Internal real-time microscopic diagnosis of vanadium redox flow battery

Abstract In a vanadium redox flow battery, four different physical parameters (voltage, current, temperature, and flow) can affect its overall function and lifespan. The present nodus is that only an inference, simulate, external, or single measurement can be used, and that real-time data cannot be obtained accurately and immediately in the vanadium redox flow battery. However, external measurement of the sensor may cause the measured data to be different from the actual data inside the vanadium redox flow battery. Furthermore, a single measurement makes the vanadium redox flow battery need to be connected to many devices at the same time, making the overall system more complicated. As a result, in order to realize inner real-time microscopical monitoring of a vanadium redox flow battery, this study used micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to exploit a flexible integrated (voltage, current, temperature, and flow) microsensor, which can be inserted in the vanadium redox flow battery for real-time microscopic sensing and monitoring. The technical advantages of the proposed micro-sensor include: (1) a small area and simultaneous local measurement of four physical quantities (voltage, current, temperature, and flow); (2) accurate embedding in an elastic measurement position; (3) sensitivity, high accuracy, and quick response; and (4) elastic design and customized development. The flexible integrated microsensor can exactly measure the local voltage, current, temperature, and flow operating conditions in the vanadium redox flow battery and can instantly provide feedback of internal information. The optimal operating parameters can then be adjusted immediately, so as to enhance the battery performance and effectively prolong its life.