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.

Specification
cell
active area: 25 cm², 4 cm² or 1 cm² (other on request)
channel cross-section area: 1 mm²

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

Intrastat data
HS Code: 90278080
Country of Origin: Sweden
NET weight: 2000 g

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