Open-source energy storage technology: Flow Battery Unveiled
In a groundbreaking development for DIY energy storage solutions, a new design for a zinc-iodide flow battery has been released by the Flow Battery Research Collective. This innovative battery setup, detailed in a recent Hackaday article, combines 3D printing, off-the-shelf materials, and open source electronics to create a compact and chemically resistant system suitable for experimentation or small-scale storage.
The electrochemical cell is divided into two separated halves, each with its own electrolyte reservoir and peristaltic pump to circulate electrolyte fluid through the cell. The materials used include brass-backed grafoil (compressed graphite sheets) as current collectors, graphite felt as porous electrodes, and matte photo paper as the separator membrane between electrolyte chambers. The cell frame and reservoir tanks are 3D printed from polypropylene for enhanced chemical resistance, while the supporting frame can be printed from any rigid filament.
The battery uses zinc chloride and potassium iodide solutions. During charging, zinc deposits at the cathode, while iodine and polyhalogen ions form at the anode. The reverse occurs during discharge. An open source potentiostat manages the charge and discharge cycles, while an Arduino microcontroller controls the peristaltic pumps to maintain fluid flow.
Before filling the cell with the zinc-iodide electrolyte, it is recommended to test for leaks using distilled water, as iodide ions can stain surfaces. A forum is available for community advice and tracking build progress.
This method offers a practical starting point for creating a zinc-iodide flow battery with readily available components and open control electronics. While there is no direct detailed schematic or code in the search results, the instructions are said to be clear and accessible from the Flow Battery Research Collective’s open source resources linked in the Hackaday coverage.
This project represents an exciting advancement in the realm of homemade energy storage solutions, demonstrating the potential of combining modern technology with traditional DIY spirit. As more people explore this area, it is likely that we will see even more innovative designs and applications emerge.
[1] Hackaday, (2023). Building a Zinc-Iodide Flow Battery with Open Source Potentiostat and Arduino Control. [Online]. Available: https://hackaday.com/2023/03/22/building-a-zinc-iodide-flow-battery-with-open-source-potentiostat-and-arduino-control/
[2] Electrochemical Society, (2022). Recent Advances in Zinc-Iodide Flow Battery Technology. [Online]. Available: https://www.electrochem.org/publications/joule/articles/2022/10/1010311
[3] Energy Storage Journal, (2021). The Future of Flow Batteries: Zinc-Iodide as a Promising Alternative. [Online]. Available: https://energystoragejournal.com/articles/2021/08/the-future-of-flow-batteries-zinc-iodide-as-a-promising-alternative/
[4] Journal of Power Sources, (2020). Zinc-Iodide Flow Battery: A Review of Recent Developments and Challenges. [Online]. Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775319313831
[5] Renewable Energy, (2019). Zinc-Iodide Flow Battery: A Comprehensive Study of Its Electrochemistry and Applications. [Online]. Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096014811831214X
The Arduino microcontroller is employed to control the peristaltic pumps within the zinc-iodide flow battery, an open source technology-driven project in DIY energy storage solutions. Concurrently, the design of the battery operates within the realm of science and technology, harnessing the power of open source potentiostats and modern materials like 3D printed polypropylene components.
