Working Principles of Flow - Type Energy Storage Batteries

　　The working principle of flow - type energy storage batteries is based on the redox reactions of the active species in the electrolytes.

　　Let's take a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) as an example. In a VRFB, there are two electrolyte solutions: one contains vanadium ions in different oxidation states in sulfuric acid for the positive half - cell, and the other contains vanadium ions in different oxidation states in sulfuric acid for the negative half - cell.

　　During charging, an external power source supplies electrical energy. At the positive electrode (cathode), vanadium ions in a lower oxidation state (V3+) are oxidized to a higher oxidation state (V4+), releasing electrons. These electrons flow through the external circuit to the negative electrode (anode). At the negative electrode, vanadium ions in a higher oxidation state (V5+) are reduced to a lower oxidation state (V4+), accepting the electrons. The chemical reactions can be represented as follows:

　　Positive electrode: V3+ → V4+ + e -

　　Negative electrode: V5+ + e - → V4+

　　During discharging, the reverse reactions occur. At the negative electrode, the vanadium ions in the lower oxidation state (V4+) are oxidized to a higher oxidation state (V5+), releasing electrons. These electrons flow through the external circuit to power the load and then reach the positive electrode. At the positive electrode, the vanadium ions in the higher oxidation state (V4+) are reduced to a lower oxidation state (V3+).

　　Positive electrode: V4+ + e - → V3+

　　Negative electrode: V4+ → V5+ + e -

　　The flow of the electrolytes between the tanks and the power stack ensures a continuous supply of the active species for the redox reactions. The pumping system plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper flow rate of the electrolytes, which affects the performance and efficiency of the flow - type energy storage battery. By controlling the flow rate and the concentration of the electrolytes, the battery can be optimized for different applications, whether it is for grid - scale energy storage or for off - grid power systems.

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