Analysis and Three-Dimensional Modeling of Vanadium Flow Batteries

This study presents 1.) a multi-dimensional model of vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (RFB); 2.) rigorous explanation of pore-level transport resistance, dilute solution assumption, and pumping power; and 3.) analysis of time constants of heat and mass transfer and dimensionless parameter. The model, describing the dynamic system of a RFB, consists of a set of partial differential equations of mass, momentum, species, charges, and energy conservation, in conjunction with the electrode's electrochemical reaction kinetics. The governing equations are successfully implemented into three-dimensional numerical simulation of charging, idling, and discharging operations. The model, validated against experimental data, predicts fluid flow, concentration increase/decrease, temperature contours and local reaction rate. The prediction indicates a large variation in local reaction rate across electrodes and the time constants for reactant variation and temperature evolution, which are consistent with theoretical analysis.