Soluble Lead–Acid Redox Flow Battery

Application ID: 10023


In a redox flow battery electrochemical energy is stored as redox couples in the electrolyte, which is stored in tanks outside the electrochemical cell. During operation, electrolyte is pumped through the cell and, due to the electrochemical reactions, the individual concentrations of the active species in the electrolyte are changed.

The state of charge of the flow battery is determined by the electrolyte species concentrations, the total flowing electrolyte volume in the system (tank+pump+hoses+cell), and possibly also by the concentration of solid species on the electrodes. Depending on the cell chemistry the cell can have separated or combined anode and cathode compartments and electrolyte tanks.

This model simulates a soluble lead-acid flow battery during an applied charge-discharge load cycle. The surface chemistry of the positive electrode is modeled by using two different lead oxides and two different positive electrode reactions in the model.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: