WO2020035895A1 - レドックスフロー電池セル及びレドックスフロー電池 - Google Patents
レドックスフロー電池セル及びレドックスフロー電池 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2020035895A1 WO2020035895A1 PCT/JP2018/030201 JP2018030201W WO2020035895A1 WO 2020035895 A1 WO2020035895 A1 WO 2020035895A1 JP 2018030201 W JP2018030201 W JP 2018030201W WO 2020035895 A1 WO2020035895 A1 WO 2020035895A1
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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
- H01M4/96—Carbon-based 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
- 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
- H01M8/18—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
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M2004/026—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material characterised by the polarity
- H01M2004/029—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
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
- H01M2004/8678—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells characterised by the polarity
- H01M2004/8694—Bipolar electrodes
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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
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
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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 a redox flow battery cell and a redox flow battery.
- Redox flow batteries (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “RF batteries”) are known as one of large-capacity storage batteries (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).
- RF batteries uses a cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of cell frames, a positive electrode, a diaphragm, and a negative electrode.
- the cell frame includes a bipolar plate disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a frame provided on the outer periphery of the bipolar plate.
- positive and negative electrodes are arranged between bipolar plates of adjacent cell frames with a diaphragm interposed therebetween, and one cell is formed.
- An RF battery performs charging and discharging by circulating an electrolytic solution through a cell having a built-in electrode.
- Patent Literatures 1 to 4 disclose techniques for reducing pressure loss due to flow resistance of an electrolyte in a cell by forming a plurality of grooves through which an electrolyte flows on the electrode-side surface of a bipolar plate. .
- Redox flow battery cells of the present disclosure An electrode to which an electrolyte is supplied, and a redox flow battery cell including a bipolar plate in which the electrode is arranged,
- the bipolar plate has at least one groove through which an electrolyte flows on the surface on the electrode side,
- the electrode is formed of a carbon fiber aggregate containing carbon fibers, and has an embedded portion that is pressed toward the bipolar plate and is embedded in the groove.
- the buried amount of the buried portion is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less.
- the redox flow battery of the present disclosure The redox flow battery cell of the present disclosure is provided.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cell provided in a cell stack. It is the schematic plan view which looked at the cell frame from one surface side.
- 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a redox flow battery cell according to an embodiment.
- the electrode of the redox flow battery functions as a reaction field for accelerating the battery reaction of the active material (metal ion) contained in the supplied electrolyte.
- a carbon fiber aggregate for example, carbon felt or the like
- the electrode of the carbon fiber aggregate is accommodated in the cell in a compressed state. In the case where the bipolar plate has a groove on the electrode side, when the cell is configured, the electrode is pressed toward the bipolar plate, so that a part of the electrode is buried in the groove.
- non-buried portion the portion located on the groove portion (the portion that is not buried in the groove portion above the buried portion; hereinafter, referred to as “non-buried portion”) It becomes too large, and turbulence tends to occur in the flow of the electrolyte passing through the non-buried portion. Therefore, the rectifying effect of suppressing the turbulent flow of the electrolyte passing through the inside of the electrode is impaired. As a result, the reaction region in contact with the electrolyte may decrease, and the reaction resistance (flow-rate-dependent resistance) of the electrode depending on the flow rate of the electrolyte may increase.
- the redox flow battery cell includes: An electrode to which an electrolyte is supplied, and a redox flow battery cell including a bipolar plate in which the electrode is arranged,
- the bipolar plate has at least one groove through which an electrolyte flows on the surface on the electrode side,
- the electrode is formed of a carbon fiber aggregate containing carbon fibers, and has an embedded portion that is pressed toward the bipolar plate and is embedded in the groove.
- the buried amount of the buried portion is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less.
- the bipolar plate since the bipolar plate has the groove on the surface on the electrode side, the flow resistance of the electrolyte flowing in the cell can be reduced, and the pressure loss of the electrolyte in the cell can be reduced. Therefore, the internal resistance (cell resistance) of the cell can be reduced. Further, since the electrode is formed of the carbon fiber aggregate, there is a gap in the electrode. Therefore, the electrolyte flows through the electrode, and the electrolyte can permeate and diffuse into the electrode. Therefore, the reaction area between the electrode and the electrolyte increases, and it is easy to secure a reaction field.
- the carbon fiber aggregate electrode has flexibility. Such an electrode is pressed toward the bipolar plate side when forming the cell and is compressed and deformed, and a part of the electrode is buried in the groove of the bipolar plate to form a buried portion. When the buried amount of the buried portion is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, the reaction resistance of the electrode can be reduced. When the buried amount of the buried portion is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, the fiber density of the portion (non-buried portion) located on the groove can be kept at an appropriate level.
- the redox flow battery cell can reduce the reaction resistance of the electrode while reducing the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution. Further, if the buried amount of the buried portion of the electrode buried in the groove of the bipolar plate is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, it is easy to reduce the variation in the temperature change of the electrolyte flowing in the cell. Thereby, the stability of the electrolyte solution can be easily maintained, and the deterioration of the battery performance can be suppressed.
- The“ electrode-side surface ”of the bipolar plate refers to the surface facing and in contact with the electrode when the cell is configured.
- the "buried amount of the buried portion" of the electrode is a thickness direction cross section orthogonal to the surface of the bipolar plate in a state where the electrode is compressed, and a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the groove portion. Means the maximum length up to the tip.
- the surface of the electrode opposite to the surface on the bipolar plate side that is in contact with the bipolar plate is the surface that is opposed to and contacts the diaphragm when the cell is configured.
- a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the buried portion to a cross-sectional area of the groove is 0.4% or more and 75% or less.
- the reaction resistance of the electrode can be effectively reduced. Further, in this case, it is easier to reduce the variation in the temperature change of the electrolyte flowing in the cell.
- One mode of the redox flow battery cell is that the thickness of the electrode is 0.3 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.
- the buried amount of the buried portion can be easily controlled within the above range.
- the “thickness of the electrode” is not a thickness in a state where the electrode is assembled and compressed, but a thickness in an uncompressed state, that is, a natural state where no external force acts on the electrode.
- a thickness in an uncompressed state that is, a natural state where no external force acts on the electrode.
- a compression ratio of the electrode is 60% or more and 95% or less.
- the compression ratio of the electrode is 60% or more, the electrode is deformed and buried in the groove of the bipolar plate, so that the buried portion is easily formed.
- the compression ratio of the electrode is 95% or less, it is easy to secure a gap in the electrode and sufficiently secure the flowability of the electrolytic solution. Therefore, the cell resistance due to the flow resistance of the electrolyte can be reduced.
- the compression ratio of the electrode can be calculated as ⁇ (T 0 ⁇ T 1 ) / T 0 ⁇ ⁇ 100 (%), where T 1 is the thickness of the electrode in a compressed state and T 0 is the thickness of the electrode in an uncompressed state. it can.
- the porosity of the electrode is 70% or more.
- the porosity of the electrode is 70% or more, the electrode is easily deformed, and a buried portion is easily formed.
- the upper limit of the porosity of the electrode is, for example, 95% or less.
- the “porosity of the electrode” is not a porosity in a state of being assembled and compressed in a cell, but a porosity in an uncompressed state, that is, a natural state in which no external force acts on the electrode.
- the porosity of the electrode can be measured before assembling the cell, or can be measured by taking out the electrode from the cell after assembling the cell. After assembling the cell, the electrode removed from the cell elastically returns from the compressed state in the cell to the original non-compressed state. Therefore, it can be considered that the porosity of the electrode taken out of the cell is substantially the same as the porosity before compression before the cell is assembled.
- the porosity of the electrode can be calculated as ⁇ (Va ⁇ V) / Va ⁇ ⁇ 100 (%), where V is the true volume of the electrode and Va is the apparent volume.
- the true volume V of the electrode can be calculated by dividing the mass of the electrode by the density of the carbon fibers constituting the electrode.
- the carbon fiber aggregate is at least one selected from carbon felt, carbon cloth, and carbon paper.
- the carbon fiber aggregate include carbon felt (nonwoven fabric of carbon fiber) and carbon cloth (woven fabric of carbon fiber), and carbon paper (carbon fiber and carbon fiber) Carbon composite material).
- carbon felt or carbon cloth has appropriate flexibility and is easily deformed. Therefore, when carbon felt or carbon cloth is used as the electrode material, the electrode is buried in the groove of the bipolar plate, and the buried portion is easily formed.
- carbon felt carbon fibers are randomly oriented. Therefore, when carbon felt is used as the electrode material, there is an advantage that the electrolyte can be easily diffused to every corner in the electrode, which is preferable.
- an average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers is 20 ⁇ m or less.
- the average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers constituting the electrode of the carbon fiber aggregate is 20 ⁇ m or less, the fibers are thin and have flexibility. Therefore, the electrode is easily deformed, and the buried portion is easily formed. Since the fibers have flexibility, the fibers are less likely to pierce the diaphragm.
- the lower limit of the average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers is, for example, 5 ⁇ m or more.
- the fiber diameter of the carbon fiber is the diameter of a circle having an area equal to the cross-sectional area of the fiber (equivalent circle equivalent diameter). “The cross-sectional area of the fiber” refers to the projected area of the fiber cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the fiber.
- the carbon fiber has a Young's modulus of 20 GPa or more and 200 GPa or less.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber constituting the electrode of the carbon fiber assembly is 20 GPa or more, the bending rigidity of the fiber is high. Therefore, when the electrode is compressed and deformed, damage to the electrode can be suppressed. When the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber is 200 GPa or less, the electrode is easily deformed and a buried portion is easily formed.
- carbon fibers include PAN-based carbon fibers made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, pitch-based carbon fibers made from pitch fibers, and rayon-based carbon fibers made from rayon fibers.
- PAN polyacrylonitrile
- the redox flow battery according to the embodiment includes: The redox flow battery cell according to any one of the above (1) to (8) is provided.
- the redox flow battery includes the redox flow battery cell according to the above-described embodiment, and thus can reduce the reaction resistance of the electrode while reducing the pressure loss of the electrolyte in the cell. Therefore, the redox flow battery is excellent in battery performance.
- the RF battery 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 uses, as the positive electrode electrolyte and the negative electrode electrolyte, an electrolyte containing a metal ion whose valence changes by oxidation-reduction as an active material.
- the RF battery 1 performs charging and discharging using the difference between the oxidation-reduction potential of ions contained in the positive electrode electrolyte and the oxidation-reduction potential of ions contained in the negative electrode electrolyte.
- a vanadium-based RF battery using a vanadium electrolyte containing vanadium (V) ions as a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte is shown.
- Solid arrows in the cell 10 in FIG. 1 indicate a charging reaction, and broken arrows indicate a discharging reaction.
- the RF battery 1 is connected to a power system 90 via an AC / DC converter 80.
- the RF battery 1 is used for, for example, load leveling, instantaneous sag compensation and emergency power supply, and output smoothing for natural energy generation such as solar power generation and wind power generation.
- the RF battery 1 includes a cell 10 for charging and discharging, tanks 106 and 107 for storing the electrolyte, and circulation channels 100P and 100N for circulating the electrolyte between the tanks 106 and 107 and the cell 10. .
- the cell 10 has a positive electrode 14, a negative electrode 15, and a diaphragm 11 interposed between the electrodes 104 and 105.
- the structure of the cell 10 is divided into a positive electrode cell 12 and a negative electrode cell 13 with a diaphragm 11 interposed therebetween.
- the positive electrode cell 12 has a positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode cell 13 has a negative electrode 15 built therein.
- Each of the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 is a carbon fiber aggregate including carbon fibers, and is formed of, for example, any one of carbon felt, carbon cloth, and carbon paper.
- Examples of the carbon fiber include PAN-based carbon fiber, pitch-based carbon fiber, and rayon-based carbon fiber.
- the diaphragm 11 is formed of, for example, an ion exchange membrane that transmits hydrogen ions.
- the electrolyte solution (the positive electrode electrolyte and the negative electrode electrolyte) circulates through the circulation channels 100P and 100N.
- the positive electrode cell 12 is connected to a positive electrode electrolyte tank 106 for storing a positive electrode electrolyte through a positive electrode circulation channel 100P.
- a negative electrode electrolyte tank 107 for storing a negative electrode electrolyte is connected to the negative electrode cell 13 via a negative electrode circulation channel 100N.
- Each of the circulation flow paths 100P and 100N has outgoing pipes 108 and 109 for sending the electrolyte from the tanks 106 and 107 to the cell 10, and return pipes 110 and 111 for returning the electrolyte from the cell 10 to the tanks 106 and 107.
- Pumps 112 and 113 for pumping the electrolyte stored in the tanks 106 and 107 are provided in the outgoing pipes 108 and 109, respectively.
- the electrolyte is circulated to the cell 10 by the pumps 112 and 113.
- the cell 10 may be configured as a single cell including a single cell 10 or may be configured as a multiple cell including a plurality of cells 10.
- the cell 10 is generally used in a form called a cell stack 2 including a plurality of cells 10 stacked as shown in FIG.
- the cell stack 2 is configured by sandwiching the sub-stack 200 between two end plates 220 from both sides thereof and fastening the end plates 220 on both sides by a fastening mechanism 230.
- FIG. 3A illustrates a cell stack 2 including a plurality of sub-stacks 200.
- a plurality of sub-stacks 200 are laminated in the order of the cell frame 3, the positive electrode 14, the diaphragm 11, and the negative electrode 15 (see FIG. 3B), and supply / discharge plates 210 (see FIG. 3A, not shown in FIG. 2) at both ends of the laminate. ) Are arranged.
- the supply / discharge plate 210 is connected to the outgoing pipes 108 and 109 and the return pipes 110 and 111 of each of the circulation flow paths 100P and 100N (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
- the cell frame 3 includes a bipolar plate 31 disposed between the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 and a frame 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 be in contact therewith.
- negative electrode 15 is arranged so as to be in contact therewith.
- a bipolar plate 31 is provided inside the frame 32, and a concave portion 32 o is formed by the bipolar plate 31 and the frame 32.
- the concave portions 32o are formed on both sides of the bipolar plate 31, respectively, and the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15 are accommodated in each concave portion 32o with the bipolar plate 31 interposed therebetween.
- Each recess 32o forms a cell space of the positive electrode cell 12 and the negative electrode cell 13 (see FIG. 1).
- the bipolar plate 31 is formed of, for example, plastic carbon or the like.
- the frame 32 is formed of, for example, a plastic such as vinyl chloride resin (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, fluororesin, or epoxy resin.
- PVC vinyl chloride resin
- polypropylene polypropylene
- polyethylene polyethylene
- fluororesin or epoxy resin.
- a frame 32 is integrated around a bipolar plate 31 by injection molding or the like.
- one surface side and the other surface side of the frame 32 of each adjacent cell frame 3 abut against each other, and are respectively placed between the bipolar plates 31 of each adjacent cell frame 3.
- One cell 10 is formed (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).
- Each of the electrodes 14 and 15 is accommodated in each of the concave portions 32o of the frame 32 in a state of being compressed in the thickness direction when the cell 10 is configured.
- the compressed thickness of the electrodes 14 and 15 is determined by the depth of the recess 32o.
- An annular seal member 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 3B) such as an O-ring or a flat packing is disposed between the frame bodies 32 of each cell frame 3 in order to suppress leakage of the electrolyte.
- the frame 32 has a seal groove 38 (see FIG. 4) for disposing the seal member 37.
- the flow of the electrolytic solution in the cell 10 is performed by supplying liquid supply manifolds 33 and 34 and drainage manifolds 35 and 36 formed through the frame 32 of the cell frame 3 and a liquid supply slit 33s formed in the frame 32. , 34s and the drainage slits 35s, 36s.
- the positive electrode electrolyte flows from the liquid supply manifold 33 formed below the frame 32 to a liquid supply slit 33 s formed on one surface side of the frame 32. And supplied to the positive electrode 14.
- the positive electrode electrolyte supplied to the positive electrode 14 is discharged to the drain manifold 35 through a drain slit 35s formed on the upper part of the frame 32.
- the negative electrode electrolyte is supplied from the liquid supply manifold 34 formed below the frame 32 to the negative electrode 15 via a liquid supply slit 34 s formed on the other surface side of the frame 32.
- the negative electrode electrolyte supplied to the negative electrode 15 is discharged to the drain manifold 36 through a drain slit 36s formed on the upper part of the frame 32.
- the liquid supply manifolds 33 and 34 and the liquid discharge manifolds 35 and 36 form a flow path for the electrolyte by stacking the cell frames 3. These flow paths communicate with the outgoing pipes 108 and 109 and the return pipes 110 and 111 of the circulation flow paths 100P and 100N (see FIGS. 1 and 2) via the supply / discharge plate 210 (see FIG. 3A). It is possible to circulate the electrolyte in the cell 10.
- the electrolytic solution is supplied from below the positive electrode 14 and the negative electrode 15, and the electrolytic solution is discharged from above each of the electrodes 14 and 15.
- the electrolyte flows in the cell 10 from the lower edge to the upper edge of each of the electrodes 14 and 15.
- the bipolar plate 31 is a grooved bipolar plate in which the flow path 40 having a plurality of grooves 400 through which the electrolyte flows is formed on the surface on the electrode side.
- hatching is applied to a portion where the flow channel 40 (the groove 400) is not formed.
- One surface side (front side of the paper surface) of the bipolar plate 31 shown in FIG. 4 is a surface facing the positive electrode 14 (see FIG. 3B, not shown in FIG. 4).
- the other surface side (the back side of the paper surface) of the bipolar plate 31 is a surface facing the negative electrode 15 (see FIG. 3B, not shown in FIG. 4).
- the lower edge connected to the liquid supply slit 33s is the supply side of the positive electrode electrolyte.
- the upper edge connected to the drain slit 35s is the discharge side of the positive electrode electrolyte.
- the thick arrow on the left side of the paper indicates the overall flow direction of the electrolytic solution.
- Each groove 400 is formed along the flowing direction of the electrolyte and is arranged at equal intervals.
- the groove 400 shown in this example includes an introduction-side groove 410 and a discharge-side groove 420, and the introduction-side groove 410 and the discharge-side groove 420 are provided alternately.
- the introduction-side groove 410 has one end communicating with the lower edge of the bipolar plate 31 and the other end formed with a certain length up to the upper edge.
- One end of the discharge-side groove 420 communicates with the upper edge of the bipolar plate 31, and the other end is formed leaving a certain length up to the lower edge.
- an introduction path 41 having an introduction-side groove 410 and a discharge path 42 having a discharge-side groove 420 are provided.
- the introduction path 41 has an introduction-side rectifying groove 411 formed along the lower edge of the bipolar plate 31. One end of each introduction-side groove 410 communicates with the introduction-side rectification groove 411.
- the discharge path 42 has a discharge-side rectifying groove 421 formed along the upper edge of the bipolar plate 31. One end of each discharge-side groove 420 communicates with the discharge-side rectifying groove 421.
- the introduction-side rectifying groove 411 distributes the electrolytic solution supplied from the liquid supply slit 33s to each of the introduction-side grooves 410.
- the discharge-side rectifying groove 421 collects the electrolyte discharged from each of the discharge-side grooves 420 into the drainage slit 35s.
- the introduction-side rectification groove 411 and the discharge-side rectification groove 421 are provided on the bipolar plate 31, but the introduction-side rectification groove 411 and the discharge-side rectification groove 421 may be provided on the frame 32.
- the bipolar plate 31 has the groove 400 on the surface on the electrode side, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the electrolyte flowing in the cell 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3B) and reducing the pressure loss of the electrolyte in the cell 10. Can be reduced. Therefore, the internal resistance (cell resistance) of the cell 10 can be reduced.
- the introduction path 41 is a flow path for supplying a positive electrode electrolyte to the positive electrode 14 (see FIG. 3B).
- the discharge path 42 is a flow path for discharging the positive electrode electrolyte. The provision of the introduction path 41 and the discharge path 42 facilitates the supply of the supplied positive electrode electrolyte uniformly over the entire surface of the positive electrode 14.
- the positive electrode electrolyte flowing into the introduction-side groove portion 410 soaks into the positive electrode 14 arranged on one surface side of the bipolar plate 31, straddles between the introduction-side groove portion 410 and the discharge-side groove portion 420, and is adjacent to the introduction-side groove portion 410. It flows to the discharge side groove 420.
- the positive electrode electrolyte flowing in the discharge-side groove 420 of the discharge path 42 is discharged from the discharge slit 35 s via the discharge-side rectifying groove 421.
- FIG. 4 only one surface of the bipolar plate 31 (the surface on the side of the positive electrode 14) is shown, but the other surface of the bipolar plate 31 (the surface on the side of the negative electrode 15) is the same as the one side.
- a flow path having a plurality of grooves through which the electrolyte flows is formed.
- the configuration of the groove (flow path) for the negative electrode electrolyte formed on the other surface side of the bipolar plate 31 is the same as the groove 400 (flow path 40) for the positive electrode electrolyte shown in FIG. Omitted.
- the widths and depths of the grooves 400 are the same, and their cross-sectional shapes are substantially equal and uniform in the length direction.
- the width (opening width) and depth of the groove 400 and the interval between the adjacent grooves 400 can be appropriately selected according to the size and thickness of the bipolar plate 31 and are not particularly limited.
- the cross-sectional shape of the groove 400 (the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the length direction of the groove 400 (the flow direction of the electrolyte)) is, for example, rectangular, triangular (V-shaped), trapezoidal, semicircular, or semi-elliptical. Shape and the like. In this example, it is substantially rectangular (see FIG. 5).
- the width of the groove 400 (opening width represented by w in FIG. 5) 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 groove 400 (the depth from the opening indicated by d in FIG. 5 to the bottom) is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and further 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
- the interval between the adjacent grooves 400 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.
- FIG. 5 shows a cross section in the thickness direction orthogonal to the surface of the bipolar plate 31 and the cross section orthogonal to the length direction of the groove 400 (the flowing direction of the electrolyte).
- FIG. 5 only the portion on the side of the positive electrode 14 constituting the cell 10 is shown, and the side of the negative electrode 15 is the same as that on the side of the positive electrode 14, so illustration is omitted.
- the electrode 14 has a buried portion 16 in which the electrode 14 is buried in the groove portion 400 of the bipolar plate 31, and the amount of buried portion of the buried portion 16 (the groove portion represented by b in FIG. (The maximum length from the opening 400 to the tip of the buried portion 16) is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less.
- the state of the buried portion 16 is schematically illustrated in an exaggerated manner for convenience of explanation.
- the reaction resistance of the electrode 14 can be reduced.
- the reason is presumed as follows. If the burial amount of the buried portion 16 is too small, the fiber density of the portion located on the groove portion 400 (the portion that is not buried in the groove portion 400 above the buried portion 16) becomes too large, and the non-buried portion (the cross section in FIG. A turbulent flow is likely to occur in the flow of the electrolyte passing through the area indicated by hatching). Therefore, the rectifying effect of suppressing the turbulent flow of the electrolytic solution passing through the inside of the electrode 14 is impaired, and the reaction resistance (flow-rate-dependent resistance) depending on the flow rate of the electrolytic solution may increase.
- the buried amount of the buried portion 16 is too large, the fiber density of the portion (non-buried portion) located on the groove 400 becomes too small, and the charge transfer at the interface between the electrode 14 and the diaphragm 11 is performed smoothly. It becomes difficult. This may increase the reaction resistance (charge transfer resistance) due to the charge transfer.
- turbulence may occur in a portion of the electrode 14 that is not located on the groove 400 and is in contact with the surface of the bipolar plate 31. The effect on the reaction resistance of the electrode 14 is significant.
- the fiber density of the portion (non-buried portion) located on the groove 400 can be kept at an appropriate level. Thereby, a rectifying effect in the electrode 14 is obtained, and charge transfer at the interface between the electrode 14 and the diaphragm 11 is performed smoothly. Therefore, an increase in the flow rate dependent resistance and the charge transfer resistance can be suppressed, and the reaction resistance of the electrode 14 can be reduced. If the amount of buried portion of buried portion 16 is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, it is easy to reduce the variation in the temperature change of the electrolyte flowing in cell 10.
- the buried amount of the buried portion 16 may be 0.3 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less, and 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.
- the buried amount of the buried portion 16 can be controlled by the electrode material and the characteristics of the electrode 14 (thickness, compressibility, porosity, etc.), and the type and characteristics of the carbon fiber constituting the electrode 14 (fiber diameter, Young's modulus, etc.). .
- the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the buried portion 16 to the cross-sectional area of the groove portion 400 is 0.4% or more and 75% or less.
- the burial ratio may be 5% or more and 40% or less and 10% or more and 30% or less.
- the cross-sectional area of the groove 400 and the buried portion 16 is a cross-section in a thickness direction orthogonal to the surface of the bipolar plate 31 and a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction of the groove 400 (the flowing direction of the electrolyte) (see FIG. 5). Cross section shown).
- the electrode 14 is formed of a carbon fiber aggregate.
- the electrode 14 of the carbon fiber aggregate is porous and has a void in the electrode 14. Therefore, the electrolytic solution flows in the electrode 14, and the electrolytic solution can permeate and diffuse. Therefore, the reaction area with the electrolytic solution increases, and it is easy to secure a reaction field.
- Representative examples of the carbon fiber aggregate include carbon felt and carbon cloth. Carbon felt or carbon cloth has appropriate flexibility and is easily deformed. Therefore, when carbon felt or carbon cloth is used as the electrode material, the buried portion 16 is easily formed. In particular, carbon felt has an advantage that the electrolyte is easily diffused to every corner in the electrode 14 because the carbon fibers are randomly oriented.
- Representative examples of the carbon fiber include PAN-based carbon fiber, pitch-based carbon fiber, and rayon-based carbon fiber.
- the thickness of the electrode 14 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. This makes it easy to control the amount of burial of the buried portion 16 within the above range. When the thickness of the electrode 14 is 0.3 mm or more, it is easy to sufficiently secure a reaction area (reaction field) with the electrolytic solution. When the thickness of the electrode 14 is 1.5 mm or less, it is easy for the electrolyte to sufficiently permeate and diffuse throughout the electrode 14. If the thickness of the electrode 14 is 1.5 mm or less, the thickness of the cell 10 can be reduced. The thickness of the electrode 14 may further be 0.5 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less.
- the thickness of the electrode 14 is not a thickness in a compressed state in the cell 10 but a thickness in an uncompressed state (natural state).
- the thickness represented by T 1 thickness of the compression state of the electrode 14, by observing a cross-section of a cell 10 in the thickness direction such as an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope (SEM), burial section 16
- T 1 thickness of the compression state of the electrode 14, by observing a cross-section of a cell 10 in the thickness direction such as an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope (SEM), burial section 16
- SEM scanning electron microscope
- the thickness of the electrode 14 in the non-compressed state is measured before the cell 10 is assembled or after the cell 10 is assembled, the electrode 14 is taken out from the cell 10 and the thickness in the natural state where no external force acts on the electrode 14 is measured.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 is, for example, not less than 60% and not more than 95%.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 is 60% or more, the electrode 14 is deformed and a part of the electrode 14 is buried in the groove 400, so that the buried portion 16 is easily formed.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 is 60% or more, the reaction area per unit volume of the electrode 14 increases, and the reaction efficiency with the electrolytic solution increases.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 is 95% or less, it is easy to secure a void in the electrode 14 and sufficiently secure the flowability of the electrolytic solution. Therefore, the cell resistance due to the flow resistance of the electrolyte can be reduced.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 When the compression ratio of the electrode 14 is 95% or less, damage to the electrode 14 due to excessive deformation can be suppressed.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 may be 70% or more and 90% or less.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 can be adjusted by, for example, the thickness of the electrode 14 and the depth of the cell space (the concave portion 32o of the cell frame 3 shown in FIG. 3B) that houses the electrode 14.
- the compression ratio of the electrode 14 is ⁇ (T 0 ⁇ T 1 ) / T 0 ⁇ ⁇ 100 (%), where T 1 is the thickness of the electrode 14 in the compressed state and T 0 is the thickness of the electrode 14 in the non-compressed state.
- the porosity of the electrode 14 is, for example, 70% or more. When the porosity of the electrode 14 is 70% or more, the electrode 14 is easily deformed, and the buried portion 16 is easily formed. In addition, when the porosity of the electrode 14 is 70% or more, it is easy to sufficiently secure the flowability of the electrolyte and to easily permeate and diffuse the electrolyte into the electrode 14.
- the upper limit of the porosity of the electrode 14 is, for example, 95% or less. Thereby, a decrease in the reaction area due to a decrease in the fiber density and a decrease in the strength of the electrode 14 can be suppressed.
- the porosity of the electrode 14 may be 80% or more and 90% or less. In the case of carbon felt or carbon cloth, the porosity of the electrode 14 can be adjusted by the basis weight (fiber density) of carbon fibers.
- the porosity of the electrode 14 is not a porosity in a compressed state in the cell 10 but a porosity in an uncompressed state (natural state).
- the porosity of the electrode 14 is ⁇ (Va ⁇ V) / Va ⁇ ⁇ 100 (%), where V is the true volume of the electrode 14 and Va is the apparent volume.
- the true volume V of the electrode 14 can be calculated by dividing the mass of the electrode 14 by the density of the carbon fibers constituting the electrode 14.
- the average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers is, for example, 20 ⁇ m or less.
- the average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers is 20 ⁇ m or less, the fibers are thin and have flexibility. Therefore, the electrode 14 is easily deformed, and the buried portion 16 is easily formed. Furthermore, since the fibers have flexibility, the fibers are less likely to pierce the diaphragm 11.
- the average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers is 20 ⁇ m or less, the reaction area per unit volume of the electrode 14 increases, and the reaction efficiency with the electrolytic solution increases.
- the lower limit of the average fiber diameter of the carbon fibers is, for example, 5 ⁇ m or more, and further 10 ⁇ m or more. Thereby, a decrease in the strength of the electrode 14 can be suppressed.
- the fiber diameter of the carbon fiber is determined by the diameter of a circle having an area equal to the cross-sectional area of the fiber (projected area of a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the fiber) (equivalent area circle diameter).
- the average fiber diameter of the carbon fiber is obtained by observing the cross section of the electrode 14 with an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope (SEM), measuring the fiber diameter of the carbon fiber (equivalent circle equivalent diameter) by image analysis, and calculating the average value. Value.
- the number of fibers for measuring the fiber diameter is, for example, 10 or more and further 20 or more.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber is, for example, 20 GPa or more and 200 GPa or less.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber is 20 GPa or more, the bending rigidity of the fiber is high. Therefore, when the electrode 14 is compressed and deformed, damage to the electrode 14 can be suppressed.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber is 200 GPa or less, the electrode 14 is easily deformed, and the buried portion 16 is easily formed.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber is 200 GPa or less, piercing into the diaphragm 11 can be suppressed.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber can be adjusted by, for example, the type of the carbon fiber and the firing conditions (such as firing temperature) for carbonizing the organic fiber as the raw material.
- the Young's modulus of the carbon fiber may be measured by extracting the carbon fiber from the electrode 14 and measuring it by a tensile test.
- the cell 10 has the groove 400 on the electrode side surface of the bipolar plate 31 to reduce the flow resistance of the electrolyte flowing in the cell 10 and reduce the pressure loss of the electrolyte in the cell 10. it can.
- the electrode 14 is formed of the carbon fiber aggregate, the electrolytic solution can flow through the electrode 14 and permeate and diffuse the electrolytic solution, and the reaction area between the electrode 14 and the electrolytic solution (reaction area) ) Is easy to secure.
- the buried amount of the buried portion 16 of the electrode 14 buried in the groove 400 of the bipolar plate 31 is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, it is possible to suppress an increase in the flow rate dependent resistance and the charge transfer resistance. Reaction resistance can be reduced. Therefore, the cell 10 can reduce the reaction resistance of the electrode 14 while reducing the pressure loss of the electrolytic solution.
- the buried amount of the buried portion 16 is 0.2 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less, it is easy to reduce the variation in the temperature change of the electrolyte flowing in the cell 10. Thereby, the stability of the electrolyte solution can be easily maintained, and the deterioration of the battery performance can be suppressed.
- the RF battery 1 according to the embodiment includes the cell 10 according to the embodiment, so that the reaction resistance of the electrode 14 can be reduced while the pressure loss of the electrolyte in the cell 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the RF battery 1 has excellent battery performance.
- Test Example 1 The cell described in the above-described embodiment was manufactured, an RF battery was assembled using the cell, and the evaluation was performed.
- a plurality of single cells (sample Nos. 1 to 5 and 11 to 18) having different buried amounts in the buried portions were produced using various types of carbon felt having different specifications such as thickness and porosity as electrodes.
- the same carbon felt electrode was used for each of the positive and negative electrodes, and the area of each electrode was 9 cm 2 .
- the carbon fiber constituting the electrode used for the single cell of each sample was rayon-based carbon fiber, and the fiber diameter and Young's modulus of the carbon fiber in each sample were different.
- cell frames used for the single cells of each sample were prepared with different depths of the recesses for accommodating the electrodes, and thereby the compression ratio of the electrodes in each sample was adjusted.
- a grooved bipolar plate in which a flow path having a groove on the surface on the positive and negative electrode sides was formed was used.
- the configuration of the groove (channel) of the bipolar plate used for the single cell of each sample is the same.
- the width of the groove (opening width) was 1 mm
- the depth of the groove was 2 mm
- the cross-sectional area of the groove was 2 mm 2
- the cross-sectional shape of the groove was rectangular.
- ⁇ Charge / discharge test> A single-cell RF battery was assembled using the single cells of each sample, and a charge / discharge test was performed on each battery at normal temperature (25 ° C.). A vanadium sulfate aqueous solution (vanadium concentration: 1.7 mol / L) was used for each of the positive and negative electrolytes. The charge / discharge test was performed at a constant current of a current density of 90 mA / cm 2 , and when a predetermined switching voltage was reached, switching between charge and discharge was performed, and multiple cycles of charge / discharge were performed. Then, an average voltage and an average current in an arbitrary one cycle among a plurality of cycles were obtained, and a cell resistance was obtained. The cell resistance is calculated by multiplying a resistance value obtained by dividing an average voltage by an average current by an electrode area.
- reaction resistance of the electrode was determined from the cell resistance of the single cell battery of each sample.
- the reaction resistance is a resistance obtained by subtracting the conductive resistance from the cell resistance, and is calculated by the following equation.
- thermometers were attached to the entrance side and the exit side of the cell of each battery, respectively, and in the charge / discharge test, the temperature of the electrolyte supplied to the cell and the temperature of the electrolyte discharged from the cell were measured. Then, the difference between the minimum temperature of the electrolyte supplied to the cell and the maximum temperature of the electrolyte discharged from the cell in the first cycle (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid temperature difference”) was determined. Table 1 shows the liquid temperature difference in each sample.
- Electrode thickness, compression ratio, porosity> After the charge / discharge test, the electrode was taken out from the single cell of each sample, washed, and dried. After that, the thickness of each sample in the non-compressed state (natural state) of the electrode was measured. The compression ratio of the electrode was calculated and calculated from the thickness of the electrode in the compressed state and the thickness in the non-compressed state. Further, the true volume and the apparent volume of the electrode were measured, and the porosity of the electrode was calculated and obtained. Table 1 shows the electrode thickness, compression ratio, and porosity of each sample.
- the reaction resistance of the electrode can be reduced, and the battery performance of the RF battery can be improved.
- the sample No. Sample Nos. 1 to 5 have a liquid temperature difference of 5 ° C. or less, and Liquid temperature difference is smaller than 11 to 18. From this, it can be seen that Sample No. 1 to 5, it can be seen that the variation in the temperature change of the electrolyte flowing in the cell is small.
- the buried portion can be obtained. It can be seen that the burial amount and the burial ratio of are easily controlled within the above ranges.
- Redox flow battery 2 Redox flow battery cell stack (cell stack) 10.
- Redox flow battery cell (cell) DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Diaphragm 12 Positive electrode cell 13 Negative cell 14 Positive electrode 15 Negative electrode 16 Buried part 3 Cell frame 31 Bipolar plate 32 Frame 32o Depression 33, 34 Liquid supply manifold 35, 36 Liquid discharge manifold 33s, 34s Liquid supply slit 35s, 36s drain Liquid slit 37 Seal member 38 Seal groove 40 Flow path 41 Introducing path 42 Drain path 400 Groove section 410 Introducing groove section 411 Introducing rectifying groove section 420 Discharging side groove section 421 Discharging rectifying groove section 100P Positive circulation path 100N Negative circulation path 106 Positive electrode electrolysis Liquid tank 107 Negative electrolyte tank 108, 109 Outbound piping 110, 111 Inbound piping 112, 113 Pump 200 Substack 210 Supply / discharge plate 220 End plate 230 Tightening mechanism 80 AC / DC converter 90 Power
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Abstract
Description
電解液が供給される電極と、前記電極が配置される双極板とを備えるレドックスフロー電池セルであって、
前記双極板は、前記電極側の面に電解液が流通する少なくとも1つの溝部を有し、
前記電極は、炭素繊維を含む炭素繊維集合体で形成され、前記双極板側に押圧されて前記溝部内に埋没する埋没部を有し、
前記埋没部の埋没量が0.2mm以上1.4mm以下である。
上記本開示のレドックスフロー電池セルを備える。
レドックスフロー電池の更なる電池性能の向上が望まれている。
本開示によれば、電解液の圧力損失を低減できながら、電極の反応抵抗を低減できるレドックスフロー電池セルを提供できる。また、本開示によれば、電池性能に優れるレドックスフロー電池を提供できる。
最初に本開示の実施形態の内容を列記して説明する。
電解液が供給される電極と、前記電極が配置される双極板とを備えるレドックスフロー電池セルであって、
前記双極板は、前記電極側の面に電解液が流通する少なくとも1つの溝部を有し、
前記電極は、炭素繊維を含む炭素繊維集合体で形成され、前記双極板側に押圧されて前記溝部内に埋没する埋没部を有し、
前記埋没部の埋没量が0.2mm以上1.4mm以下である。
上記(1)から(8)のいずれか1つに記載のレドックスフロー電池セルを備える。
本開示の実施形態に係るレドックスフロー電池セル(以下、単に「セル」と呼ぶ場合がある)、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5を参照して、実施形態に係るRF電池1、及びRF電池1に備えるセル10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、瞬低補償や非常用電源などの用途、太陽光発電や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。
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104、105間に介在される隔膜11とを有する。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。
セル10は、単数のセル10を備える単セルで構成されていてもよいし、複数のセル10を備える多セルで構成されていてもよい。セル10は通常、図2に示すような、セル10を複数積層して備えるセルスタック2と呼ばれる形態で利用される。セルスタック2は、図3Aに示すように、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3Aでは、複数のサブスタック200を備えるセルスタック2を例示している。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の順に複数積層され(図3B参照)、その積層体の両端に給排板210(図3A参照、図2では図示略)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3B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が接触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が接触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。各凹部32oは、正極セル12及び負極セル13(図1参照)の各セル空間を形成する。
双極板31は、図4に示すように、電極側の面に電解液が流通する複数の溝部400を有する流路40が形成された溝付き双極板である。図4では、分かり易くするため、流路40(溝部400)が形成されていない部分にハッチングを付している。図4に示す双極板31の一面側(紙面表側)は、正極電極14(図3B参照、図4では図示略)に対向する面である。双極板31の他面側(紙面裏側)は、負極電極15(図3B参照、図4では図示略)に対向する面である。また、図4に示す双極板31において、給液スリット33sにつながる下側の縁部が正極電解液の供給側である。双極板31において、排液スリット35sにつながる上側の縁部が正極電解液の排出側である。図4中、紙面左側の太線矢印は、電解液の全体的な電解液の流通方向を示す。
実施形態に係るセル10の特徴部分の1つである電極の埋没部について、主に図5を参照して説明する。図5は、双極板31の表面に直交する厚み方向断面であって、溝部400の長さ方向(電解液の流通方向)に直交する断面を示している。図5では、セル10を構成する正極電極14側の部分のみ図示し、負極電極15側は、正極電極14側と同様であるので図示を省略する。双極板31の電極側の面に溝部400を有する場合、セル10を構成したとき、セル10内で電極14が双極板31側に押圧されて圧縮変形する。そのため、図5に示すように、電極14の一部が溝部400内に埋没した状態になる。実施形態に係るセル10の特徴の一つは、電極14が双極板31の溝部400内に埋没する埋没部16を有し、埋没部16の埋没量(図5中、bで表される溝部400の開口から埋没部16の先端までの最大長さ)が0.2mm以上1.4mm以下である点にある。なお、図5では、説明の便宜上、埋没部16の状態を誇張して模式的に図示している。
埋没部16の埋没量を上記範囲内に制御することで、電極14の反応抵抗を低減できる。この理由は次のように推測される。埋没部16の埋没量が小さ過ぎる場合、溝部400上に位置する部分(埋没部16の上側の溝部400に埋没しない部位)の繊維密度が大きくなり過ぎ、この非埋没部(図5中、クロスハッチングで示す部分)を通る電解液の流れに乱流が生じ易くなる。そのため、電極14内を通る電解液の乱流を抑制する整流効果が損なわれ、電解液の流量に依存する反応抵抗(流量依存抵抗)が増大する虞がある。一方、埋没部16の埋没量が大き過ぎる場合は、溝部400上に位置する部分(非埋没部)の繊維密度が小さくなり過ぎ、電極14と隔膜11との界面における電荷移動がスムーズに行われ難くなる。これにより、電荷移動に起因する反応抵抗(電荷移動抵抗)が増大する虞がある。ここで、電極14のうち、溝部400上に位置せず、双極板31の表面に接する部分でも、乱流が生じる可能性があるが、溝部400上に位置する部分で生じる乱流の方が電極14の反応抵抗への影響が顕著である。
更に、溝部400の断面積に対する埋没部16の断面積の比率(埋没比)が0.4%以上75%以下であることが好ましい。これにより、電極の反応抵抗を効果的に低減できる上、セル10内を流れる電解液の温度変化のばらつきをより低減し易い。埋没比は、更に5%以上40%以下、10%以上30%以下であることが挙げられる。ここで、溝部400及び埋没部16の断面積は、双極板31の表面に直交する厚み方向断面であって、溝部400の長さ方向(電解液の流通方向)に直交する断面(図5に示す断面)における断面積をいう。
電極14は、炭素繊維集合体で形成されている。炭素繊維集合体の電極14は多孔質であり、電極14内に空隙を有している。そのため、電極14内に電解液が流通し、電解液を浸透・拡散させることができる。よって、電解液との反応面積が増え、反応場を確保し易い。炭素繊維集合体としては、代表的には、カーボンフェルト又はカーボンクロスが挙げられる。カーボンフェルト又はカーボンクロスは、適度な柔軟性を有しており、変形し易い。よって、カーボンフェルト又はカーボンクロスを電極材料に用いた場合、埋没部16が形成され易い。特に、カーボンフェルトは、炭素繊維がランダムに配向しているため、電極14内の隅々まで電解液を拡散させ易いなどの利点がある。炭素繊維としては、代表的には、PAN系炭素繊維、ピッチ系炭素繊維、レーヨン系炭素繊維が挙げられる。
電極14の厚みは、例えば0.3mm以上1.5mm以下である。これにより、埋没部16の埋没量を上記範囲内に制御し易い。また、電極14の厚みが0.3mm以上の場合、電解液との反応面積(反応場)を十分に確保し易い。電極14の厚みが1.5mm以下の場合、電極14内全体に電解液を十分に浸透・拡散させ易い。電極14の厚みが1.5mm以下であれば、セル10の厚みを薄くできる。電極14の厚みは、更に0.5mm以上1.3mm以下であることが挙げられる。
電極14の圧縮率は、例えば60%以上95%以下である。電極14の圧縮率が60%以上であることで、電極14が変形してその一部が溝部400内に埋没し、埋没部16が形成され易い。電極14の圧縮率が60%以上の場合、電極14の単位体積あたりの反応面積が増え、電解液との反応効率が高くなる。電極14の圧縮率が95%以下であることで、電極14内の空隙を確保して、電解液の流通性を十分に確保し易い。よって、電解液の流通抵抗に起因するセル抵抗を低減できる。電極14の圧縮率が95%以下の場合、過度の変形による電極14の損傷を抑制できる。電極14の圧縮率は、更に70%以上90%以下であることが挙げられる。電極14の圧縮率は、例えば、電極14の厚みや、電極14を収納するセル空間(図3Bに示すセルフレーム3の凹部32o)の深さにより調整可能である。
電極14の空隙率は、例えば70%以上である。電極14の空隙率が70%以上であることで、電極14が変形し易く、埋没部16が形成され易い。また、電極14の空隙率が70%以上の場合、電解液の流通性を十分に確保し易く、電極14内に電解液を十分に浸透・拡散させ易い。電極14の空隙率の上限は、例えば95%以下である。これにより、繊維密度の低下による反応面積の減少や電極14の強度低下を抑制できる。電極14の空隙率は、更に80%以上90%以下であることが挙げられる。電極14の空隙率は、カーボンフェルト又はカーボンクロスの場合、炭素繊維の目付量(繊維密度)により調整可能である。
炭素繊維の平均繊維径は、例えば20μm以下である。炭素繊維の平均繊維径が20μm以下であることで、繊維が細く、可撓性を有する。よって、電極14が変形し易く、埋没部16が形成され易い。更に、繊維が可撓性を有することにより、繊維が隔膜11に突き刺さり難い。また、炭素繊維の平均繊維径が20μm以下の場合、電極14の単位体積あたりの反応面積が増え、電解液との反応効率が高くなる。炭素繊維の平均繊維径の下限は、例えば5μm以上、更に10μm以上である。これにより、電極14の強度低下を抑制できる。
炭素繊維のヤング率は、例えば20GPa以上200GPa以下である。炭素繊維のヤング率が20GPa以上であることで、繊維の曲げ剛性が高い。そのため、電極14を圧縮変形させたときに、電極14の損傷を抑制できる。炭素繊維のヤング率が200GPa以下であることで、電極14が変形し易く、埋没部16が形成され易い。また、炭素繊維のヤング率が200GPa以下の場合、隔膜11への突き刺さりを抑制できる。炭素繊維のヤング率は、例えば、炭素繊維の種類や、原料となる有機繊維を炭素化する焼成条件(焼成温度など)により調整可能である。
実施形態に係るセル10は、双極板31の電極側の面に溝部400を有することで、セル10内を流れる電解液の流通抵抗を小さくして、セル10での電解液の圧力損失を低減できる。また、電極14が炭素繊維集合体で形成されていることで、電極14内に電解液が流通し、電解液を浸透・拡散させることができ、電極14と電解液との反応面積(反応場)を確保し易い。更に、双極板31の溝部400に埋没する電極14の埋没部16の埋没量が0.2mm以上1.4mm以下であることで、流量依存抵抗及び電荷移動抵抗の増加を抑制でき、電極14の反応抵抗を低減できる。したがって、セル10は、電解液の圧力損失を低減できながら、電極14の反応抵抗を低減できる。
上述した実施形態で説明したセルを作製し、これを用いてRF電池を組み立て、その評価を行った。
各試料の単セルを用いて単セルのRF電池を組み立て、各電池について常温(25℃)で充放電試験を行った。正負の各電解液には、硫酸バナジウム水溶液(バナジウム濃度:1.7mol/L)を用いた。充放電試験は、電流密度90mA/cm2の定電流で行い、予め設定した所定の切り替え電圧に達したら、充電と放電とを切り替え、複数サイクルの充放電を行った。そして、複数サイクルのうち、任意の1サイクルにおける平均電圧及び平均電流を求め、セル抵抗を求めた。セル抵抗は、平均電圧を平均電流で割った抵抗値に電極面積を掛けることにより算出するものとする。
各試料の単セル電池で求めたセル抵抗から電極の反応抵抗を求めた。反応抵抗は、セル抵抗から導電抵抗を差し引いた抵抗とし、下記の式により算出するものとする。導電抵抗はバッテリーハイテスタで測定して求めた。各試料における反応抵抗を表1に示す。
反応抵抗(Ω・cm2)=セル抵抗(Ω・cm2)-導電抵抗(Ω・cm2)
また、各電池のセルの入口側と出口側にそれぞれ温度計を取り付け、上記充放電試験において、セルに供給される電解液の温度とセルから排出される電解液の温度を測定した。そして、1サイクル目におけるセルに供給される電解液の最低温度とセルから排出される電解液の最高温度との差(以下、「液温差」という)を求めた。各試料における液温差を表1に示す。
充放電試験後、各試料の単セルを厚み方向に切断した断面を光学顕微鏡で観察し、各試料における埋没部の埋没量及び埋没比を測定した。ここでは、1試料につき、10箇所の埋没部の埋没量及び埋没比をそれぞれ測定し、それぞれの平均値を求めた。各試料における埋没部の埋没量及び埋没比を表1に示す。また、単セルを厚み方向に切断した断面から電極の圧縮状態の厚みを測定した。
充放電試験後、各試料の単セルから電極を取り出し、電極を洗浄した後、乾燥した。その後、各試料における電極の非圧縮状態(自然状態)の厚みを測定した。電極の圧縮状態の厚み及び非圧縮状態の厚みから電極の圧縮率を算出して求めた。また、電極の真の体積及び見かけの体積を計測し、電極の空隙率を算出して求めた。各試料における電極の厚み・圧縮率・空隙率を表1に示す。
充放電試験後、各試料の単セルから取り出した電極の断面をSEMで観察し、画像解析により10本の炭素繊維の繊維径(等面積円相当径)を計測して、その平均値を算出することで、炭素繊維の平均繊維径を求めた。また、電極から炭素繊維を抜き取り、引張試験を行うことで、炭素繊維のヤング率を測定した。各試料における電極を構成する炭素繊維の平均繊維径・ヤング率を表1に示す。
2 レドックスフロー電池セルスタック(セルスタック)
10 レドックスフロー電池セル(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
16 埋没部
3 セルフレーム
31 双極板 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 38 シール溝
40 流路
41 導入路 42 排出路
400 溝部
410 導入側溝部 411 導入側整流溝部
420 排出側溝部 421 排出側整流溝部
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
Claims (9)
- 電解液が供給される電極と、前記電極が配置される双極板とを備えるレドックスフロー電池セルであって、
前記双極板は、前記電極側の面に電解液が流通する少なくとも1つの溝部を有し、
前記電極は、炭素繊維を含む炭素繊維集合体で形成され、前記双極板側に押圧されて前記溝部内に埋没する埋没部を有し、
前記埋没部の埋没量が0.2mm以上1.4mm以下であるレドックスフロー電池セル。 - 前記溝部の断面積に対する前記埋没部の断面積の比率が0.4%以上75%以下である請求項1に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 前記電極の厚みが0.3mm以上1.5mm以下である請求項1又は請求項2に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 前記電極の圧縮率が60%以上95%以下である請求項1から請求項3のいずれか1項に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 前記電極の空隙率が70%以上である請求項1から請求項4のいずれか1項に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 前記炭素繊維集合体がカーボンフェルト、カーボンクロス及びカーボンペーパーから選択される少なくとも一種である請求項1から請求項5のいずれか1項に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 前記炭素繊維の平均繊維径が20μm以下である請求項1から請求項6のいずれか1項に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 前記炭素繊維のヤング率が20GPa以上200GPa以下である請求項1から請求項7のいずれか1項に記載のレドックスフロー電池セル。
- 請求項1から請求項8のいずれか1項に記載のレドックスフロー電池セルを備えるレドックスフロー電池。
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| CN201880095831.8A CN112534614B (zh) | 2018-08-13 | 2018-08-13 | 氧化还原液流电池单体及氧化还原液流电池 |
| PCT/JP2018/030201 WO2020035895A1 (ja) | 2018-08-13 | 2018-08-13 | レドックスフロー電池セル及びレドックスフロー電池 |
| US17/264,442 US11316170B2 (en) | 2018-08-13 | 2018-08-13 | Redox flow battery cell and redox flow battery |
| EP18930490.0A EP3840095B1 (en) | 2018-08-13 | 2018-08-13 | Redox flow battery cell and redox flow battery |
| TW108120660A TWI777068B (zh) | 2018-08-13 | 2019-06-14 | 氧化還原液流電池單元及氧化還原液流電池 |
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| US11316170B2 (en) | 2022-04-26 |
| TWI777068B (zh) | 2022-09-11 |
| CN112534614B (zh) | 2023-08-04 |
| CN112534614A (zh) | 2021-03-19 |
| US20210313591A1 (en) | 2021-10-07 |
| JPWO2020035895A1 (ja) | 2021-08-10 |
| EP3840095A4 (en) | 2022-04-06 |
| TW202013795A (zh) | 2020-04-01 |
| EP3840095A1 (en) | 2021-06-23 |
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