The invention discloses a novel method and a novel device for the regeneration of anolyte - and catholyte - liquids in RFBs with the aim of increasing their energy density.

About

The invention discloses a novel method and a novel device for the regeneration of anolyte - and catholyte - liquids in redox flow batteries with the aim of increasing the energy density. A wide variety of already synthesized or yet to be developed organic redox systems or solid electron exchange resins or as dissolved organic redox polymers as so-called storage capacity-determining main redox systems are used for this purpose using the anolyte and catholyte as reox mediator. Such organic compounds with a very high energy-density, which are not characterized in more detail in the claims, can easily be produced from inexpensive starting materials in unlimited quantities and with a very high energy density and the desired standard redox potential, matching the anolyte and catholyte to be regenerated (cycled). The invention focuses on a new method and a novel device for using this class of redox-Systems efficiently in connection with any redox flow batteries. It describes the newly developed technique of "internal electrolysis" for the regeneration of anolyte and catholyte, preferably in the new invented form of "bi-polar internal electrolysis". When the anolyte and catholyte flow through the corresponding, electrochemically precisely matched main redox systems in the storage tanks, the embodiment according to the invention avoids the build-up of a high hydrostatic pressure which greatly reduces the battery efficiency by optimally designed flow channels. The new technology of the bipolar internal electrolysis makes it possible to avoid material contact of the redox systems in the anolyte and catholyte with the corresponding main redox system in the tanks - showing a more than 10-fold higher energy density - as far as possible.As a result, also traditional inorganic anolytes and catholytes are not contaminated during discharging and charging. The flow channels for anolyte and catholyte are arranged in such a way that the regeneration device behaves like an ion exchange column, i.e. until the breakthrough (end of storage capacity), electrochemically “fully charged” anolytes or catholytes always emerge the storage tanks, which leads to stable battery voltages . When recharging, the charging voltage also remains constant until the relevant main redox system has been fully recharged. The invention is particularly advantageously suitable for redox flow batteries on a completely organic basis when highly concentrated redox electrolytes consume too high pump energies.

Key Benefits

Reducing the space and increasing the efficiency; new business platform to be used together with established RFBs to increase their energy density.

Applications

Energy storage stationary and mobile.

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