(Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Student Achievement Award Address) Fundamental Understanding on Cell Performance Enhancement of Flow Batteries with Serpentine Flow Field Structures

Abstract

Redox flow batteries are being considered for medium and large-scale stationary energy storage applications. In addition to storing energy by the intermittent resources, such as tide, wind and solar energy, the electrochemical flow battery systems could impact electricity generation and grid effectiveness by supporting energy storage for peaking shaving, load leveling and emergency back up [1,2]. In recent years, flow field designs, such as a serpentine flow field, evolved from proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell have been experimentally demonstrated to deliver improved cell performance and boost cell capacity [3] as compared to flow batteries without flow field designs. However, the mechanisms causing enhanced higher limiting current density with serpentine flow field designs have not been fully understood. In this presentation, I will introduce a concept of maximum current density associated with the stoichiometric availability of the pressure-driven electrolyte flow penetrating into the porous carbon electrode from the from the serpentine flow channel [4-6]. Our three-dimensional model demonstrates that this maximum current density concept can explain the observed limiting current density achieved in a flow battery with a serpentine flow field structure [7]. We hope this fundamental understanding can contribute to a better elucidation of the mechanism on limiting the electrochemical performance and further optimization of flow batteries. Acknowledgement This work was partially supported by the “all-iron flow battery” project with a grant number of DE-AR0000352 funded by the program of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) of the Department of Energy (DOE) of the United States. I (XK) would like to acknowledge the late Professor Joseph M. Prahl, who was my advisor and inspirational mentor.