JP2007305339A - Electrolyte circulating battery cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolyte circulating battery cell which causes no overcharge during charging as well as no electrode breakage. <P>SOLUTION: The electrolyte circulating battery cell comprises a positive electrode 3, a diaphragm 2, and a negative electrode 4 which are all arranged between bipolar plates 6a of cell frames 5a. The cell frame 5a has a bipolar plate 6a, a frame 7a having an opening 71a to which the bipolar plate 6a is fitted as well as an electrolytic solution supply port 75, and an electrolytic solution discharge port 77 which communicates with the inside of the opening 71a. The electrolytic solution supply port 75 and the electrolytic solution discharge port 77 are provided to be faced with each other at the opening 71a. A cross-sectional area of an electrolytic solution flow path with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 71a, the bipolar plate 6a, and the diaphragm 2 is made smaller stepwise in the direction from the electrolytic solution supply port side toward the electrolytic solution discharge port side. Such a stepwise reduction in a cross-sectional area of the flow path increases the flow velocity of the electrolytic solution as the electrolytic solution discharge port is approached, thereby assuring sufficient charging near the electrolytic solution supply port and discharging the electrolytic solution from the cell without causing overcharge near the discharge port where the electrolytic solution is placed in a highly charged state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electrolyte circulation type battery cell configured by arranging a positive electrode, a diaphragm, and a negative electrode between bipolar plates attached to a cell frame.

  Conventionally, the electrolyte circulation type battery is used as a load leveling method or a measure against a voltage sag. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, this battery includes a cell separated into a positive electrode cell and a negative electrode cell by a diaphragm made of an ion exchange membrane. Each of the positive electrode cell and the negative electrode cell contains a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

  For each electrolytic solution, an aqueous solution of ions such as vanadium ions whose valence changes is used. The electrolytic solution is circulated between a cell and a tank connected to the cell by using a pump. And charging / discharging is performed with the valence change reaction of the ion in a positive / negative electrode in a cell, circulating this electrolyte solution.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cell stack used in the electrolyte circulation type battery. Usually, the battery uses a configuration called a cell stack 200 in which a plurality of cells are stacked to form a stack called a subcell stack 201, and a plurality of the subcell stacks 201 are stacked. Each cell includes a positive electrode 102 and a negative electrode 103 made of carbon felt on both sides of the diaphragm 101. A cell frame 210 is disposed outside each of the positive electrode 102 and the negative electrode 103. The cell frame 210 includes a plastic carbon bipolar plate 211 and a frame portion 212 formed on the outer periphery thereof.

  Then, the positive electrode 102 and the negative electrode 103 are disposed in the frame 212 so as to sandwich the bipolar plate 211, and the positive electrode 102 and the negative electrode 103 are surrounded by the cell frame 210 and the diaphragm 101. It will be placed in the state.

  The frame portion 212 is formed with a liquid supply manifold 213 for supplying the electrolyte to the electrolyte flow path in which the electrodes 102 and 103 are disposed, and a drainage manifold 214 for discharging the electrolyte from the electrolyte flow path to the outside. Has been.

  Furthermore, a liquid supply groove 215 is formed in the frame portion 212, one of which communicates with the liquid supply manifold 213 and the other of which communicates with the frame of the frame portion 212. The liquid supply groove 215 constitutes an electrolyte supply port to the cell. Further, a drainage groove 216 is formed in the frame portion 212, one of which communicates with the drainage manifold 214 and the other of which communicates with the frame of the frame portion 212. This drainage groove 216 constitutes an electrolyte outlet for discharging the electrolyte in the cell to the tank side.

  In each cell, the electrolyte is supplied to the electrode from the supply manifold 213 through the supply groove 215, and the electrolyte after the charge / discharge reaction at the electrode is performed through the discharge groove 216. It flows to the manifold 214.

  The manifolds 213 and 214 constitute an electrolyte solution flow path by stacking a large number of cells. In addition, supply / exhaust plates 220 are disposed on both sides of the subcell stack 201. The electrolyte flow path formed by the plurality of manifolds 213 and 214 is connected to the tank from the liquid supply port and the liquid discharge port formed in the supply / discharge plate 220 via a conduit.

JP 2005-228622 A

  By the way, in the conventional cell structure described above, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the opening of the cell frame 210 has a rectangular shape such as a rectangle, and the rectangular electrodes 102 and 103 are also provided in the opening. It is arranged.

  Further, in the conventional cell structure, the electrolytic solution normally flows from the liquid supply manifold 213 provided on the lower side of the cell frame 210 and is charged / discharged by the electrodes, and then discharged from the upper side of the cell frame. Discharged from the manifold 214. At this time, since the bipolar plate 211 and the electrodes 102 and 103 have a rectangular shape, the electrolytic solution flowing upward from the lower side has a large difference between the upper and lower charging depths of the electrolytic solution contacting the electrode in the cell.

  That is, the bipolar plate 211 and the electrodes 102 and 103 have the same structure and width in the vicinity of the electrolyte supply port and in the vicinity of the electrolyte discharge port. In some cases, the charging state is high, the discharging state is low, and the charging is overcharged in the upper part of the electrode. Furthermore, there was a problem that the electrode was partially overcharged and damaged on the upper electrolyte discharge side.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to configure an electrolyte circulation type battery cell capable of preventing overcharging during charging and preventing electrode damage, and a plurality of these cells stacked. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte circulation type battery including a cell stack.

  This invention is invention of the cell for electrolyte circulation type batteries comprised by arrange | positioning a positive electrode, a diaphragm, and a negative electrode between the bipolar plates attached to a cell frame. In the present invention, the cell frame includes a bipolar plate, a frame portion having at least one opening into which the bipolar plate is fitted, an electrolyte supply port communicating with the opening, and an electrolyte discharge port communicating with the opening. It is set as the structure provided with. The cell frame is provided such that the electrolyte supply port and the electrolyte discharge port flow from one side of the cell frame toward the opposite side, the inner peripheral surface of the opening, the bipolar plate, and the diaphragm The flow path cross-sectional area of the electrolyte flow path formed in the step is reduced stepwise from the electrolyte supply port side toward the electrolyte discharge port side.

  In the cell of the present invention, a positive electrode substantially equal to the size of the opening is arranged on one surface of each bipolar plate fitted in the frame portion. On the other surface of each bipolar plate, a negative electrode that is also substantially equal in size to the opening is disposed. That is, the size of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is determined by the size of each opening.

  The shape of the opening of the frame part, the bipolar plate, and the electrode is, for example, a trapezoid having a long side on the electrolyte solution supply port side and a short side on the electrolyte solution discharge port side. The cross-sectional area can be reduced stepwise from the electrolyte solution supply port side toward the electrolyte solution discharge port side.

  In addition, the shape of the opening, bipolar plate, and electrode are triangular so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path on the electrolyte outlet side is small, trapezoidal, and inclined parts are formed in multiple stages, and the inclined parts are also circular. Examples include an arc shape and a semicircular shape.

  The electrolyte solution supply port formed in the frame portion communicates with, for example, a supply manifold supplying electrolyte solution to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode disposed on both surfaces of each bipolar plate. It can be comprised by the groove | channel for liquid supply formed so that it may reach to each electrode arrange | positioned at a bipolar plate. In addition, the electrolyte discharge port can be constituted by a drain groove formed to reach a drain manifold for discharging the electrolyte from each electrode to the outside, for example.

  These liquid supply manifold, liquid discharge manifold, liquid supply groove, and liquid discharge groove may be singular or plural. The formation position of the electrolyte supply port is preferably the central portion of the side of the opening of the frame portion on the side having the larger flow path cross-sectional area, but is not limited to the central portion. Further, the electrolyte discharge port is also preferably a central portion on the side of the opening having a smaller flow path cross-sectional area, but is not limited to the central portion.

  As described above, the electrolyte circulation type battery cell of the present invention electrolyzes the cross-sectional area of the electrolyte channel formed by the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the frame portion, the bipolar plate, and the diaphragm from the electrolyte solution supply port side. Since it is made small in steps toward the liquid discharge port side, the flow rate of the electrolytic solution can be increased as it approaches the vicinity of the electrolytic solution discharge port.

  In the cell, the electrolyte solution is almost charged in the vicinity of the electrolyte solution discharge port. Therefore, it is better to discharge the cell from the cell before overcharging. In the cell structure of the present invention, the amount of the electrolyte that is not charged much during charging is large near the electrolyte supply port and small near the electrolyte discharge port. In the present invention, the flow velocity in the vicinity of the electrolyte supply port is slower than that in the vicinity of the discharge port, so that charging is easily performed in the vicinity of the supply port. In addition, in the vicinity of the discharge port where the state of charge of the electrolyte is high, the flow rate is high, so that it is difficult to be charged and discharged immediately. As a result, while being able to be charged efficiently, overcharging near the electrolyte outlet does not occur.

  At the time of discharge, the electrolyte is charged near the electrolyte supply port, and the electrolyte is discharged near the electrolyte discharge port. It is better to drain the cell sooner before it becomes.

  Therefore, even during discharge, the cross-sectional area of the electrolyte flow path is gradually reduced from the electrolyte supply port side to the electrolyte discharge port side. In the vicinity of the electrolyte outlet, the electrolyte can be discharged out of the cell before overdischarge occurs. As a result, it is possible to operate efficiently even during discharge.

  In addition, when forming a cell by providing one opening in one cell frame, the flow rate of the electrolyte must be ensured so that the electrolyte always flows throughout the cell regardless of the charge / discharge amount of the battery. Don't be. As a result, depending on the charge / discharge amount, more pump power consumption than necessary is required, and the pump power consumption corresponding to the charge / discharge amount cannot be obtained. In particular, when the area of the opening is increased, the area of the electrode disposed with respect to the bipolar plate fitted in the opening is also increased, and a large amount of power consumption is required for the pump.

  Therefore, the cell of the present invention can be formed such that a plurality of openings are formed in one cell frame, and these openings are arranged so that the sides having a larger flow path cross-sectional area are staggered. That is, the opening is formed adjacent to one side of the cell frame so that the large and small portions of the channel cross-sectional area of the opening are alternately arranged.

  In this case, a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes are arranged for one cell frame. With respect to a plurality of electrodes (positive electrode or negative electrode) arranged on one surface of the frame portion, a liquid supply manifold and a liquid discharge manifold are provided so that an electrolyte can be supplied to and discharged from each electrode. . That is, a plurality of liquid supply manifolds and liquid discharge manifolds are provided in one frame portion, and one manifold is assigned to each electrode.

  As described above, when a plurality of openings are formed in the cell frame and an electrode is arranged for each opening, the battery performance can be improved while the cell can be reduced in size. In addition, if the electrolyte is supplied to and discharged from each electrode individually, the electrolyte can be passed through only arbitrarily selected electrodes, and the power consumption of the pump can be reduced.

  The cell of the present invention can be constituted by laminating a plurality of cells to constitute an electrolyte circulation type battery. Thus, by stacking a plurality of cells of the present invention, a desired charge / discharge amount can be obtained while the battery can be miniaturized.

  The electrolyte circulation type battery of the present invention can be used for load leveling as well as for instantaneous voltage drop and emergency use. You may use a voltage drop application, an emergency application, and a load leveling application together.

  The electrolyte circulation type battery cell of the present invention has a cross-sectional area of an electrolyte flow path formed by an inner peripheral surface of an opening of a frame part, a bipolar plate, and a diaphragm, from the electrolyte supply port side to the electrolyte discharge port side. Since it is made smaller step by step, the flow rate of the electrolyte can be increased as it goes closer to the electrolyte outlet.

  In the structure of the cell of the present invention, during charging, the flow velocity near the electrolyte supply port, which contains a large amount of uncharged liquid, is slower than that near the discharge port. In the vicinity of the discharge port where the state of charge is high, the flow velocity is high, so the battery is discharged from the cell without being overcharged.

  As a result, charging can be performed efficiently, no overcharging occurs near the electrolyte outlet, and no electrode breakage occurs. Moreover, it becomes the same state at the time of discharge, and as a result, the battery capacity is improved while being able to operate efficiently.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the shape of the electrode, the diaphragm, and the bipolar plate can be reduced as compared with the conventional one while obtaining the same electric capacity as the conventional one, so that the cost of each member can be reduced.

  Further, if the shape of the frame portion of the cell frame is made to match the shape of the opening, the cell performance can be reduced while the cell performance can be improved. In this case, a plurality of cells of the present invention are stacked to form a cell stack, and the plurality of cell stacks are arranged so that the directions of the electrolyte supply side of the cell frame are alternately changed, thereby maintaining the same electric capacity as before. However, the arrangement space can be reduced by the combination.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(First embodiment)
In an electrolyte circulation battery, a plurality of cells are stacked to form a stack called a subcell stack, and a plurality of subcell stacks are stacked to form a cell stack. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell 1 includes a positive electrode 3 and a negative electrode 4 made of carbon felt on both sides of the diaphragm 2. A cell frame 5a is disposed outside each of the positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4. The cell frame 5a includes a frame portion 7a having an opening 71a and a plastic carbon bipolar plate 6a fitted into the opening 71a. The frame portion 7a is formed from a synthetic resin having insulating properties.

  The positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 are arranged in the frame of the frame portion 7a so as to sandwich the bipolar plate 6a. The positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 are surrounded by the cell frame 5a and the diaphragm 2. It will be placed in the state.

  In this embodiment, the outer shape of the frame portion 7a is rectangular, but the shape of the opening 71a is trapezoidal, and the bottom side of the trapezoid is the electrolyte supply side, and the upper side of the trapezoid is the electrolyte discharge side. The bipolar plate 6a has a trapezoidal shape having an area slightly larger than the size of the opening 71a, and is fitted into the opening 71a.

  The positive electrode 3 is disposed on one surface of each bipolar plate 6a fitted in the opening 71a, and the negative electrode 4 is disposed on the other surface of each bipolar plate 6a. The positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 have a trapezoidal shape that is almost the same size as the opening 71a, and are formed of carbon felt.

  Further, a liquid supply manifold 72 for supplying an electrolytic solution to the electrodes and a drainage manifold 73 for discharging the electrolytic solution from the electrodes to the outside are formed in the frame portion 7a. In the present embodiment, two supply manifolds 72 and two drainage manifolds 73 are provided for the opening 71a in order to supply the electrolyte to the positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 individually.

  In the present embodiment, the electrolytic solution is configured to be supplied from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the electrode so that the supply to the electrode is sufficiently performed. The liquid supply manifold 72 is provided near the lower side of the opening 71a where the lower ends of the electrodes 3 and 4 are in contact with the opening 71a, and the drainage manifold 73 is provided near the upper side of the opening 71a where the upper ends of the electrodes 3 and 4 are in contact. ing.

  Further, in the frame portion 7a, as a supply path for supplying an electrolyte from each liquid supply manifold 72 to each of the electrodes 3 and 4, a liquid supply groove 74 that connects the liquid supply manifold 72 and the opening 71a is provided. Is forming. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed to communicate with the central portion of the lower side of the opening 71a. The end of the liquid supply groove 74 that communicates with the opening 71a serves as an electrolyte supply port 75.

  In addition, a drainage groove 76 that communicates the opening 71a and the drainage manifold 73 is formed in the frame portion 7a as a discharge path for discharging the electrolyte from the electrodes 3 and 4 to the outside. . The drainage groove 76 is formed to communicate with the central portion of the upper side of the opening 71a. The end of the drainage groove 76 that communicates with the opening 71 a serves as an electrolyte outlet 77.

  Further, the diaphragm 2 disposed between the positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 has substantially the same size as the frame portion 7a. The diaphragm 2 is made of an ion exchange membrane. A liquid supply manifold 21 and a drainage manifold 22 are also formed in the diaphragm 2 so as to face the frame portion 7a.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a cell frame 5a, a positive electrode 3, a diaphragm 2, a negative electrode 4, and a plurality of cell frames 5a are sequentially stacked in this order to be formed between the cell frames 5a. A cell stack in which a plurality of cells 1 are formed in the stacking direction is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the electrodes 3 and 4 are disposed in a space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the opening 71a of the frame portion 7a of the cell frame 5a, the bipolar plate 6a and the diaphragm 2, and this space serves as an electrolyte flow path. The electrolyte flows from the bottom to the top of the cell as indicated by the arrows in FIG.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, although not shown, vinyl chloride plates are arranged on both sides of the cell stack in the stacking direction. One plate is provided with a positive electrode side conductive plate provided with a positive electrode side terminal, and the other plate is provided with a negative electrode side conductive plate provided with a negative electrode side terminal. Then, a plurality of cell stacks are prepared, and these cell stacks are stacked to form an electrolyte circulation type battery.

  Furthermore, in the electrolyte circulation type battery of this embodiment, although not shown, a supply side electrolyte circulation path for supplying the electrolyte and a discharge side electrolyte circulation path for discharging the electrolyte are connected to the cell stack. ing. The supply-side electrolyte circulation path and the discharge-side electrolyte circulation path are connected to the electrolyte tank. Then, the electrolytic solution is circulated between the tank and the cell by connecting a pump in the electrolytic solution circulation path.

  In this embodiment, the opening 71a of the cell frame 5a, the bipolar plate 6a, and the shape of the electrodes 3 and 4 are trapezoidal, and the opening 71a inner peripheral surface of the frame portion 7a, the bipolar plate 6a and the diaphragm 2 are formed. The channel cross-sectional area of the electrolyte solution channel is gradually reduced from the electrolyte solution supply port side toward the electrolyte solution discharge port side.

  With this configuration, in the present embodiment, the electrolyte solution in the cell 1 can be increased in flow rate as it goes to the vicinity of the electrolyte discharge port. Therefore, at the time of charging, sufficient charging is performed in the vicinity of the electrolyte supply port where there is a large amount of uncharged solution. In the vicinity of the discharge port where the charged state of the electrolytic solution becomes high, the charged electrolytic solution can be quickly discharged from the cell without overcharging.

  As a result, charging can be performed efficiently, no overcharging occurs near the electrolyte outlet, and no electrode breakage occurs.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the shape of the frame portion 7a of the cell frame 5a is rectangular. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the cell frame 5b has a frame that matches the shapes of the trapezoidal opening 71b and the bipolar plate 6b. The outer shape of the part 7b may be a trapezoid. In the cell frame 5b of FIG. 2, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As in the second embodiment, when the shape of the frame portion 7b is also a trapezoid, when a cell stack is configured by stacking a plurality of cells, the cell stack can be reduced in size as compared with the first embodiment. Further, when a plurality of cell stacks are provided, the installation space can be reduced by arranging the cell stacks so that the long side portion and the short side portion of the trapezoidal cell frame are adjacent to each other.

(Third embodiment)
In addition, the flow passage cross-sectional area of the electrolyte flow passage formed by the inner peripheral surface of the opening portion of the frame portion, the bipolar plate, and the diaphragm is gradually reduced from the electrolyte supply port side toward the electrolyte discharge port side. As a configuration, the cell frame 5c can be formed as in the third embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the cell frame 5c shown in FIG. 3, the shapes of the opening 71c of the frame portion 7c and the bipolar plate 6c are triangular. At the top of the triangle of the opening 71c, the electrolyte outlet 77 is communicated with the cell. The outer shape of the frame portion 7c is trapezoidal according to the shape of the opening 71c. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed so as to communicate with the central portion of the bottom of the opening 71c. In this embodiment, the shape of the positive and negative electrodes is also triangular according to the shape of the opening 71c.

(Fourth embodiment)
As another configuration in which the flow path cross-sectional area of the cell electrolyte flow path is gradually reduced from the electrolyte solution supply port side toward the electrolyte solution discharge port side, as in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5d can be formed.

  In the cell frame 5d shown in FIG. 4, the shapes of the opening 71d and the bipolar plate 6d of the frame portion 7d are trapezoidal, and the inclined portions are formed in multiple stages. An electrolyte outlet 77 is communicated with the inside of the cell at the center of the upper side of the trapezoid. The outer shape of the frame portion 7d is a hexagon in accordance with the shape of the opening 71d. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed to communicate with the central portion of the lower side of the opening 71d. In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrode is also matched with the shape of the opening 71d.

(Fifth embodiment)
A cell frame as in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is another configuration in which the channel cross-sectional area of the electrolyte channel of the cell is reduced stepwise from the electrolyte supply port side toward the electrolyte discharge port side. 5e can be formed.

  In the cell frame 5e shown in FIG. 5, the shapes of the opening 71e and the bipolar plate 6e of the frame portion 7e are trapezoidal, and the inclined portions are formed in multiple stages. Unlike the fourth embodiment, the inclined portion has a stepped portion having an inclined surface. An electrolyte outlet 77 is communicated with the inside of the cell at the center of the upper side of the trapezoid. The outer shape of the frame portion 7e is hexagonal to match the shape of the opening 71e. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed so as to communicate with the central portion of the lower side of the opening 71e. In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrode is also matched with the shape of the opening 71e. In this embodiment, since the step part is formed by the inclined surface, the flow of the electrolyte is smoother than that of the fourth embodiment.

(Sixth embodiment)
A cell frame as in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is another configuration in which the channel cross-sectional area of the electrolyte channel of the cell is gradually reduced from the electrolyte supply port side to the electrolyte discharge port side. 5f can be formed.

  In the cell frame 5f shown in FIG. 6, the shapes of the opening 71f and the bipolar plate 6f of the frame portion 7f are trapezoidal, and the inclined portion is formed in an arc shape. An electrolyte outlet 77 is communicated with the inside of the cell at the center of the upper side of the trapezoid. The outer shape of the frame portion 7f may be matched to the shape of the opening 71f, or may be rectangular as shown in FIG. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed so as to communicate with the central portion of the lower side of the opening 71f. In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrode is also matched with the shape of the opening 71f.

(Seventh embodiment)
A cell frame as in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is another configuration in which the channel cross-sectional area of the electrolyte channel of the cell is gradually reduced from the electrolyte supply port side toward the electrolyte discharge port side. 5g can be formed.

  In the cell frame 5g shown in FIG. 7, the shapes of the opening 71g of the frame portion 7g and the bipolar plate 6g are formed in a semicircular shape. The electrolyte outlet 77 is communicated with the inside of the cell at the center of the semicircle. The outer shape of the frame portion 7g is hexagonal to match the shape of the opening 71g. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed to communicate with the central portion of the lower side of the opening 71g. In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrode is also a semicircular shape that matches the shape of the opening 71g.

(Eighth embodiment)
As another configuration in which the cross-sectional area of the electrolyte flow path of the cell is reduced stepwise from the electrolyte supply port side toward the electrolyte discharge port side, as in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 5h can be formed.

  In the cell frame 5h shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the opening 71h and the bipolar plate 6h of the frame portion 7h is trapezoidal, and the inclined portion is formed in a multistage shape. The inclined portion of the opening 71h forms a step on the arc. An electrolyte outlet 77 is communicated with the inside of the cell at the center of the upper side of the trapezoid. The outer shape of the frame portion 7h is a hexagon that matches the shape of the opening 71h. The liquid supply groove 74 is formed so as to communicate with the central portion of the lower side of the opening 71h. In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrode is also matched with the shape of the opening 71h. In the present embodiment, since the step portion is formed in an arc shape, the flow of the electrolyte is smoother than that in the fourth embodiment.

(Ninth embodiment)
Further, according to the present invention, as in the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, two openings 71i are formed in one frame portion 7i, and each opening 71i and bipolar plate 6i are formed in a trapezoidal shape. it can. These openings 71i are formed so that the sides having a larger cross-sectional area of the channel are arranged alternately.

  A trapezoidal positive electrode and a negative electrode are disposed in each opening 71i. Further, a single diaphragm having the same size as the frame portion 7i is disposed between each positive electrode and the negative electrode. In the present embodiment, two bipolar plates 6i are provided in one cell frame 5i, and one diaphragm is disposed on these bipolar plates 6i.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a liquid supply manifold 72 and a drainage manifold 73 are provided for each opening 71i, and an electrolyte circulation path is connected to each of the manifolds 72 and 73, so that each opening 71i is individually provided. The electrolyte is supplied or discharged. As a result, when operating an electrolyte circulating battery, charging and discharging can be performed only on the electrode by passing the electrolyte through the electrode of the opening 71i where charging and discharging is performed, thereby reducing pump power consumption. In addition, a desired charge / discharge amount can be obtained.

  The present invention is particularly suitable as a cell used in a redox flow battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is 1st Embodiment of this invention electrolyte circulation type battery cell, Comprising: The disassembled assembly perspective view of a cell frame, an electrode, and a diaphragm is shown. It is 2nd Embodiment of this invention electrolyte solution type battery cell, Comprising: The top view of a cell frame is shown. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cell frame according to a third embodiment of the electrolytic solution battery cell of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cell frame according to a fourth embodiment of the electrolyte circulation type battery cell of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cell frame according to a fifth embodiment of the electrolytic solution battery cell of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cell frame according to a sixth embodiment of the electrolytic solution battery cell of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a cell frame according to a seventh embodiment of the electrolytic solution battery cell of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a cell frame according to an eighth embodiment of the electrolytic solution battery cell of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cell frame according to a ninth embodiment of the electrolyte solution battery cell of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the cell stack used for the conventional electrolyte circulation type battery.

Explanation of symbols

1 cell
2 Diaphragm 21 Manifold for liquid supply 22 Manifold for drainage
3 Positive electrode 4 Negative electrode
5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i cell frame
6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i Bipolar plate
7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i Frame part
71a, 71b, 71c, 71d, 71e, 71f, 71g, 71h, 71i Opening
72 Manifold for liquid supply 73 Manifold for drainage
74 Supply groove 75 Electrolyte supply port
76 Drain groove 77 Electrolyte outlet
101 Diaphragm 102 Positive electrode 103 Negative electrode
200 cell stack
201 Subcell stack
210 Cell frame 211 Bipolar plate 212 Frame part
213 Manifold for liquid supply 214 Manifold for drainage
215 Supply groove 216 Drain groove 220 Supply / drain plate

Claims (3)

In the cell for the electrolyte circulation type battery configured by arranging the positive electrode, the diaphragm, and the negative electrode between the bipolar plates attached to the cell frame,
The cell frame includes a bipolar plate, a frame portion having at least one opening into which the bipolar plate is fitted, an electrolyte supply port communicating with the opening, and an electrolyte discharge port communicating with the opening.
An electrolyte solution supply port and an electrolyte solution discharge port are provided so that the electrolyte solution flows from one side of the cell frame toward the other side facing the cell frame,
The flow path cross-sectional area of the electrolyte flow path formed by the inner peripheral surface of the opening, the bipolar plate, and the diaphragm is gradually reduced from the electrolyte supply port side to the electrolyte discharge port side. Electrolyte circulating battery cell.   2. The electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein the cell frame has a plurality of openings, and the openings are formed such that the sides having a larger flow path cross-sectional area are arranged alternately. Circulating battery cell.   An electrolyte circulating battery comprising a cell stack configured by stacking a plurality of the electrolyte circulating battery cells according to claim 1.

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