Redox Flow Battery - Model 1 (RFB1)

In the standard configuration shown in the images, this Redox Flow Battery test cell is used for testing electrodes, membranes, and electrolytes using electrochemical techniques such as Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Chronoamperometry/Chronopotentiometry. However, thanks to its modular design, this cell can be expanded or modified to increase its functionality. It is, therefore, the base of a configurable measurement platform on which it is possible to integrate one or several of many measurement methods. For example, it is possible to replace the chamber with one that has a window, allowing Raman spectroscopy measurements or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on the electrode surface. It is also possible to replace both chambers to enable spectroscopic measurements such as X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) or Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) in transmission mode. This kind of functionality extension is possible through customization, as the specification requirements are usually different in each case. Thanks to its unique design, changing the active surface area of the electrode or the geometry of the flow field is accomplished through easy replacement of graphite flow fields.

Application note A redox flow battery is a type of rechargeable battery where energy is stored in liquid electrolytes that contain dissolved redox-active species (compounds that can undergo reduction and oxidation). These liquids are stored in external tanks and pumped through the RFB1, where the redox reactions take place, generating or storing electricity. External tanks and pumps are not included with the product but can be added upon request. During the discharge, the anolyte undergoes oxidation, releasing electrons, while the catholyte undergoes reduction, accepting electrons. Electrons flow through an external circuit, producing electricity. During charge, the process is reversed using an external power source. A membrane between the two sides of the cell allows ions (but not the redox species) to pass, maintaining charge balance.

temperature sensor sensor type: Pt100 x2 (100 W at 0 ºC) construction: Wire-Wound, 10 mm tails fundamental interval: 38.5 W (nominal) self-heating: 0.02 to 0.3 ºC/mW thermal response: <0.4 s measuring current: 1 mA diameter: 1.5 mm length: 15 mm tolerance class (IEC 60751): Class A temperature range: -200 ºC to +650 ºC body material: alumina

adhesive-backed pad heater power source: electric voltage: max 60 V power: max 59 W resistance: 61 W material: polyimide maximum temperature: 250 ºC wire type: silicone braided wire insulating resistance: >5 MW size: 50 mm x 50 mm thickness: <0.266 mm adhesive: 3M wire length: 60 mm

fittings body material: Stainless Steel 316 connection 1 size: 1/4 in. tube OD (6.35 mm) connection 1 type: Swagelok® Tube Fitting connection 2 size: 7/16-20 in. connection 2 type: male SAE/MS straight thread reference: Swagelok® part #: SS-400-5-4ST

List of materials anode flow field: synthetic graphite cathode flow field: synthetic graphite threaded end plate: Stainless Steel 316L unthreaded end plate: Stainless Steel 316L flow connection plate: PEEK alignment pins: PEEK current collectors: gold coated (nickel interlayer) copper (101) fittings: Stainless Steel 316 bolts: zinc yellow-chromate plated steel grade 8 gaskets: skived PTFE and FKM washers: Stainless Steel18/8 Belleville washers: Stainless Steel 302 temperature sensor body: Stainless Steel 316 adhesive-backed pad heater: polyimide with 3M adhesive

Setup includes 1 x anode with parallel flow field 1 x anode with parallel flow field and flow resistance compensation 1 x cathode with parallel flow field 1 x cathode with parallel flow field and flow resistance compensation 1 x threaded end plate 1 x unthreaded end plate 2 x flow connection chamber 2 x alignment pin 2 x current collector 4 x Swagelok® part #: SS-400-5-4ST fitting 8 x bolt 10 x FKM gasket 10 x skived PTFE gasket 16 x washer 64 x Belleville washer 2 x Pt100 temperature sensor 2 x adhesive-backed pad heater