Patent ID: 8048555

Claim:
A flowing electrolyte battery, comprising: first and second electrodes separated by a membrane; and at least one flow valve in fluid communication with the second electrode; the battery including a normal operating mode and a neutralized operating mode, the neutralized operating mode triggered in response to a detected neutralization event; wherein anolyte flows through the first electrode during both the normal and the neutralized operating modes; wherein in the normal operating mode, the at least one flow valve structurally allows catholyte to flow through the second electrode while preventing anolyte from flowing through the second electrode; wherein in the neutralized operating mode, the at least one flow valve structurally allows anolyte to flow through the second electrode while preventing catholyte from flowing through the second electrode; wherein the neutralization event is selected from the group consisting of abnormal battery voltage, abnormal battery temperature, abnormal battery pressure, battery leakage, a period of non-use of the battery, and a fire in an environment outside of the battery; and wherein the battery further comprises one or more sensors in data communication with a controller for detecting an abnormal condition representing the detected neutralization event.