BACK PLATE-ELECTRODE-MEMBRANE ASSEMBLY FOR A REDOX, FLOW ENERGY STORAGE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

摘要

Effects of non homogeneity of elastically compressed carbon felt electrodes (2) in terms of permeability to a forced liquid flow and of excessive passive power requirement for adequately irrigating the porous electrodes (2) with fresh electrolyte solution, without detracting from the ability to ensure a good electrical contact between the felt electrode and a conductive back plate (1) are alleviated by providing a first plurality of spaced parallel sinuous open channels (sc1) that originate from an inlet manifolding flow space (4min) extending along one side of the assembly into which the electrolyte solution enters the cell compartment through one or more inlet ports (4h). The sinuous channels (sc1) terminate short of reaching an outlet manifolding flow space (4mout) extending along the opposite side of the channeled area, from which the electrolyte solution exits the cell compartment through one or more outlet ports. Vice versa, a second plurality of spaced parallel sinuous open channels (sc2), interleaved to the channels (sc1) of the first plurality, originate from the outlet manifolding flow space (4mout) and terminate short of reaching the inlet manifolding flow space (4min). Preferably, through holes (2h) with diameter equal to or larger than the width of the channels (sc1, sc2) of the interleaved sinuous channel-works in the contact area of the conductive back plate (1) and spaced along a sinuous track lines in the carbon felt electrode, coincide with either a underlying electrolyte solution distribution channel (sc1) or with an underlying electrolyte solution drainage channel (sc2), respectively.