Model-Based Analysis and Optimization of Acidic Tin–Iron Flow Batteries

Abstract

Acidic tin–iron flow batteries (TIFBs) employing Sn/Sn2+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ as active materials are regarded as promising energy storage devices due to their superior low capital cost, long lifecycle, and high system reliability. In this paper, the performance of TIFBs is thoroughly investigated via a proposed dynamic model. Moreover, their design and operational parameters are comprehensively analyzed. The simulation results show that (i) a flow factor of two is favorable for practical TIFBs; (ii) about 20% of the system’s efficiency is decreased as the current density increases from 40 mA cm−2 to 200 mA cm−2; (iii) the optimal electrode thickness and electrode aspect ratio are 6 mm and 1:1, respectively; and (iv) reducing the compression ratio and increasing porosity are effective ways of lowering pump loss. Such in-depth analysis can not only provide a cost-effective method for optimizing and predicting the behaviors and performance of TIFBs but can also be of great benefit to the design, management, and manufacture of tin–iron flow batteries.