A two-dimensional transient model for a zinc-cerium redox flow battery validated by extensive experimental data

Abstract

A two-dimensional transient model accounting for the charge, mass and momentum transport coupled with electrode kinetics is developed for zinc-cerium redox flow batteries (RFBs). The model is validated against an extensive set of experimental data obtained in our laboratory. This includes full-cell voltages, positive and negative electrode potentials monitored against reference electrodes inserted into the battery half-cell compartments and Ce(IV) concentrations in the positive electrolyte over 5 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive set of experimental data used to fit and validate a flow battery model. The validated model is then used to predict the cell voltages and limiting redox reactions during battery operation for different model parameters to provide a guide to further improve the performance of zinc-cerium RFBs.