RTX Corporation
REDOX FLOW BATTERY WITH IMPROVED EFFICIENCY

Abstract:

A method for maintaining a redox flow includes draining a first battery electrolyte solution from a redox flow battery cell, the cell including a separator layer arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode, a first circulation loop configured to provide the first battery electrolyte solution to the first electrode and a second circulation loop configured to provide a second battery electrolyte solution to the second electrode; and flowing a non-battery electrolyte solution through the first electrode. The non-battery electrolyte removes at least a portion of the solid precipitates from at least one of the first electrode and the separator layer. The method also includes draining the non-battery electrolyte solution from the cell and returning the first battery electrolyte solution to the cell. A method for a redox flow battery and a redox flow battery are also disclosed.