Patent Application
20240405243
The present disclosure relates to a redox flow battery system and a method for operating the redox flow battery system.
A redox flow battery system including a charging cell to perform charging with power and a discharging cell to discharge power with which charging is performed has been known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a power storage system that includes a redox flow battery including a plurality of cells, a connection switching mechanism to switch at least some of the plurality of cells in the redox flow battery between a charging state of being connected to an electricity supply system and a discharging state of being connected to an electricity demand system, an electrolyte housing to house an electrolyte in the redox flow battery, and electrolyte feeding means for flowing an electrolyte to each cell. The power storage system in Patent Literature 1 is capable of continuously executing charging and discharge in parallel since the plurality of cells in the redox flow battery is divided into cells to perform charging with power and cells to discharge power with which charging is performed.
On the other hand, power consumers include a power consumer requesting power supply 100% based on renewable energy (RE100) from a viewpoint of an environmental value, a power consumer requesting stable power supply regardless of a power source type (the source of power, such as power generation from renewable energy and power generation by thermal power generation), and the like.
The power storage system in Patent Literature 1 includes only one electrolyte housing. Therefore, in the power storage system in Patent Literature 1, it is difficult to supply power to which coloring is applied (power the source of which is distinguished from the others) in response to a request from a power consumer.
The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a redox flow battery system and a method for operating the redox flow battery system capable of supplying a power consumer with power to which coloring is applied and effectively utilizing surplus power.
In order to achieve the above-described objective, a redox flow battery system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A method for operating a redox flow battery system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes:
According to the present disclosure, power to which coloring is applied can be supplied to a power consumer and surplus power can be effectively utilized.
A redox flow battery system according to embodiments is described below with reference to the drawings.
A redox flow battery system 10 according to the present embodiment is described with reference to
A redox flow battery system 10 supplies power consumers with power to which coloring is applied. The redox flow battery system 10 includes, as illustrated in
Each of the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C is connected to a predetermined power source type (power generation from renewable energy, power generation by thermal power generation, on-site solar power generation, off-site solar power generation, or the like) and performs charging with power from the predetermined power source type. Each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C stores a positive electrode electrolyte PL and a negative electrode electrolyte NL that are charged with power only from a predetermined power source type by a corresponding one of the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C. In addition, each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL that the individual storage stores to a corresponding one of the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C. Further, each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL that the individual storage stores to a corresponding one of the first to third redox flow dischargers 400A to 400C.
The first common storage 300A stores a positive electrode electrolyte PL and a negative electrode electrolyte NL that are charged with power from two power source types by the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C. The first common storage 300A circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL that the first common storage 300A stores to each of the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C. In addition, the first common storage 300A circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL that the first common storage 300A stores to the fourth redox flow discharger 400D.
Each of the first to third redox flow dischargers 400A to 400C receives a circulation of the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL from a corresponding one of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and discharges power with which charging is performed by a corresponding one of the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C. The fourth redox flow discharger 400D receives a circulation of the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL from the first common storage 300A and discharges power with which charging is performed by the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C. Each of the first to fourth redox flow dischargers 400A to 400D supplies one of the power consumers with power by discharge. The controller 500 controls each unit. The controller 500 switches the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL that are charged by the first redox flow charger 100A between the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL in the first individual storage 200A and the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL in the first common storage 300A. In addition, the controller 500 switches the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL that are charged by the third redox flow charger 100C between the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL in the third individual storage 200C and the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL in the first common storage 300A. Note that in
In the present embodiment, a redox flow battery in which vanadium ions are used as an active material in the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL is described as an example. In addition, the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL are collectively referred to as electrolytes.
The first redox flow charger 100A includes, as illustrated in
The electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched based on, for example, charging depth (also referred to as a state of charge (SOC)) of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A. For example, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value (for example, 80%), the electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A. Because of this configuration, surplus power from the power source type A, which is an on-site renewable energy power source, can be effectively utilized. In addition, development of a precipitate from the electrolytes can be suppressed.
Since the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A circulate to the first redox flow discharger 400A and discharge power, the first redox flow charger 100A, the first individual storage 200A, and the first redox flow discharger 400A are equivalent to one redox flow battery. In addition, since the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A circulate to the fourth redox flow discharger 400D and discharge power, the first redox flow charger 100A, the first common storage 300A, and the fourth redox flow discharger 400D are also equivalent to one redox flow battery.
The first redox flow charging cell 110A is connected to the power source type A via the power meter 180 and the power conditioner PCS. The first redox flow charging cell 110A charges electrolytes with power from the power source type A. The first redox flow charging cell 110A includes, as illustrated in
For the positive electrode 115a, for example, a carbon fiber electrode is used. The positive electrode 115a is arranged in the positive electrode chamber 120a. The positive electrode chamber 120a has the positive electrode 115a arranged therein. The positive electrode chamber 120a is separated from the negative electrode chamber 120c by the membrane 130. The positive electrode electrolyte PL in the first individual storage 200A or the first common storage 300A circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a via pipes 50 connected to the first individual storage 200A or the first common storage 300A. In the positive electrode chamber 120a, tetravalent vanadium ions in the positive electrode electrolyte PL are oxidized to pentavalent vanadium ions (charging).
For the negative electrode 115c, for example, a carbon fiber electrode is used. The negative electrode 115c is arranged in the negative electrode chamber 120c. The negative electrode chamber 120c has the negative electrode 115c arranged therein. The negative electrode chamber 120c is separated from the positive electrode chamber 120a by the membrane 130. The negative electrode electrolyte NL in the first individual storage 200A or the first common storage 300A circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c via pipes 50 connected to the first individual storage 200A or the first common storage 300A. In the negative electrode chamber 120c, trivalent vanadium ions in the negative electrode electrolyte NL are reduced to bivalent vanadium ions (charging).
The membrane 130 is an ion exchange membrane. The membrane 130 separates the positive electrode chamber 120a and the negative electrode chamber 120c from each other and allows predetermined ions to permeate.
The first redox flow charging cell 110A is used as a cell stack in which the first redox flow charging cells 110A are stacked. The cells are stacked by, for example, stacking cell frames each having a bipolar plate installed therein, positive electrodes 115a, membranes 130, and negative electrodes 115c. By a positive electrode 115a and a negative electrode 115c being arranged on one surface side and the other surface side of a bipolar plate, respectively, a first redox flow charging cell 110A is located between cell frames adjacent to each other. The positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL circulate through a manifold in a frame body of the cell frame, a frame body supporting the positive electrode 115a, a frame body supporting the negative electrode 115c, and the like. Note that a known configuration is appropriately usable as a configuration of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The power meter 180 measures the amount of power with which charging is performed from the power source type A. The power meter 180 transmits a measured value of the amount of power to the controller 500.
The power conditioner PCS controls charging performed by the first redox flow charging cell 110A, based on an instruction from the controller 500. The power conditioner PCS includes an AC/DC converter, a DC/DC converter, and the like.
The second redox flow charger 100B includes, as illustrated in
The second redox flow charging cell 110B is connected to the power source type B via the power meter 180 and the power conditioner PCS. The second redox flow charging cell 1101B charges the electrolytes with power from the power source type B. The second redox flow charging cell 110B, as with the first redox flow charging cell 110A, includes a positive electrode 115a, a positive electrode chamber 120a, a negative electrode 115c, a negative electrode chamber 120c, and a membrane 130.
In the second redox flow charging cell 110B, the positive electrode electrolyte PL in the second individual storage 200B circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a via pipes 50 connected to the second individual storage 200B. In addition, the negative electrode electrolyte NL in the second individual storage 200B circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c via pipes 50 connected to the second individual storage 200B. A configuration of the other part of the second redox flow charging cell 110B is the same as that of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The power meter 180 of the second redox flow charger 100B measures the amount of power with which charging is performed from the power source type B. The power conditioner PCS of the second redox flow charger 100B controls charging performed by the second redox flow charging cell 110B, based on an instruction from the controller 500.
The third redox flow charger 100C includes, as illustrated in
The electrolytes circulating in the third redox flow charging cell 110C is switched based on, for example, a price of power procured from the wholesale power market and charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C. For example, when the price of power procured from the wholesale power market is less expensive than a predetermined first price and the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the electrolytes that circulate in the third redox flow charging cell 110C is switched from the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A. Because of this configuration, surplus power can be effectively utilized and power can be provided at an inexpensive price as well.
The third redox flow charger 100C, the third individual storage 200C, and the third redox flow discharger 400C are equivalent to one redox flow battery. In addition, the third redox flow charger 100C, the first common storage 300A, and the fourth redox flow discharger 400D are also equivalent to one redox flow battery.
The third redox flow charging cell 110C is connected to the power source type C via the power meter 180 and the power conditioner PCS. The third redox flow charging cell 110C charges the electrolytes with power from the power source type C. The third redox flow charging cell 110C, as with the first redox flow charging cell 110A, includes a positive electrode 115a, a positive electrode chamber 120a, a negative electrode 115c, a negative electrode chamber 120c, and a membrane 130.
The positive electrode electrolyte PL in the third individual storage 200C or the first common storage 300A circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a via pipes 50 connected to the third individual storage 200C or the first common storage 300A. In addition, the negative electrode electrolyte NL in the third individual storage 200C or the first common storage 300A circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c via pipes 50 connected to the third individual storage 200C or the first common storage 300A. A configuration of the other part of the third redox flow charging cell 110C is the same as that of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The power meter 180 of the third redox flow charger 100C measures the amount of power with which charging is performed from the power source type C. The power conditioner PCS of the third redox flow charger 100C controls charging performed by the third redox flow charging cell 110C, based on an instruction from the controller 500.
The first individual storage 200A stores electrolytes that are charged with power only from the power source type A by the first redox flow charger 100A. The first individual storage 200A circulates the electrolytes that the first individual storage 200A stores to the first redox flow charger 100A. The first individual storage 200A also circulates the electrolytes that the first individual storage 200A stores to the first redox flow discharger 400A. Therefore, in the first individual storage 200A, electrolytes to which coloring specifying the power source type A (on-site renewable energy), to which the first redox flow charger 100A is connected, is applied are stored. The first individual storage 200A includes, as illustrated in
The pipes 50 connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and a positive electrode chamber 120a of a first redox flow discharging cell 410A, which is described later. The pipes 50 also connect the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and a negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A, which is described later. The pipes 50 include pipes 50a1 to 50a4 and pipes 50c1 to 50c4.
The pipes 50a1 and 50a2 connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. The pipe 50a1 feeds the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. The pipe 50a2 retrieves the positive electrode electrolyte PL from the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. To the pipe 50a1, the positive electrode pump 222a and an electromagnetic valve 230 are installed. To the pipe 50a2, another electromagnetic valve 230 is installed.
The pipes 50a3 and 50a4 connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The pipe 50a3 feeds the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The pipe 50a4 retrieves the positive electrode electrolyte PL from the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. To the pipe 50a3, the positive electrode pump 224a is installed.
The pipes 50c1 and 50c2 connect the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. The pipe 50c1 feeds the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. The pipe 50c2 retrieves the negative electrode electrolyte NL from the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. To the pipe 50c1, the negative electrode pump 222c and an electromagnetic valve 230 are installed. To the pipe 50c2, another electromagnetic valve 230 is installed.
The pipes 50c3 and 50c4 connect the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The pipe 50c3 feeds the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The pipe 50c4 retrieves the negative electrode electrolyte NL from the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. To the pipe 50c3, the negative electrode pump 224c is installed.
The positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a stores the positive electrode electrolyte PL that is charged only by the first redox flow charger 100A. The positive electrode electrolyte PL stored in the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a circulates, via the pipes 50, in the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A.
The positive electrode pump 222a is installed to the pipe 50a1. The positive electrode pump 222a circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. The positive electrode pump 222a, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the positive electrode electrolyte PL that circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The positive electrode pump 224a is installed to the pipe 50a3. The positive electrode pump 224a circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The positive electrode pump 224a, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the positive electrode electrolyte PL that circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A.
The negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c stores the negative electrode electrolyte NL that is charged only by the first redox flow charger 100A. The negative electrode electrolyte NL stored in the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c circulates, via the pipes 50, in the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c is connected to the pipes 50.
The negative electrode pump 222c is installed to the pipe 50c1. The negative electrode pump 222c circulates the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. The negative electrode pump 222c, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the negative electrode electrolyte NL that circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The negative electrode pump 224c is installed to the pipe 50c3. The negative electrode pump 224c circulates the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The negative electrode pump 224c, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the negative electrode electrolyte NL that circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A.
The electromagnetic valves 230 are installed to the pipes 50a1, 50a2, 50c1, and 50c2. The electromagnetic valves 230, under the control of the controller 500, open and close the pipes 50 (the pipes 50a1, 50a2, 50c1, and 50c2) that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c to the first redox flow charging cell 110A (the positive electrode chamber 120a and the negative electrode chamber 120c), respectively.
Specifically, when the electrolytes that are to be charged by the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A, the electromagnetic valves 230 close the pipes 50 that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c to the first redox flow charging cell 110A. In addition, when the electrolytes that are to be charged by the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched from the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A to the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A, the electromagnetic valves 230 open the pipes 50 that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c to the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The open circuit voltage measurer 240 measures a potential difference between the positive electrode electrolyte PL stored in the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte NL stored in the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c, that is, open circuit voltage (OCV) of the stored electrolytes. The open circuit voltage measurer 240 transmits a measured value of the open circuit voltage to the controller 500.
The second individual storage 200B stores electrolytes that are charged with power only from the power source type B by the second redox flow charger 100B. The second individual storage 200B circulates the electrolytes that the second individual storage 200B stores to the second redox flow charger 100B. The second individual storage 200B also circulates the electrolytes that the second individual storage 200B stores to the second redox flow discharger 400B. Therefore, in the second individual storage 200B, electrolytes to which coloring specifying the power source type B (off-site renewable energy), to which the second redox flow charger 100B is connected, is applied are stored. The second individual storage 200B includes pipes 50, a positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a, positive electrode pumps 222a and 224a, a negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c, negative electrode pumps 222c and 224c, and an open circuit voltage measurer 240. A configuration of the second individual storage 200B is the same as the configuration of the first individual storage 200A except that the second individual storage 200B does not include electromagnetic valves 230 and circulates electrolytes that the second individual storage 200B stores to the second redox flow charger 100B and the second redox flow discharger 400B.
The third individual storage 200C stores electrolytes that are charged with power only from the power source type C by the third redox flow charger 100C. The third individual storage 200C circulates the electrolytes that the third individual storage 200C stores to the third redox flow charger 100C. The third individual storage 200C also circulates the electrolytes that the third individual storage 200C stores to the third redox flow discharger 400C. Therefore, in the third individual storage 200C, electrolytes to which coloring specifying the power source type C, to which the third redox flow charger 100C is connected, is applied are stored. The third individual storage 200C includes pipes 50, a positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a, positive electrode pumps 222a and 224a, a negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c, negative electrode pumps 222c and 224c, electromagnetic valves 230, and an open circuit voltage measurer 240. A configuration of the third individual storage 200C is the same as the configuration of the first individual storage 200A except that the third individual storage 200C circulates the electrolytes that the third individual storage 200C stores to the third redox flow charger 100C and the third redox flow discharger 400C.
The first common storage 300A stores electrolytes that are charged with power from the power source types A and C by the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C, respectively. The first common storage 300A circulates the electrolytes that the first common storage 300A stores to each of the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C. The first common storage 300A also circulates the electrolytes that the first common storage 300A stores to the fourth redox flow discharger 400D. The first common storage 300A includes, as illustrated in
The pipes 50 of the first common storage 300A connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the first common storage 300A to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A, the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C, and a positive electrode chamber 120a of a fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D, which is described later. The pipes 50 of the first common storage 300A also connect the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A, the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C, and a negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D, which is described later. The pipes 50 include pipes 50a5 to 50a8 and pipes 50c5 to 50c8.
Each of the pipes 50a5 and 50a6 branches and connects the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the first common storage 300A to each of the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. The pipe 50a5 feeds the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. The pipe 50a6 retrieves the positive electrode electrolyte PL from the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. To the pipe 50a5 before the branching, the positive electrode pump 222a is installed. To each of branches of the pipe 50a5, an electromagnetic valve 230 is installed. In addition, to each of branches of the pipe 50a6, an electromagnetic valve 230 is installed.
The pipes 50a7 and 50a8 connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the first common storage 300A to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The pipe 50a7 feeds the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The pipe 50a8 retrieves the positive electrode electrolyte PL from the positive electrode chamber 120a of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. To the pipe 50a7, the positive electrode pump 224a is installed.
Each of the pipes 50c5 and 50c6 branches and connects the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A to each of the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. The pipe 50c5 feeds the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. The pipe 50c6 retrieves the negative electrode electrolyte NL from the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. To the pipe 50c5 before the branching, the negative electrode pump 222c is installed. To each of branches of the pipe 50c5, an electromagnetic valve 230 is installed. In addition, to each of branches of the pipe 50c6, an electromagnetic valve 230 is installed.
The pipes 50c7 and 50c8 connect the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The pipe 50c7 feeds the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The pipe 50c8 retrieves the negative electrode electrolyte NL from the negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. To the pipe 50c7, the negative electrode pump 224c is installed.
The positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the first common storage 300A stores the positive electrode electrolyte PL that are charged by the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C. The positive electrode electrolyte PL stored in the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the first common storage 300A circulates, via the pipes 50, in the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A, the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C, and the positive electrode chamber 120a of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D.
The positive electrode pump 222a of the first common storage 300A is installed to the pipe 50a5. The positive electrode pump 222a of the first common storage 300A circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A or the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. The positive electrode pump 222a of the first common storage 300A, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the positive electrode electrolyte PL that circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a of the first redox flow charging cell 110A or the positive electrode chamber 120a of the third redox flow charging cell 110C.
The positive electrode pump 224a of the first common storage 300A is installed to the pipe 50a7. The positive electrode pump 224a of the first common storage 300A circulates the positive electrode electrolyte PL to the positive electrode chamber 120a of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The positive electrode pump 224a of the first common storage 300A, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the positive electrode electrolyte PL that circulates in the positive electrode chamber 120a of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D.
The negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A stores the negative electrode electrolyte NL that is charged by the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C. The negative electrode electrolyte NL stored in the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A circulates, via the pipes 50, in the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A, the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C, and the negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D.
The negative electrode pump 222c of the first common storage 300A is installed to the pipe 50c5. The negative electrode pump 222c of the first common storage 300A circulates the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A or the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C. The negative electrode pump 222c of the first common storage 300A, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the negative electrode electrolyte NL that circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow charging cell 110A or the negative electrode chamber 120c of the third redox flow charging cell 110C.
The negative electrode pump 224c of the first common storage 300A is installed to the pipe 50c7. The negative electrode pump 224c of the first common storage 300A circulates the negative electrode electrolyte NL to the negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The negative electrode pump 224c of the first common storage 300A, under the control of the controller 500, controls a flow rate of the negative electrode electrolyte NL that circulates in the negative electrode chamber 120c of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D.
The electromagnetic valves 230 of the first common storage 300A are installed to each of branches of the pipe 50a5, each of branches of the pipe 50a6, each of branches of the pipe 50c5, and each of branches of the pipe 50c6. The electromagnetic valves 230 of the first common storage 300A, under the control of the controller 500, open and close the pipes 50 (the branches of the pipe 50a5, the branches of the pipe 50a6, the branches of the pipe 50c5, and the branches of the pipe 50c6) that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A to the first redox flow charging cell 110A (the positive electrode chamber 120a and the negative electrode chamber 120c) and the third redox flow charging cell 110C (the positive electrode chamber 120a and the negative electrode chamber 120c), respectively.
Specifically, when the electrolytes that are to be charged by the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A, the electromagnetic valves 230 of the first common storage 300A open the pipes 50 that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A to the first redox flow charging cell 110A. When the electrolytes that are to be charged by the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched from the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A to the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A, the electromagnetic valves 230 of the first common storage 300A close the pipes 50 that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the first common storage 300A to the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
When the electrolytes that are to be charged by the third redox flow charging cell 110C are switched between the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C and the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A, the operation is the same as that in the above-described case where the electrolytes that are to be charged by the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched between the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A and the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A.
The first redox flow discharger 400A discharges power with which the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A are charged and supplies a power consumer with the power. The power consumer supplied with power by the first redox flow discharger 400A is, for example, a power consumer requesting power supply 100% based on renewable energy (RE100), a feed-in tariff (FIT) market, or the like. Since the power discharged from the first redox flow discharger 400A is power discharged from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A that is charged by the power source type A, which is an on-site renewable energy power source, the redox flow battery system 10 is capable of supplying a power consumer with power to which coloring entirely specifying on-site renewable energy is applied.
The first redox flow discharger 400A includes, as illustrated in
The first redox flow discharging cell 410A discharges power with which the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A are charged. In the first redox flow discharging cell 410A, the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A circulates via the pipes 50 connected to the first individual storage 200A. The first redox flow discharging cell 410A includes a positive electrode 115a, a positive electrode chamber 120a, a negative electrode 115c, a negative electrode chamber 120c, and a membrane 130. A configuration of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A is the same as that of the first redox flow charging cell 110A. On the positive electrode 115a of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A, pentavalent vanadium ions in the positive electrode electrolyte PL are reduced to tetravalent vanadium ions. In the negative electrode chamber 120c of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A, bivalent vanadium ions in the negative electrode electrolyte NL are oxidized to trivalent vanadium ions.
The power meter 180 of the first redox flow discharger 400A measures the amount of power discharged from the first redox flow discharging cell 410A. The power meter 180 of the first redox flow discharger 400A transmits a measured value of the amount of power to the controller 500.
The power conditioner PCS of the first redox flow discharger 400A controls discharge performed by the first redox flow discharging cell 410A, based on an instruction from the controller 500.
The second redox flow discharger 400B discharges power with which the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B are charged and supplies a power consumer with the power. The power consumer supplied with power by the second redox flow discharger 400B is, for example, a facility using power based on renewable energy as main power (hereinafter, referred to as a power consuming facility). The second redox flow discharger 400B is installed in the power consuming facility. To the power consuming facility, for example, power from a power system is also supplied. Since the power discharged from the second redox flow discharger 400B is power discharged from the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B that are charged with power from the power source type B, which is an off-site renewable energy power source, the redox flow battery system 10 is capable of supplying a power consuming facility with power to which coloring entirely specifying off-site renewable energy is applied. Further, since the redox flow battery system 10 supplies a power consuming facility with power through charged electrolytes while being electrically insulated, asynchronous coordination can be achieved in a power consuming facility that is supplied with power from the power system while preventing infiltration of the power.
The second redox flow discharger 400B includes, as illustrated in
The second redox flow discharging cell 410B discharges power with which the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B are charged. In the second redox flow discharging cell 410B, the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B circulate via the pipes 50 connected to the second individual storage 200B. The second redox flow discharging cell 410B includes a positive electrode 115a, a positive electrode chamber 120a, a negative electrode 115c, a negative electrode chamber 120c, and a membrane 130. A configuration of the second redox flow discharging cell 410B is the same as that of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The power meter 180 of the second redox flow discharger 400B measures the amount of power discharged from the second redox flow discharging cell 410B. The power meter 180 of the second redox flow discharger 400B transmits a measured value of the amount of power to the controller 500.
The power conditioner PCS of the second redox flow discharger 400B controls discharge performed by the second redox flow discharging cell 410B, based on an instruction from the controller 500.
The third redox flow discharger 400C discharges power with which the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C are charged and supplies a power consumer with the power. The power consumer supplied with the power by the third redox flow discharger 400C is, for example, an electricity retailer. Since the power discharged from the third redox flow discharger 400C is power discharged from the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C that is charged with power from the power source type C, the redox flow battery system 10 is capable of supplying a power consumer with power to which coloring is applied.
The third redox flow discharger 400C includes, as illustrated in
The third redox flow discharging cell 410C discharges power with which the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C are charged. In the third redox flow discharging cell 410C, the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C circulate via the pipes 50 connected to the third individual storage 200C. The third redox flow discharging cell 410C includes a positive electrode 115a, a positive electrode chamber 120a, a negative electrode 115c, a negative electrode chamber 120c, and a membrane 130. A configuration of the third redox flow discharging cell 410C is the same as that of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The power meter 180 of the third redox flow discharger 400C measures the amount of power discharged from the third redox flow discharging cell 410C. The power meter 180 of the third redox flow discharger 400C transmits a measured value of the amount of power to the controller 500.
The power conditioner PCS of the third redox flow discharger 400C controls discharge performed by the third redox flow discharging cell 410C, based on an instruction from the controller 500.
The fourth redox flow discharger 400D discharges power with which the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A are charged and supplies a power consumer with the power. The power consumer supplied with the power by the fourth redox flow discharger 400D is, for example, a power consumer, an electricity retailer, or the like that does not have a preference for a specific power source type. Since the power with which the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A are charged is power from the power source type A (for example, surplus on-site renewable energy power) or the power source type C (for example, power procured from the wholesale power market when a price of power is low), inexpensive power can be supplied to a power consumer.
The fourth redox flow discharger 400D includes, as illustrated in
The fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D discharges power with which the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A are charged. In the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D, the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A circulate via the pipes 50 connected to the first common storage 300A. The fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D includes a positive electrode 115a, a positive electrode chamber 120a, a negative electrode 115c, a negative electrode chamber 120c, and a membrane 130. A configuration of the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D is the same as that of the first redox flow charging cell 110A.
The power meter 180 of the fourth redox flow discharger 400D measures the amount of power discharged from the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D. The power meter 180 of the fourth redox flow discharger 400D transmits a measured value of the amount of power to the controller 500.
The power conditioner PCS of the fourth redox flow discharger 400D controls discharge performed by the fourth redox flow discharging cell 410D, based on an instruction from the controller 500.
The controller 500 calculates charging depth of the electrolytes in each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A from values of open circuit voltages measured by the open circuit voltage measurers 240 of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A. The controller 500 controls each unit, based on the calculated charging depth, a preset condition, an instruction from the outside, and the like.
First, control of charging of the electrolytes in the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A (charging by the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C) is described.
When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is less than a predetermined first threshold value (for example, 80%), the controller 500 controls the first redox flow charger 100A and the first individual storage 200A to circulate the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the first redox flow charger 100A, which is connected to the power source type A (on-site renewable energy power source), and charge the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A with power from the power source type A.
When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the controller 500 controls the first redox flow charger 100A, the first individual storage 200A, and the first common storage 300A to switch the electrolytes that the first redox flow charger 100A charges from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A. Further, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is less than or equal to a second threshold value (for example, 70%) that is less than the predetermined first threshold value, the controller 500 controls the first redox flow charger 100A, the first individual storage 200A, and the first common storage 300A to switch the electrolytes that the first redox flow charger 100A charges from the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A to the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A and charge the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A with power from the power source type A.
In the present embodiment, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the electrolytes that the first redox flow charger 100A charges is switched from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A and charging of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is suspended. Because of this configuration, surplus power from the power source type A (on-site renewable energy power source) that is connected to the first redox flow charger 100A can be effectively utilized.
The controller 500 controls the second redox flow charger 100B and the second individual storage 200B to charge the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B with power of an amount necessary for discharge (discharge from the second redox flow discharger 400B) from the power source type B.
When the price of power with which charging is performed from the power source type C connected to the third redox flow charger 100C (the price of power procured from the wholesale power market) is less expensive than the predetermined first price and the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is less than the predetermined first threshold value (for example, 80%), the controller 500 controls the third redox flow charger 100C and the third individual storage 200C to charge the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C with power from the power source type C.
When the price of power with which charging is performed from the power source type C is less expensive than the predetermined first price and the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the controller 500 controls the third redox flow charger 100C, the third individual storage 200C, and the first common storage 300A to switch the electrolytes that the third redox flow charger 100C charges from the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A. When the price of power with which charging is performed from the power source type C is less expensive than the predetermined first price and the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is less than or equal to the predetermined second threshold value (for example, 70%), the controller 500 controls the third redox flow charger 100C, the third individual storage 200C, and the first common storage 300A to switch the electrolytes that the third redox flow charger 100C charges from the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A to the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C and charge the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C with power from the power source type C. In the present embodiment, when the price of power with which charging is performed from the power source type C is performed is greater than or equal to the predetermined first price, the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C are not charged. Therefore, power can be provided at an inexpensive price.
When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the controller 500 controls the first redox flow charger 100A, the first individual storage 200A, and the first common storage 300A to switch the electrolytes that the first redox flow charger 100A charges from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A and charge the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A with power from the power source type A. Therefore, surplus power from the power source type A (on-site renewable energy power source) that is connected to the first redox flow charger 100A can be effectively utilized.
In addition, when the price of power with which charging is performed from the power source type C is less expensive than the predetermined first price and the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the controller 500 controls the first redox flow charger 100A, the third individual storage 200C, and the first common storage 300A to switch the electrolytes that the third redox flow charger 100C charges from the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A and charge the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A with power from the power source type C. Because of this configuration, surplus power can be effectively utilized and power can be provided at an inexpensive price as well.
Control of discharge from the electrolytes in the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A (discharge by the first to fourth redox flow dischargers 400A to 400D) is described.
The controller 500 controls the first redox flow discharger 400A and the first individual storage 200A to discharge power with which the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A are charged from the first redox flow discharger 400A continuously at a predetermined output level. In addition, the controller 500 also causes power with which the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B are charged to be discharged from the second redox flow discharger 400B, as with the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A.
The controller 500 controls the third redox flow discharger 400C and the third individual storage 200C to discharge power with which the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C are charged from the third redox flow discharger 400C when, for example, the price of power is greater than or equal to a predetermined second price that is more expensive than the predetermined first price. In addition, the controller 500 also causes power with which the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A are charged to be discharged from the fourth redox flow discharger 400D, as with the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C.
Next, operation processing of the redox flow battery system 10 is described with reference to
With reference to
When the power value is less expensive than the predetermined first price (step S120; YES), the controller 500 charges electrolytes with power by the first to third redox flow charging cells 110A to 110C (step S130). Specifically, the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the first redox flow charging cell 110A, which is connected to the power source type A (on-site renewable energy power source) and performs charging with power from the power source type A, and causes the first redox flow charging cell 110A to charge the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A with power only from the power source type A. In addition, the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B to the second redox flow charging cell 110B, which is connected to the power source type B (off-site renewable energy power source) and performs charging with power from the power source type B, and causes the second redox flow charging cell 110B to charge the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B with power only from the power source type B. Further, the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C to the third redox flow charging cell 110C, which is connected to the power source type C (power procured from the wholesale power market) and performs charging with power from the power source type C, and causes the third redox flow charging cell 110C to charge the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C with power only from the power source type C. Each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C stores electrolytes that are charged only by a corresponding one of the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C. Therefore, in each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C, electrolytes to which coloring specifying one of the power source types A to C is applied are stored.
Note that the controller 500 calculates charging depth of the electrolytes in each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A from values of open circuit voltages measured by the open circuit voltage measurers 240. The controller 500 monitors the depth of charge of the electrolytes in each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A.
Next, the controller 500 determines the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A (step S210). Specifically, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold value (for example, 80%) (step S210; YES), the controller 500 switches electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charging cell 110A from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A, which stores electrolytes charged by the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the third redox flow charging cell 110C (step S212). The controller 500 charges the switched electrolytes in the first common storage 300A with power from the power source type A by the first redox flow charging cell 110A (step S214). The controller 500 determines the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A again (step S216) and when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than a predetermined second threshold value (for example, 70%) that is less than the predetermined first threshold value (step S216; YES), returns to step S214. When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is less than or equal to the predetermined second threshold value (step S216; NO), the controller 500 returns to step S110. Note that in step S212, circulation of the electrolytes from the first individual storage 200A to the first redox flow charging cell 110A is suspended.
In the present embodiment, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charging cell 110A is switched from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A. Because of this configuration, surplus power from the power source type A (on-site renewable energy power source) can be effectively utilized. In addition, development of a precipitate from the electrolytes can be suppressed.
When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is less than the predetermined first threshold value (step S210; NO), the controller 500 determines the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C (step S230). Specifically, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value (step S230; YES), the controller 500 switches electrolytes that circulate in the third redox flow charging cell 110C from the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A (step S232). The controller 500 charges the switched electrolytes in the first common storage 300A with power from the power source type C by the third redox flow charging cell 110C (step S234). The controller 500 determines the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C again (step S236) and when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is greater than the predetermined second threshold value (step S236; YES), returns to step S234. When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is less than or equal to the predetermined second threshold value (step S236; NO), the controller 500 returns to step S110.
When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is less than the predetermined first threshold value (step S230; NO), the controller 500 returns to step S110. Note that in step S232, circulation of the electrolytes from the third individual storage 200C to the third redox flow charging cell 110C is suspended.
In the present embodiment, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value, the electrolytes that circulate in the third redox flow charging cell 110C is switched from the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A. Because of this configuration, surplus power from the power source type C (wholesale power market) can be effectively utilized. In addition, development of a precipitate from the electrolytes can be suppressed. Further, since the charging is performed when the power value is less expensive than the predetermined first price, power can be provided at an inexpensive price.
On the other hand, when the power value is greater than or equal to the predetermined first price (step S120; NO), the controller 500 charges the electrolytes with power by the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the second redox flow charging cell 110B (step S140). Specifically, the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the first redox flow charging cell 110A and causes the first redox flow charging cell 110A to charge the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A with power from the power source type A. In addition, the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B to the second redox flow charging cell 110B and causes the second redox flow charging cell 110B to charge the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B with power from the power source type B.
Next, the controller 500 determines the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A (step S250). Specifically, when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than or equal to the predetermined first threshold value (step S250; YES), the controller 500 switches the electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charging cell 110A from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A (step S252). The controller 500 charges the switched electrolytes in the first common storage 300A with power from the power source type A by the first redox flow charging cell 110A (step S254). The controller 500 determines the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A again (step S256) and when the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is greater than the predetermined second threshold value (step S256; YES), returns to step S254. When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is less than or equal to the predetermined second threshold value (step S256; NO), the controller 500 returns to step S110. When the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A is less than the predetermined first threshold value (step S250; NO), the controller 500 returns to step S110.
Next, with reference to
When the power value is greater than or equal to the predetermined second price that is more expensive than the predetermined first price (step S320; YES), the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A to a corresponding one of the first to fourth redox flow discharging cells 410A to 410D and causes the first to fourth redox flow discharging cells 410A to 410D to discharge power (step S322). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 500 returns to step S310.
When the power value is less expensive than the predetermined second price (step S320; NO), the controller 500 circulates the electrolytes in each of the first individual storage 200A and the second individual storage 200B to a corresponding one of the first redox flow discharging cell 410A and the second redox flow discharging cell 410B and causes the first redox flow discharging cell 410A and the second redox flow discharging cell 410B to discharge power (step S324). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 500 returns to step S310.
In the present embodiment, power with which the electrolytes in each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A are charged is discharged from one of the first to fourth redox flow dischargers 410A to 410D. Since coloring is applied to the electrolytes in the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the first common storage 300A, based on power source types, power to which coloring is applied can be supplied to a power consumer from each of the first to fourth redox flow discharging cells 410A to 410D.
As described in the foregoing, since each of the first to third redox flow charging cells 110A to 110C charges electrolytes with power from a predetermined power source type and electrolytes that circulate in each of the first to third redox flow charging cells 110A to 110C and are charged with power from a predetermined power source type are stored in one of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C, the redox flow battery system 10 is capable of supplying power consumers with power to which coloring is applied. In addition, since the electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charging cell 110A are switched from the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A to the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A, based on the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A, the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A can be charged with surplus power from the power source type A that is connected to the first redox flow charging cell 110A and surplus power from the power source type A can be effectively utilized. In addition, as with the surplus power from the power source type A, the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A can also be charged with surplus power from the power source type C that is connected to the third redox flow charging cell 110C, the surplus power from the power source type C can be effectively utilized.
A redox flow battery system 10 may include a second common storage 300B in place of the first common storage 300A.
The redox flow battery system 10 of the present embodiment includes, as illustrated in
The second common storage 300B stores electrolytes that are charged with power for a business continuity plan (BCP) at the time of a disaster, power outage, or the like. In normal times, the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B are charged by the first redox flow charger 100A and the third redox flow charger 100C and are kept in a state in which the electrolytes have a high charging depth (for example, 80%). In the present embodiment, at the time of a disaster, power outage, or the like, the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B are circulated to the second redox flow discharging cell 410B, and power for a business continuity plan is supplied from the second redox flow discharging cell 410B to a power consumer.
The second common storage 300B, as with the first common storage 300A, includes pipes 50, a positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a, positive electrode pumps 222a and 224a, a negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c, negative electrode pumps 222c and 224c, electromagnetic valves 230, and an open circuit voltage measurer 240. A configuration of a part of the second common storage 300B other than the pipes 50 is the same as the configuration of the first common storage 300A.
A configuration of pipes 50 that connect the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the second common storage 300B to the first redox flow charging cell 110A and the third redox flow charging cell 110C, respectively is the same as the pipes 50a5, 50a6, 50c5, and 50c6 of the first common storage 300A. To a pipe 50 that feeds a positive electrode electrolyte PL from the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the second common storage 300B to a positive electrode chamber 120a of the second redox flow discharging cell 410B, the positive electrode pump 224a and an electromagnetic valve 230 are installed. To a pipe 50 that retrieves the positive electrode electrolyte PL from the positive electrode chamber 120a of the second redox flow discharging cell 410B to the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a of the second common storage 300B, an electromagnetic valve 230 is installed. In addition, to a pipe 50 that feeds a negative electrode electrolyte NL from the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the second common storage 300B to a negative electrode chamber 120c of the second redox flow discharging cell 410B, the negative electrode pump 224c and an electromagnetic valve 230 are installed. To a pipe 50 that retrieves the negative electrode electrolyte NL from the negative electrode chamber 120c of the second redox flow discharging cell 410B to the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the second common storage 300B, an electromagnetic valve 230 is installed.
A configuration of the second individual storage 200B of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second individual storage 200B in Embodiment 1 except that electromagnetic valves 230 are installed to pipes 50 that connect the second individual storage 200B to the second redox flow discharging cell 410B.
A configuration of the second redox flow discharger 400B of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the second redox flow discharger 400B in Embodiment 1 except that the electrolytes that are circulated are switched between electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B and electrolytes in the second common storage 300B.
At the time of a disaster, power outage, or the like, the controller 500 of the present embodiment switches, based on an instruction from the outside, the electrolytes that circulate in the second redox flow discharger 400B from the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B to the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B, discharges power from the second redox flow discharger 400B, and supplies a power consumer with power for a business continuity plan.
In normal times, the controller 500 of the present embodiment monitors charging depth of the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B, switches the electrolytes that circulate in the first redox flow charger 100A or the third redox flow charger 100C as with Embodiment 1 in such a way that the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B maintain a high charging depth, and charges the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B with power from a power source type A and a power source type C. The other control performed by the controller 500 in the normal times is the same as the control in Embodiment 1.
As described above, the redox flow battery system 10 of the present embodiment is capable of supplying a power consumer with power for a business continuity plan. In addition, since the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B are, as with the electrolytes in the first common storage 300A, charged with surplus power from the power source type A and the power source type C, the redox flow battery system 10 of the present embodiment is capable of effectively utilizing surplus power. The redox flow battery system 10 of the present embodiment is, as with the redox flow battery system 10 in Embodiment 1, capable of supplying a power consumer with power to which coloring is applied.
Although the embodiments are described above, the present disclosure can be subjected to various modifications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, the active material in the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL is not limited to vanadium ions. The active materials in the positive electrode electrolyte PL and the negative electrode electrolyte NL may be iron ions and chromium ions, respectively.
The number of redox flow chargers, redox flow dischargers, redox flow charging cells, and the like in the redox flow battery system 10 can be set to arbitrary numbers.
Power source types connected to the first to third redox flow chargers 100A to 100C may be set to arbitrary power source types as long as the power source types are power sources to which coloring is applicable. The power source types may include geothermal power generation, wind power generation, a power system, or the like.
In addition, a threshold value for determining the charging depth of the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A and a threshold value for determining the charging depth of the electrolytes in the third individual storage 200C may be different values.
In the redox flow battery system 10 of Embodiment 1, the electrolytes in a plurality of individual storages may be circulated to a plurality of redox flow dischargers and power with which the electrolytes are charged may be discharged from the plurality of redox flow dischargers. For example, since the power source types A and B are renewable energy power sources, by switching the electrolytes that circulate to the second redox flow discharger 400B between the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B and the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A, power with which the electrolytes in the first individual storage 200A are charged and power with which the electrolytes in the second individual storage 200B are charged may be discharged from the second redox flow discharger 400B.
In the redox flow battery system 10 of Embodiment 2, the electrolytes in the second common storage 300B may be circulated to a plurality of redox flow dischargers, and power for a business continuity plan may be discharged from the plurality of redox flow dischargers.
The redox flow battery system 10 of Embodiment 2 may have a configuration in which the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C can be connected to the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of the second common storage 300B, respectively. When configured in this manner, the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 210c of each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C and the second common storage 300B can be used as storage tanks for electrolytes that are charged with power for a business continuity plan.
In addition, the redox flow battery system 10 of Embodiment 2 may include the first common storage 300A and the fourth redox flow discharger 400D.
Each of the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C, the first common storage 300A, and the second common storage 300B may include a plurality of positive electrode electrolyte storage tanks 210a and a plurality of negative electrode electrolyte storage tanks 210c. When configured in this manner, it is possible to separate electrolytes stored in each storage into electrolytes stored in the plurality of storage tanks and, while circulating electrolytes from storage tanks storing electrolytes having a high charging depth to a redox flow discharger and discharging power from the electrolytes, circulate electrolytes from storage tanks storing electrolytes having a low charging depth to a redox flow charger and charge the electrolytes.
Capacity of a positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 210a among the plurality of positive electrode electrolyte storage tanks 210a may be made smaller than capacities of the other positive electrode electrolyte storage tanks 210a, as illustrated in
The amounts of electrolytes stored in the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C, the first common storage 300A, and the second common storage 300B, outputs from the first to third redox flow charging cells 110A to 110C and the first to fourth redox flow discharging cells 410A to 410D, and the like may be set according to the amount of power supplied to power consumers, characteristics of power source types, or the like. For example, when it is assumed that the power source type A is solar power generation and is capable of generating power for eight hours in the daytime, in order to continuously supply a power consumer with a predetermined power for 24 hours, the output from the first redox flow charging cell 110A is preferably set to three times the output from the first redox flow discharging cell 410A or more since the redox flow battery system 10 is capable of performing charging and discharge in parallel.
In addition, the charging depths of the electrolytes stored in the first to third individual storages 200A to 200C, the first common storage 300A, and the second common storage 300B are preferably 5% to 80% from a viewpoint of preventing development of a precipitate.
Although in Embodiments 1 and 2, the redox flow battery system 10 includes a plurality of redox flow chargers, the redox flow battery system 10 is only required to include at least one redox flow charger. For example, as illustrated in
In addition, the redox flow battery system 10 is only required to include at least one redox flow discharger. By switching connection to a power consumer in response to switching of electrolytes that circulate in the redox flow discharger and from which power is discharged, power to which coloring is applied can be supplied to each power consumer.
The controller 500 may include dedicated hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a control circuit. In this case, each piece of processing may be executed by an individual piece of hardware. In addition, respective pieces of processing may be collectively executed by a single piece of hardware. A portion of the processing may be executed by the dedicated hardware, and the other portion of the processing may be executed by software or firmware.
The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-160389, filed on Sep. 30, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-160389 | Sep 2021 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2021/043450 | 11/26/2021 | WO |
