Electrolyte flow rate control for vanadium redox flow batteries using the linear parameter varying framework. (July 2022) - McCloy, Ryan
Abstract: In this article, an electrolyte flow rate control approach is developed for an all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) system based on the linear parameter varying (LPV) framework. The electrolyte flow rate is regulated to provide a trade-off between stack voltage efficiency and pumping energy losses, so as to achieve an energy efficient battery operation. The nonlinear process model is embedded in a linear parameter varying state–space description and a set of state feedback controllers are designed to handle fluctuations in current during both charging and discharging. Simulation studies have been conducted under different operating conditions to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach. This control approach was further implemented on a laboratory scale VRB system. Highlights: A novel electrolyte flow rate control approach is developed for vanadium redox batteries (VRB). The nonlinear battery system model is embedded into a Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) description. A computationally efficient controller is designed to optimise the operational efficiency. The proposed control design is successfully implemented on a lab-scale VRB system.