FLOW CELL STACK

• US 20120208061A1
• Filed: 01/13/2012
• Published: 08/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Imergy Power Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Deeya Energy Incorporated
• Inventors: Sahu, Saroj Kumar, Nair, Suresh Kumar Surapalan
• Granted Patent: US 9,269,982 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/105
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0284 Organic resins; Organic polymers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04276 Arrangements for managing the electrolyte stream, e.g. heat exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/188 by recharging of redox couples containing fluids; Redox flow type batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/248 Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49108 Electric battery cell making

Abstract

A stacked cell for a flow cell battery is presented. The stacked cell is sealed by a gasket between individual components. The gasket is formed such that it seals against leakage of electrolytes and facilitates the flow of electrolytes through the stacked cell. Further, the gasket is formed to minimize the linear expansion of the gasket material with temperature.

Claims

1. A stacked cell, comprising:

a first electrode component;

a second electrode component; and

a membrane component positioned between the first electrode component and the second electrode component and separated from the first electrode component with a first gasket and separated from the second electrode component by a second gasket,

wherein the first gasket allows flow of a first electrolyte between the first electrode component and the membrane and the second gasket allows flow of a second electrolyte between the membrane and the second electrode component.

2. The stacked cell of claim 1, further including at least one other electrode component, the other electrode component separated from the second electrode component by a first gasket, another membrane component, and a second gasket.

3. The stacked cell of claim 2, where the first gasket and the second gasket are formed of a rubber compound that seals against the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte when tension is applied to the stacked cell.

4. The stacked cell of claim 3, wherein the second gasket is identical to the first gasket and is mounted in the stacked cell rotated oppositely of the first gasket.

5. The stacked cell of claim 4, wherein the membrane component and at least one of the first electrode component or second component have fluid access holes to form manifolds for the delivery of electrolytes.

6. The stacked cell of claim 5, wherein the stacked cell is fixed with a plurality of rods.

7. The stacked cell of claim 6, wherein the plurality of rods holds pressure on the stacked cell in order to facilitate of sealing between the first gasket and the second gasket and adjacent electrode components and membrane components.

8. The stacked cell of claim 7, wherein the plurality of rods are mounted with spring loaded mounts.

9. A method of forming a stacked cell, comprising:

providing a first end electrode;

positioning a first gasket over the first end electrode;

positioning a membrane component over the first gasket;

positioning a second gasket over the membrane component;

positioning a second electrode over the first gasket;

applying tension to the stacked cell;

annealing the stacked cell; and

tensioning the stacked cell.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first gasket and the second gasket are formed of Santoprene.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first gasket and the second gasket include relief holes.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the stacked cell includes a number N of individual cells, each cell being formed by two electrodes and a membrane separated by gaskets.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein applying tension and tensioning the stacked cell include tightening a plurality of spring-loaded mounts on rods positioned through the stacked cell.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein positioning includes placing over the rods.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein electrolyte manifolds are created in the stacked cell.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first gasket and the second gasket facilitate appropriate flow of electrolytes through the stacked cell.