Ensync, Inc.

Nathan Coad

Jeffrey A Reichard

Kevin Dennis

Thomas Alan Laubenstein

Peter Lex

The present invention provides an energy storage system that utilizes batteries of multiple compositions and provides improved load sharing between the different types of batteries is disclosed. The energy storage system includes at least two batteries, where each battery has a different chemical composition for storing energy. One battery is configured for rapid charging/discharging and the other batter is configured for slower charging/discharging. Each battery is connected to a common connection via an energy regulator. The regulators are initially configured such that the energy regulator connected between the common connection and the battery configured for rapid charging/discharging responds initially to changes in power demand at the common connection. If power demand continues, the first regulator decreases the amount of energy transferred between the first battery and the common connection while the second regulator begins transferring energy between the second battery and the common connection.

Method and apparatus for controlling energy flow between dissimilar energy storage devices

The present disclosure details header flow divider designs and methods of electrolyte distribution. Internal header flow dividers may include multiple flow channels and may be built into flow frames. Flow channels within internal header flow dividers may divide evenly multiple times in order to form multiple flow channel paths and provide a uniform distribution of electrolytes throughout electrode sheets within electrochemical cells. Furthermore, uniform electrolyte distribution across electrode sheets may not only enhance battery performance, but also prevent zinc dendrites that may be formed in electrode sheets. The prevention of zinc dendrite growth in electrode sheets may increase operating lifetime of flow batteries. The disclosed internal header flow dividers may also be included within end caps of electrochemical cells.

Internal header flow divider for uniform electrolyte distribution

An improved electrolyte battery is provided that includes a tank assembly adapted to hold an amount of an anolyte and a catholyte, a number of cell stacks operably connected to the tank assembly, each stack formed of a number of flow frames disposed between end caps and a number of power converters operatively connected to the cell stacks. The cell stacks are formed with a number of flow frames each including individual inlets and outlets for anolyte and catholyte fluids and a separator disposed between flow frames defining anodic and cathodic half cells between each pair of flow frames. The power converter is configured to connect the battery with either forward or reverse polarity to a DC power source, such as a DC bus. The anodic and cathodic half cells switch as a function of the polarity by which the battery is connected to the Dc power source.

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Bateman, Australia

Nathan Coad