Fuel system using redox flow battery
First Claim
1. A bipolar electrochemical cell, comprising:
- a terminal anode current collector;
a first ion-permeable membrane spaced from the terminal anode current collector and at least partially defining a first anode;
a bipolar electrode spaced from the first ion-permeable membrane and at least partially defining a first cathode between the first ion-permeable membrane and a first surface of the bipolar current collector;
a second ion-permeable membrane spaced from the bipolar current collector and at least partially defining a second anode between the second ion-permeable membrane and a second surface of the bipolar current collector; and
a terminal cathode current collector spaced from the second ion-permeable membrane and at least partially defining a second cathode between the terminal cathode current collector and the second ion-permeable membrane,wherein at least one of the first anode, the second anode, the first cathode, and the second cathode includes a semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition, the semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition including a conductive additive and an ion-storing solid phase;
wherein a volume percentage of the ion-storing solid phase is between 20% and 70%, andwherein the semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition is capable of taking up or releasing ions, and remains substantially insoluble during operation of the cell.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called “fuel”) is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the “fuel” tanks are removable and are separately charged in a charging station, and the charged fuel, plus tanks, are placed back in the vehicle or other power system, allowing fast refueling. The technology also provides a charging system in which discharged fuel is charged. The charged fuel can be placed into storage tanks at the power source or returned to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the charged fuel in the storage tanks can be used at a later date. The charged fuel can be transported or stored for use in a different place or time.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A bipolar electrochemical cell, comprising:
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a terminal anode current collector; a first ion-permeable membrane spaced from the terminal anode current collector and at least partially defining a first anode; a bipolar electrode spaced from the first ion-permeable membrane and at least partially defining a first cathode between the first ion-permeable membrane and a first surface of the bipolar current collector; a second ion-permeable membrane spaced from the bipolar current collector and at least partially defining a second anode between the second ion-permeable membrane and a second surface of the bipolar current collector; and a terminal cathode current collector spaced from the second ion-permeable membrane and at least partially defining a second cathode between the terminal cathode current collector and the second ion-permeable membrane, wherein at least one of the first anode, the second anode, the first cathode, and the second cathode includes a semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition, the semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition including a conductive additive and an ion-storing solid phase; wherein a volume percentage of the ion-storing solid phase is between 20% and 70%, and wherein the semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition is capable of taking up or releasing ions, and remains substantially insoluble during operation of the cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A bipolar electrochemical cell, comprising:
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a terminal anode current collector; a first ion-permeable membrane spaced from the terminal anode current collector and at least partially defining a first anode; a bipolar electrode spaced from the first ion-permeable membrane and at least partially defining a first cathode between the first ion-permeable membrane and a first surface of the bipolar current collector; a second ion-permeable membrane spaced from the bipolar current collector and at least partially defining a second anode between the second ion-permeable membrane and a second surface of the bipolar current collector; and a terminal cathode current collector spaced from the second ion-permeable membrane and at least partially defining a second cathode between the terminal cathode current collector and the second ion-permeable membrane, wherein at least one of the first anode, the second anode, the first cathode, and the second cathode includes a semi-solid electrode, the semi-solid electrode including a suspension of an ion-storing solid phase material and a conductive additive in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte, and wherein the volume percentage of the ion-storing solid phase material is between 20% and 70%. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A bipolar electrochemical cell, comprising:
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a terminal anode, a terminal cathode, and at least one bipolar electrode disposed between the terminal anode and the terminal cathode, the bipolar electrode including an anode portion, and a cathode portion opposite the anode portion; a first ion-permeable membrane disposed between the terminal anode and the cathode portion of the bipolar electrode; and a second ion-permeable membrane disposed between the terminal cathode and the anode portion of the bipolar electrode, wherein at least one of the terminal anode, the terminal cathode and the at least one bipolar electrode includes a semi-solid electrode, the semi-solid electrode including a suspension of an ion-storing solid phase material and a conductive additive in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte, and wherein the volume percentage of the ion-storing solid phase material is between 20% and 70%. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification