Hydrodynamic analysis of flow fields for redox flow battery applications

Electrolyte flow distribution is an important factor that contributes to the performance of the overall efficiency of a redox flow battery system. In the present paper, a comparative study of the hydrodynamics of the serpentine and interdigitated flow fields has been performed. Ex situ experiments were conducted using the two flow fields in conditions typical of flow battery applications. Limited in situ testing has also been conducted. These bring out the surprising result that the pressure drop in the interdigitated flow field is less than that in the serpentine for the same flow rate. Computational fluid dynamics studies show strong under-the-rib convection in the reaction zone exists in both flow fields but with a shorter residence time in case of the interdigitated. It is posited that this may explain the superior electrochemical performance of cells with interdigitated flow fields.