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As noted in the article, the nice thing about flow batteries is that they can be "recharged" merely by pumping in fresh electrolytes, much like refueling a gaso
by Turing_Machine 4y ago
As noted in the article, the nice thing about flow batteries is that they can be "recharged" merely by pumping in fresh electrolytes, much like refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle (you would need a four-port nozzle, to add and remove fresh and used anolyte and catholyte respectively, but that's not a big deal). The used electrolytes would then be regenerated at the fueling station, rather than requiring the vehicle to sit and wait.
- metadat 4y agoHow caustic is the electrolyte solution?
- Turing_Machine 4y agoUnknown... there are a bunch of possibilities, and the article doesn't give specifics as to which one they're using. On the other hand, gasoline spills aren't exactly wonderful things, either.
- belval 4y agoIt varies, but there are semi-safe flow batterie chemistries, mostly for grid scale storage. The real downside of flow batteries for cars is the power density of current tech isn't as high as li-ion.
- sidpatil 4y agoWhat's the difference between a flow battery and a fuel cell?
- Turing_Machine 4y agoFlow batteries are electrochemical cells, same as regular batteries or fuel cells. Fuel cells run using fuel and atmospheric oxygen (though it can come from a tank in spacecraft). Normal batteries have all the electrolytes self-contained. Flow batteries use liquid electrolytes that pass through the battery. The big advantage of the flow battery is that you can refill the electrolyte tanks and go on your way.
- sidpatil 4y agoWhat differs the flow battery's liquid electrolyte from the fuel cell's fuel? If I called the liquid electrolyte fuel, would that mean the flow battery is just a fuel cell?
- bergenty 4y agoThe anolyte and catholyte sound like they’re going to be incredibly toxic chemicals.
- Turing_Machine 4y agoWhat makes you think they're "incredibly toxic", and how can it "sound like" that when they haven't even been named?