Secondary batteries - lead-acid systems: Flow batteries

Pletcher, D., Walsh, F.C. and Wills, R.G.A. (2009) Secondary batteries - lead-acid systems: Flow batteries. In, Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Sources. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Elsevier, pp. 745-749. (doi:10.1016/B978-044452745-5.00150-7).

Abstract

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are constructed such that the electrolytes, containing the active redox species, are stored in external tanks. The cells are typically arranged into bipolar stacks, through which the electrolytes are circulated during charge and discharge. The storage capacity is then determined by the size of the electrolyte tanks and the concentration of reactants, while the power is determined by the number and configuration of cell stacks as well as the choice of components.

The soluble flow battery promises a significant advantage over other systems in its ability to operate without the need for a cell-dividing membrane. This developmental battery operates with an aqueous methanesulfonic acid (CH3SO3H) electrolyte, in which Pb2+ ions are highly soluble. In addition to the factors that are important in RFBs, the storage capacity of soluble lead flow batteries is determined by the quantity of lead and lead dioxide that can be deposited in a controlled fashion on the electrode surfaces.

A typical charge–discharge profile is provided with the cell operating with an electrolyte containing 1.1 mol L−1 Pb2+ ions, 0.03 mol L−1 (CH3SO3H) acid, and 0.005 mol L−1 C16H33(CH3)3N+ additive. The typical voltage efficiency is ≈75%.

Flow batteriesLead–acid batteryMethanesulfonic acid

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Contributors

Author: R.G.A. Wills

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