A two-dimensional analytical unit cell model for redox flow battery evaluation and optimization

Chen, Yunxiang; Bao, Jie; Xu, Zhijie; Gao, Peiyuan; Yan, Litao; Kim, Soowhan; Wang, Wei

doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2021.230192

Title: A two-dimensional analytical unit cell model for redox flow battery evaluation and optimization

Journal Article · Fri Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 2021 · Journal of Power Sources

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2021.230192· OSTI ID:1808059

^[1]; Bao, Jie ^[1];

^[1]; Gao, Peiyuan ^[1]; Yan, Litao ^[1];

^[1];

^[1]

Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Cell performance optimization is important for improving the overall system efficiency of a redox flow battery. To gain better insights into key controlling factors of system efficiency, this work first proposed a theoretical model for a unit flow battery cell by extending a two-dimensional analytic model to a full battery cell. Such a model is then used for cell performance optimization after validating it with experimental and numerical modeling data. With the model results, the activation, equilibrium, and pump energy losses are identified as the dominant sources of battery energy losses. Further, a guideline for reducing these sources is also proposed. Following the guideline, the mass transport coefficient is shown as a key control factor of the equilibrium energy loss and Coulombic efficiency (CE). Approaches are then proposed to improve CE and the overall system efficiency. The mass transport is also revealed as the mechanism of pump rate optimization where an optimal pump rate significantly reduces the equilibrium energy loss. With both low equilibrium and pump energy losses, an optimal electrode porosity or specific area design can further improve a battery's system efficiency based on an optimal porosity predicted by the present model. The model also demonstrates distinct behaviors and overestimation in the system efficiency when reduced to a zero-dimensional model with neglected mass transport resistance. With the new model, the guideline, and new insights, this work provides a reliable and efficient tool for the evaluation and optimization of redox flow battery design in practical applications.

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Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 1808059

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1798529

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA-159241

Journal Information:: Journal of Power Sources, Vol. 506; ISSN 0378-7753

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: A two-dimensional analytical unit cell model for redox flow battery evaluation and optimization

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