下である。
ΔP=(h/K)μ(Q/wd)
Kは透過率(m2)である。ΔPは圧力損失(Pa)、Qは電極に供給される流体の流量(m3/s)、μは流体の粘度(Pa・s)、hは電極の長さ(m)、wは電極の幅(m)、dは電極の厚み(m)をそれぞれ示す。電極の厚みは、電池セル10に電極を組み込んだときにおける圧縮状態での電極の厚みとする。透過率は、流体の種類によらず電極固有の値である。透過率は、粘度が既知である水などの流体を用いて測定することができる定数である。電極の透過率は、特許文献1に記載された測定方法を用いて求めることができる。
RF電池1は、単数の電池セル10を備える単セル電池であってもよいし、複数の電池セル10を備える多セル電池であってもよい。RF電池1は通常、図2に示すような、複数の電池セル10が積層されたセルスタック2が利用される。セルスタック2は、図3に示すように、複数のサブスタック200をその両側から2枚のエンドプレート220で挟み込み、両側のエンドプレート220を締付機構230で締め付けることで構成されている。図3は、複数のサブスタック200を備えるセルスタック2を示している。サブスタック200は、セルフレーム3、正極電極14、隔膜11、負極電極15の順に繰り返し積層され、その積層体の両端に給排板210が配置された構造である。給排板210には、各循環流路100P、100N(図1、図2参照)の往路配管108、109及び復路配管110、111が接続される。
セルフレーム3は、図3に示すように、正極電極14と負極電極15との間に配置される双極板31と、双極板31の周囲に設けられる枠体32とを有する(図4も参照)。双極板31の一面側には、正極電極14が対向するように配置される。双極板31の他面側には、負極電極15が対向するように配置される。枠体32の内側には、双極板31が設けられ、双極板31と枠体32により凹部32oが形成される。凹部32oは、双極板31の両側にそれぞれ形成され、各凹部32o内に正極電極14及び負極電極15が双極板31を挟んで収納される。
双極板31は、図4、図5に示すように、正極電極14(図3参照)及び負極電極15(図3参照)の各電極と双極板31とが重なる方向から見た平面視において、電解液が供給される供給縁311と、電解液が排出される排出縁312とを有する。本例の場合、双極板31における周縁の下縁が供給縁311である。双極板31における周縁の上縁が排出縁312である。
本例の電池セル10は、図5に示すように、複数の蛇行流路4を備える。蛇行流路4は、代表的には、双極板31に設けられる。蛇行流路4は、正極電極14及び負極電極15の少なくとも一方の電極に設けることも可能である。
蛇行流路4を備える場合の電解液の流れについて説明する。供給縁311から供給された正極電解液といった電解液は、導入口4iから蛇行流路4に導入される。蛇行流路4に導入された電解液は、蛇行流路4に沿って流れ、排出口4oから排出縁312に排出される。
図6に示す蛇行流路4は、導入口4iから排出口4oまでの全長にわたって断面積が一様である。「蛇行流路4の断面積」とは、蛇行流路4における電解液の流通方向に直交する横断面の断面積である。「断面積が一様」とは、次のことを意味する。蛇行流路4に沿って複数の箇所を選択し、蛇行流路4における複数の箇所の断面積を測定する。具体的には、導入側区間41、折返し区間45及び排出側区間42の各区間における複数の箇所の断面積を測定する。測定する箇所は、例えば各区間において10箇所以上、即ち、合計30箇所以上とし、等間隔に設定するとよい。そして、測定した断面積の平均値を求め、各箇所の断面積が平均値の±30%以内であるとき、断面積が一様であるとみなす。より好ましくは、各箇所の断面積が平均値の±20%以内、更に±10%以内である。
蛇行流路4の全長は、例えば300mm以上6000mm以下、更に450mm以上4800mm以下であることが挙げられる。「蛇行流路4の全長」とは、導入口4iから排出口4oまでの中心線に沿った長さを意味する。蛇行流路4の全長が短過ぎると、蛇行流路4から電極への電解液の拡散が生じ難い。その結果、電極に電解液が十分に流通せず、電解液が未反応のまま蛇行流路4を通過してしまうおそれがある。蛇行流路4の全長が300mm以上であることで、蛇行流路4から電極への電解液の拡散が十分に生じ易くなる。そのため、電極内部に電解液の流通を生じさせ易い。よって、蛇行流路4の全長が300mm以上である場合は、電極の広範囲に電解液を拡散させ易いので、電極において電池反応を生じさせ易い。蛇行流路の全長が6000mm以下であることで、蛇行流路4における電解液の流通抵抗が大きくなり過ぎることを回避できる。よって、蛇行流路4の全長が6000mm以下である場合は、蛇行流路4における電解液の流通抵抗を十分に低減できるので、電解液の圧力損失を十分に低減し易い。
蛇行流路4における並列領域4Aの長さ、即ち、図6に示される長さL4Aは、100mm以上2000mm以下、更に150mm以上1600mm以下であることが挙げられる。換言すれば、並列領域4Aの長さは、折返し区間45の長さ方向の長さ、即ち縦区間52の長さに相当するといえる。折返し区間45の上記長さとは、折返し区間45において、排出縁312に最も近い部分と供給縁311に最も近い部分との間の長さ方向の距離をいう。本例の場合、並列領域4Aの長さは、導入側区間41の端部411と排出側区間42の端部421との間の長さ方向の距離に等しい。並列領域4Aの長さが100mm以上であることで、電極の広範囲に電解液を拡散させ易いため、電極において電池反応を生じさせ易い。並列領域4Aの長さが2000mm以下であることで、蛇行流路4の全長が過度に長くなることを回避できる。よって、並列領域4Aの長さが2000mm以下である場合は、蛇行流路における電解液の流通抵抗を低減できるので、電解液の圧力損失を低減し易い。
導入側区間41と折返し区間45との間、及び排出側区間42と折返し区間45との間の幅方向の距離はそれぞれ、例えば1mm以上36mm以下、更に2mm以上20mm以下であることが挙げられる。これにより、電極への電解液の拡散性を改善できる。「導入側区間41と折返し区間45との間の距離」とは、導入側区間41の中心線と折返し区間45における縦区間52の中心線との間隔を意味する。「排出側区間42と折返し区間45との間の距離」とは、排出側区間42の中心線と折返し区間45における縦区間52の中心線との間隔を意味する。導入側区間41と折返し区間45との間、及び排出側区間42と折返し区間45との間の距離はそれぞれ、図6中、P11及びP12で示される寸法のことである。「導入側区間41の中心線」は、導入側区間41における幅の中心を通る線である。「折返し区間45における縦区間52の中心線」は、縦区間52における幅の中心を通る線である。「排出側区間42の中心線」は、排出側区間42の幅の中心を通る線である。図6中、導入側区間41の中心線、折返し区間45における縦区間52の中心線、及び排出側区間42の中心線をそれぞれ一点鎖線で示す。
実施形態に係る電池セル10における双極板31は、複数の蛇行流路4を備えることで、電解液を各蛇行流路4に沿って電極の広範囲に流通させることができる。電池セル10は、複数の蛇行流路4を備えることで、電解液の圧力損失を低減できる。したがって、電池セル10は、RF電池1のポンプ動力を低減することができる。
上述した実施形態では、図6に示すように、導入側区間41、折返し区間45及び排出側区間42の各区間が長さ方向に沿って平行に設けられている構成を説明したが、各区間が長さ方向に対して同じ向きに傾斜する構成であってもよい。
2 セルスタック
10 電池セル
11 隔膜
12 正極セル 13 負極セル
14 正極電極 15 負極電極
3 セルフレーム
31 双極板
311 供給縁 312 排出縁
32 枠体
32o 凹部
33、34 給液マニホールド 35、36 排液マニホールド
33s、34s 給液スリット 35s、36s 排液スリット
37 シール部材
330 供給側整流部 350 排出側整流部
4 蛇行流路
4i 導入口 4o 排出口
4A 並列領域
41 導入側区間 42 排出側区間
411、421 端部
45 折返し区間
451、452 端部
52 縦区間 53 横区間
100P 正極循環流路 100N 負極循環流路
106 正極電解液タンク 107 負極電解液タンク
108、109 往路配管 110、111 復路配管
112、113 ポンプ
200 サブスタック
210 給排板 220 エンドプレート
230 締付機構
80 交流/直流変換器 90 電力系統
L4A 長さ
P11、P12 距離
Claims (12)
- 電極と、前記電極に対向して配置される双極板とを備え、
前記電極と前記双極板とが重なる方向から見た平面視において、電解液が供給される供給縁と前記電解液が排出される排出縁とを有する電池セルであって、
前記供給縁から前記排出縁に向かう方向を長さ方向、前記供給縁及び前記排出縁に沿う方向を幅方向とするとき、
前記供給縁に連通する導入口と、前記排出縁に連通する排出口とを有し、前記導入口から前記排出口まで一連に形成され、前記幅方向に並列に配置される複数の蛇行流路を備え、
前記蛇行流路は、
前記導入口から前記排出縁側に向かって伸び、前記排出縁側に端部を有する導入側区間と、
前記導入側区間における前記排出縁側の端部から前記供給縁側に向けて折り返され、前記供給縁側に端部を有する折返し区間と、
前記折返し区間における前記供給縁側の端部から前記排出縁側に向かって伸び、前記排出口まで至る排出側区間とを有し、
前記導入側区間、前記折返し区間及び前記排出側区間が前記幅方向に並ぶ領域の前記長さ方向の長さが100mm以上2000mm以下である、
電池セル。 - 前記導入側区間と前記折返し区間との間、及び前記排出側区間と前記折返し区間との間の前記幅方向の距離がそれぞれ1mm以上36mm以下である請求項1に記載の電池セル。
- 前記蛇行流路の断面積が前記導入口から前記排出口までの全長にわたって一様である請求項1又は請求項2に記載の電池セル。
- 前記蛇行流路の断面積が0.5mm2以上16mm2以下である請求項1から請求項3のいずれか1項に記載の電池セル。
- 前記蛇行流路の全長が300mm以上6000mm以下である請求項1から請求項4のいずれか1項に記載の電池セル。
- 前記蛇行流路が前記双極板に設けられている請求項1から請求項5のいずれか1項に記載の電池セル。
- 前記蛇行流路は溝を含む請求項1から請求項6のいずれか1項に記載の電池セル。
- 前記電極の透過率が1×10-13m2以上1×10-10m2以下である請求項1から請求項7のいずれか1項に記載の電池セル。
- 前記折返し区間は、
前記導入側区間と前記排出側区間との間に配置される1つの縦区間と、
前記導入側区間と前記縦区間における前記排出縁側の端部同士、及び前記排出側区間と前記縦区間における前記供給縁側の端部同士をそれぞれ接続する2つの横区間と、を有する請求項1から請求項8のいずれか1項に記載の電池セル。 - 請求項1から請求項9のいずれか1項に記載の電池セルを備える、
セルスタック。 - 請求項10に記載のセルスタックを備える、
レドックスフロー電池。 - 請求項1から請求項9のいずれか1項に記載の電池セルを備える、
レドックスフロー電池。
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CN206758557U (zh) * | 2017-05-10 | 2017-12-15 | 北京普能世纪科技有限公司 | 复合型碳毡流道 |
JP2019014461A (ja) | 2017-07-11 | 2019-01-31 | トヨタ車体株式会社 | 車両用バンパー |
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AU2020213783A1 (en) | 2021-08-19 |
EP3920286A4 (en) | 2022-03-30 |
US20220093942A1 (en) | 2022-03-24 |
JP7435479B2 (ja) | 2024-02-21 |
JPWO2020158624A1 (ja) | 2021-12-02 |
TW202036970A (zh) | 2020-10-01 |
US11769886B2 (en) | 2023-09-26 |
CN113330614A (zh) | 2021-08-31 |
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