Seawater-activated battery module flow field simulation and structural optimization

The flow channel structures in seawater-activated batteries are specifically designed to guide and deliver the electrolyte throughout the interior of the battery. However, issues such as poor electrolyte flow uniformity and low utilization within the main flow field of these battery modules persist. This study leverages Ansys Fluent to simulate the flow characteristics within the flow field across different aspect ratios, then analyzes the results to optimize the flow channel structures. The comparison of flow characteristics before and after optimization shows significant improvements. The optimized flow channel structure decreases the pressure drop between the inlet and outlet to 4714 Pa—a 42.3 % reduction from the original model, this adjustment also significantly reduces the pressure gradient within the main flow field of the electrode plate. And the dead zone area decreases from 18.63 % to 3.01 %. Furthermore, the vortex intensity at the electrode plate's inlet is reduced, along with a decrease in the reflux range. Flow field uniformity improves from an initial value of 0.6673 to 0.8433. Additionally, the branch circuit resistance increases by 4.0 %, which contributes to a reduction in current loss. These optimizations effectively address issues such as poor electrolyte flow uniformity, which is vital for enhancing the electrochemical performance and stability of seawater-activated batteries. • The reliability of the numerical simulations has been substantiated through the tracer experiments. • Flow field characteristics of seawater-activated battery modules with different width ratios have been simulated. • Seawater-activated battery modules' flow channel structure has been optimized. • Optimized seawater-activated battery modules for better flow performance