Title: Systems and methods for rebalancing redox flow battery electrolytes

Abstract

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

Inventors:

Pham, Ai Quoc; Chang, On Kok

Issue Date:

Tue Mar 17 00:00:00 EDT 2015

Research Org.:

Enervault Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1172757

Patent Number(s):

8980454

Application Number:

14/207,795

Assignee:

Enervault Corporation (Sunnyvale, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01M - PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 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

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H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01M - PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

H01M8/04089 - of gaseous reactants
H01M8/04186 - of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
H01M8/04276 - Arrangements for managing the electrolyte stream, e.g. heat exchange
H01M8/0482 - {of the electrolyte}
H01M8/188 - {by recharging of redox couples containing fluids
H01M8/20 - Indirect fuel cells, e.g. fuel cells with redox couple being irreversible

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 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

Y02E60/50 - Fuel cells

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DOE Contract Number:  

OE0000225

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2014 Mar 13

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

25 ENERGY STORAGE