Patent ID: 11005113

Abstract:
Solids can sometimes form in one or more electrolyte solutions during operation of flow batteries and related electrochemical systems. Over time, the solids can accumulate and compromise the integrity of flow pathways and other various flow battery components. Flow batteries configured for mitigating solids therein can include an autonomous solids separator, such as a lamella clarifier. Such flow batteries can include a first half-cell containing a first electrolyte solution, a second half-cell containing a second electrolyte solution, a first flow loop configured to circulate the first electrolyte solution through the first half-cell, a second flow loop configured to circulate the second electrolyte solution through the second half-cell, and at least one lamella clarifier in fluid communication with at least one of the first half-cell and the second half-cell. A hydrocyclone can be used as an alternative to a lamella clarifier in some instances.