Patent ID: 8354184

Claim:
A flowing electrolyte battery, comprising: first and second electrodes separated by a membrane; first and second flow valves in fluid communication with the second electrode; an anolyte reservoir, separate from the first and second electrodes, for housing anolyte; and a catholyte reservoir, separate from the first and second electrodes, for housing catholyte; the battery including a normal operating mode and a neutralized operating mode; wherein the first flow valve is an inflow valve to the second electrode with respect to the anolyte and catholyte reservoirs; wherein the second flow valve is an outflow valve from the second electrode with respect to the anolyte and catholyte reservoirs; wherein anolyte flows through the first electrode during both the normal and the neutralized operating modes; wherein in the normal operating mode, the first and second flow valves allow catholyte to flow through the second electrode; and wherein in the neutralized operating mode, the first and second flow valves allow anolyte to flow through the second electrode to chemically neutralize the battery.