An open-source platform for 3D-printed redox flow battery test cells

The development of new, large-scale stationary energy storage technologies, such as redox flow batteries, is vital to fully utilise renewable energy resources. However, test cells capable of assisting in this development can be prohibitively expensive and unreliable. Here, an open-source, low-cost, customisable 3D-printed test cell is presented as an alternative. These newly developed cells are designed to be printable using affordable desktop 3D-printers and readily available polymers. A simulation-led design optimisation yielded an improved internal manifold geometry that demonstrated improved real-world performance. The polymers used have been tested for chemical compatibility and through the use of advanced X-ray micro-CT, optimised parameters for 3D-printing have been identified. This framework provides a straightforward process enabling researchers to produce robust cells at an extremely low cost, helping to democratise research and widen accessibility to flow electrochemistry.

Automated summary

This article presents an open-source, low-cost, customisable 3D-printed test cell for the development of new large-scale stationary energy storage technologies. Through simulation-led design optimization, the fluid manifold geometry of the cell has been improved, resulting in enhanced real-world performance. The polymers used in the cell have been tested for compatibility and optimal parameters for 3D printing have been determined using advanced X-ray micro-CT. This framework provides a simple process for researchers to produce robust cells at an extremely low cost, contributing to the democratization of research and increasing accessibility to flow electrochemistry.