Laser cut seals for redox flow battery prototypes

Abstract

This paper discusses redox flow batteries (RFB) prototypes on a mechanical point of view, more specific on the sealing technology and a new manufacturing technique. First part discusses the cutting methods and elastomer selection of seals for these prototype systems. The new method for elastomer manufacturing in this paper is CO2 laser cutting technology. Focus point, power intensity, feed rate and pulse frequency are parameters, which can be controlled through Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) software, but more factors influence the laser cut quality for elastomers. Elastomer seals are produced through laser engraving for a stacked RFB in future commercial use. Laser engraving is a surface modification that enhances the sealing performance by increasing contact stress over a lower contact area while increasing flexibility in design.

Keywords

• Elastomers
• Laser
• Redox flow battery
• Design optimization
• Sealing technology
• Surface modification