Issue 9, 2024

Optimization framework for redox flow battery electrodes with improved microstructural characteristics

Abstract

This research aims to advance the field of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) by introducing a pioneering approach to optimize the microstructural characteristics of carbon cloth electrodes. Addressing the traditional challenge of developing high-performance electrode materials for VRFBs, this study employs a robust, generalizable, and cost-effective data-driven modeling and optimization framework. A novel sampling strategy using low-discrepancy Latin Hypercube and quasi-Monte Carlo methods generates a small-scale, high-fidelity dataset with essential space-filling qualities for training supervised machine learning models. This study goes beyond conventional methods by constructing two surrogate models: a random forest regressor and a gradient boosting regressor as objective functions for optimization. The integration of a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) for multi-objective optimization facilitates exhaustive exploration of the surrogate models, leading to the identification of electrode designs that yield enhanced energy efficiencies (EEs) under specific operating conditions. The application of NSGA-II in exploring surrogate models not only facilitates the discovery of realistic design combinations but also adeptly manages trade-offs between features. The mean pore diameter was reduced compared to the tested carbon cloth electrodes while maintaining a similar permeability value based on the results obtained using the developed algorithms. Based on this suggestion, a new type of carbon cloth electrode has been fabricated by introducing a carbonaceous binder into the woven fabric to make carbon cloths with more complex pore structures and reduced mean pore diameter. The new electrode demonstrates 24% and 66% reduction in average ohmic and mass transport resistances, respectively, validating the machine-learning recommendations. This research highlights the critical role of improved electrical conductivity and porosity in carbon materials, showing their direct correlation with increased EE. Overall, this study represents a significant step forward in developing more efficient and practical VRFBs, offering a valuable contribution to the renewable energy storage landscape.

Graphical abstract: Optimization framework for redox flow battery electrodes with improved microstructural characteristics

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
17 Apr 2024
Accepted
03 Jul 2024
First published
03 Jul 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Energy Adv., 2024,3, 2220-2237

Optimization framework for redox flow battery electrodes with improved microstructural characteristics

A. Berkowitz, A. A. Caiado, S. R. Aravamuthan, A. Roy, E. Agar and M. Inalpolat, Energy Adv., 2024, 3, 2220 DOI: 10.1039/D4YA00248B

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