Investigation on flow field optimization of seawater activated battery based on flow channel structure design

The electrolyte flow channel is one of the main components of dredging the electrolyte into the sea water to activate the battery to realize the electron transfer of positive and negative plates. However, it is not clear which form of flow channel structure will most effectively improve the flow characteristics of the electrolyte. This study proposes four flow channel structures (Ref, Comb, Trunk and Antler), investigating the flow characteristics of the electrolyte and resistance characteristics through setting up the electrolyte flow visualization test bench and CFD technology. The results show that the Antler structure can significantly enhance the flow velocity and flow uniformity of the electrolyte. Compared with the other three structures, Antler's structure can make full use of the flow line at the corner of the flow channel to reduce the uneven distribution of flow velocity, reduce the impact retention area at the entrance and the obvious vortex structure in the retention area. The flow velocity distribution is more uniform, and the resistance of the branch pipe is increased by 643 %. Antler structure type is conducive to the improvement of the flow performances of the electrolyte, which could have great prospects in increasing the infiltration of electrolyte.