Effect of porous nature of anode on the performance of the soluble lead redox flow battery: A modeling and simulation study

Abstract

A novel hybrid model consisting of two models, (1) a freshly developed porous electrode model and (2) a planar electrode model, is proposed for the soluble lead redox flow battery (SLRFB). The model accounts for simultaneous variations in ionic concentrations and potential fields in the electrolyte. It also accounts for variations in porosity, conductivity, and specific surface area at the porous anode due to the deposition/dissolution of the solids. The developed model is consistent with the solid′s deposition/dissolution mechanism. Hence, the choice of the model among the two for the simulation of a particular charge or discharge cycle follows naturally. Predictions of the model are validated using experimental data available in the literature. The model predictions suggest that the porous nature of the anode not only controls almost every feature of the battery characteristics but also governs the overall cycle life of the battery. Based on the insights developed using the model predictions, a necessary condition is derived for the battery operating procedure to achieve longer cycle life.