RTX Corporation
REGENERATION OF FLOW BATTERY

Abstract:

A redox flow battery includes a redox flow cell, a supply/storage system external of the redox flow cell, and a controller. The supply/storage system includes first and second electrolytes for circulation through the redox flow cell. The first electrolyte is a liquid electrolyte having electrochemically active species with multiple, reversible oxidation states. The electrochemically active species can form a solid precipitate blockage in the redox flow cell. The controller is configured to identify whether there is the solid precipitate blockage in the redox flow cell and, if so, initiate a regeneration mode that reduces the oxidation state of the electrochemically active species in the liquid electrolyte to dissolve, in situ, the solid precipitate blockage.