Project Details

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Design and testing of a micropump for batteries with internal electrolyte flow

Company: PSU Mechatronics Research Lab

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: EE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Motivation Flowing electrolyte has been demonstrated to be effective for dendrite suppression during metal electrodeposition in battery applications. Conventional flow batteries adapt external pumps connected to electrolyte reservoirs for electrolyte circulation. Novel pumping devices/methods embedded in batteries are needed for compact batteries. Description The goal of this project is to design a pumping device that can be integrated into a cylindrical Ni/Zn battery (54 mm dia. and 222 mm length) containing potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. The pump is expected to achieve electrolyte circulation with micrometer-per-second flow rates within the battery and require as little space, weight, and cost as possible. The pump needs be submerged in the KOH solution, so it needs to be chemically resistant. The final deliverable for this project is a 3D printed “battery” consisting of a 54mmX222mm hollow tube with a pump integrated into the top and/or side walls of the tube. The pump should circulate water through the tube at rates from -3 mL/s to +3 mL/s. The size and weight of the pump and fluid track should be minimized and less than 50 cm3 and 100 g, respectively. The pump should be able to provide 1 psi of pressure at maximum flow rate. The pump should cost less than $2.50. The pump should be operable by an external AAA alkaline battery for one hour.