Electrochemical energy storage systems and methods

Abstract

A three-dimensional electrode array for use in electrochemical cells, fuel cells, capacitors, supercapacitors, flow batteries, metal-air batteries and semi-solid batteries.

1 .- 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method of controlling a temperature of an electrochemical cell, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an electrochemical cell comprising:
 a plurality of plate electrodes, wherein each plate electrode includes an array of apertures, wherein the plate electrodes are arranged in a substantially parallel orientation such that tho each aperture of an individual plate electrode is aligned along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each of all other plate electrodes; and 
 a plurality of rod electrodes, wherein the plurality of rod electrode are not in physical contact with the plurality of plate electrodes and arranged such that each rod electrode extends a length along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each plate electrode; 
 wherein a first surface area includes a cumulative surface area the plurality of plate electrodes, wherein a second surface area includes a cumulative surface area of each aperture array and wherein a third surface area includes a cumulative surface area of each of the plurality of rod electrodes; 
 wherein each of the plurality of plate electrodes comprises a current collector, wherein each of the plurality of rod electrodes comprises a current collector or wherein each of the plurality of plate electrodes comprises a current collector and each of the plurality of rod electrodes comprises a current collector; and 
   positioning one or more of the current collectors in thermal communication with a heat sink or a heat source.   
     
     
         30 . A method of controlling a temperature of an electrochemical cell, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an electrochemical cell comprising:
 a plurality of plate electrodes, wherein each plate electrode includes an array of apertures, wherein the plate electrodes are arranged in a substantially parallel orientation such that tho each aperture of an individual plate electrode is aligned along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each of all other plate electrodes; and 
 a plurality of rod electrodes, wherein the plurality of rod electrode are not in physical contact with the plurality of plate electrodes and arranged such that each rod electrode extends a length along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each plate electrode; 
 one or more heat transfer rods arranged such that each heat transfer rod extends a length along an alignment axis passing through an aperture of each plate electrode; 
 wherein a first surface area includes a cumulative surface area the plurality of plate electrodes, wherein a second surface area includes a cumulative surface area of each aperture array and wherein a third surface area includes a cumulative surface area of each of the plurality of rod electrodes; 
 wherein each of the plurality of plate electrodes comprises a current collector, wherein each of the plurality of rod electrodes comprises a current collector or wherein each of the plurality of plate electrodes comprises a current collector and each of the plurality of rod electrodes comprises a current collector; and 
   positioning one or more of the heat transfer rods in thermal communication with a heat sink or a heat source.   
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A redox flow energy storage device comprising:
 a first electrode current collector in the form of a rods, a second electrode current collector in the form of a grid or a grating of crossed bars, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors;   a first electrode disposed between the first electrode current collector and the ion-permeable membrane; the first electrode current collector and the ion-permeable membrane defining a first electroactive zone accommodating the first electrode;   a second electrode disposed between the second electrode current collector and the ion-permeable membrane; the second electrode current collector and the ion-permeable membrane defining a second electroactive zone accommodating the negative electrode;   wherein at least one of the first and second electrode comprises a flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition capable of taking up or releasing ions during operation of the cell; and   wherein the first electrode is a positive electrode, the first current collector is a positive electrode current collector, the first electroactive zone is a positive electroactive zone, the second electrode is a negative electrode, the second current collector is a negative electrode current collector, and the second electroactive zone is a negative electroactive zone; or wherein the first electrode is a negative electrode, the first current collector is a negative electrode current collector, the first electroactive zone is a negative electroactive zone, the second electrode is a positive electrode, the second current collector is a positive electrode current collector, and the second electroactive zone is a positive electroactive zone.   
     
     
         33 . A method of operating a redox flow energy storage device, comprising the steps of:
 providing a redox flow energy storage device of  claim 32 ; and   transporting the flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition into the electroactive zone during operation of the device.   
     
     
         34 . A redox flow battery comprising a stack of perforated plate electrodes and a group of rod electrodes, wherein each rod electrode passes through an aperture of each plate electrode, and anolyte and catholyte compartments divided from each other by an ionically selective and conductive separator and having respective electrodes; and anolyte and catholyte tanks, with respective pumps and pipeworks to provide fluid communication between the respective anolyte and catholyte tanks and compartments; and wherein the pumps circulate the electrolytes to and from the tanks, to the compartments and back to the tanks, and wherein electricity flows to a load; and wherein the electrolyte lines are provided with tappings via which fresh electrolyte can be added and further tappings via which spent electrolyte can be withdrawn, the respective tappings being for anolyte and catholyte; and wherein, on recharging, via a coupling for lines to all the tappings, a remote pump pumps fresh anolyte and fresh catholyte from remote storages and draws spent electrolyte to other remote storages.