Besides optimizing the stack in terms of pressure drop we are also working on optimizing the whole hydraulic system of the battery. In a VRFB, the electrolyte is pumped in two separate hydraulic circuits for positive and negative side from the tanks into the several stacks and back to the tanks, possibly also passing heat-exchangers.
There are several options to design this piping system. Routings, branches, pipe diameters, placing of the pumps as well as design and dimensions of the heat-exchanger must be chosen. We have transferred different possible models of the hydraulic system into CAD-drawings and our partners at UPJS conducted the corresponding CFD-Simulations. By comparing the results of these simulations, we can find suitable variants and even improve the models further.
Our goal is to design a piping system providing sufficient flow to all the stacks within the battery system, while at the same time having the least overall pressure drop possible.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
This work was supported by the project: IPCEI_IE_FLOW_BESS_012021_2. phase