Hybrid calculation-estimation modeling for flow field optimization: Enhancing efficiency of biomimetic vanadium redox flow batteries

  • Jacer Hamrouni orcid

    Advanced Fluid Dynamics, Energetics and Environment Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National School of Engineers of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia

  • Kabashi Khatir Kabashi

    Physics Department, Taif University–Khurma University College, Al-Khurma 2935, Saudi Arabia

  • Chafaa Hamrouni orcid

    Advanced Department of Computer Sciences, Taif University–Khurma University College, Al-Khurma 2935, Saudi Arabia

  • Abdennaceur Kachouri orcid

    Advanced Fluid Dynamics, Energetics and Environment Laboratory, National Engineering School, Sfax University, Sfax 3029, Tunisia

  • Mounir  Baccar orcid

    Advanced Fluid Dynamics, Energetics and Environment Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National School of Engineers of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia

Article ID: 3793
Keywords: continuous endurance risk management; Bayesian network; system dynamics; risk analysis; data-driven

Abstract

This study introduces a hybrid calculation-estimation framework to optimize flow field designs for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), prioritizing directly calculable geometric and physical parameters over empirically fitted coefficients to enhance model fidelity and predictive accuracy. A fully validated three-dimensional multi-physics model, coupling fluid dynamics with electrochemical kinetics, is developed to systematically evaluate three distinct flow field architectures: a conventional serpentine design, a nature-inspired biomimetic leaf-venation network, and a modified serpentine channel featuring embedded micro-pillar perturbators. Comparative analysis reveals that biomimetic design achieves the most favorable trade-off between hydraulic and electrochemical performance. Its low-resistance, hierarchically branched architecture facilitates uniform electrolyte distribution across the porous electrode, resulting in a 35% reduction in pressure drop and a corresponding 3.2% increase in net system efficiency relative to the conventional baseline. In contrast, while the perturbator-enhanced design achieves the highest limiting current density (190 mA cm⁻²) by inducing localized vortex mixing to enhance mass transport, this gain is offset by a significant increase in pumping losses. The findings underscore that directly calculated parameters such as branching geometry and flow path length are critical drivers of performance. This work provides a principled modeling strategy and offers generalizable design guidelines, demonstrating that nature-inspired engineering is a key pathway toward developing next-generation, high-efficiency VRFB systems.

Published
2026-03-04
How to Cite
Hamrouni, J., Khatir Kabashi, K., Hamrouni, C., Kachouri, A., & Baccar, M. (2026). Hybrid calculation-estimation modeling for flow field optimization: Enhancing efficiency of biomimetic vanadium redox flow batteries. Advances in Differential Equations and Control Processes, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.59400/adecp3793
Section
Article

References

[1]Ali A, Ramadesigan V, Monder DS. Modelling and simulation based impact analysis of electrode parameters on the performance of vanadium redox flow batteries. Journal of Power Sources. 2025; 653: 237659. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237659

[2]Ren J, Wei L, Wang Z, et al. An electrochemical‐thermal coupled model for aqueous redox flow batteries. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 2022; 192: 122926. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2022.122926

[3]Yifru BA, Lim KJ, Bae JH, et al. A hybrid deep learning approach for streamflow prediction utilizing watershed memory and process-based modeling. Hydrology Research. 2024; 55(4): 498–518. doi: 10.2166/nh.2024.016

[4]Xiong B, Ding Y, Zhang Q, et al. Finite element-based analysis of composite serpentine flow channel 3D modeling of vanadium redox flow battery. International Journal of Green Energy. 2025; 22(5): 831–838. doi: 10.1080/15435075.2021.2007390

[5]Chatterjee A. Investigation of self-excited induction generator for supporting domestic loads and its extension to a microgrid. Energy Storage and Conversion. 2024; 2(2): 1321. doi: 10.59400/esc.v2i2.1321

[6]Liang G, Lin S, Hu W, et al. Joint Model Parameter Identification and Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm for the State of Charge Estimation of Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery. Journal of Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage. 2025; 22(3): 031010. doi: 10.1115/1.4066637

[7]Schweidtmann AM, Zhang D, Von Stosch M. A review and perspective on hybrid modeling methodologies. Digital Chemical Engineering. 2024; 10: 100136. doi: 10.1016/j.dche.2023.100136

[8]Cai W, Xiao L, Deng T, et al. Analysis of residual stress for thin-layered electrolyte co-sintered with porous electrodes applied in solid oxide cells. Thin-Walled Structures. 2025; 211: 113140. doi: 10.1016/j.tws.2025.113140

[9]Kumar D, Rizwan M, Panwar AK. Robust state of health estimation of commercial lithium-ion batteries based on enhanced hybrid machine learning model for electrified transportation. Electrical Engineering. 2025; 107(4): 5053–5070. doi: 10.1007/s00202-024-02808-8

[10]Guo L, Xu G. A Novel Hybrid Framework for Short-Term Carbon Emissions Forecasting in China: Aggregate and Sectoral Perspectives. Sustainability. 2025; 17(22): 10206. doi: 10.3390/su172210206

[11]Sarwa B, Moździerz M, Brus G. Artificial intelligence-based modeling of solid oxide fuel cells for improved transient prediction and control optimization. Journal of Power Sources. 2025; 658: 238281. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238281

[12]Ma Q, Shi H, Li H, et al. Topology optimization design of electrode integrated with flow field for intensifying reactive transfer process of non-aqueous iron-vanadium redox flow battery. Chemical Engineering and Processing—Process Intensification. 2025; 213: 110309. doi: 10.1016/j.cep.2025.110309

[13]Kumar A, Dhanka S, Sharma A, et al. A hybrid framework for heart disease prediction using classical and quantum-inspired machine learning techniques. Scientific Reports. 2025; 15(1): 25040. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-09957-1

[14]Calborean A, Máthé L, Bruj O. Phase Change Materials for Thermal Management in Lithium-Ion Battery Packs: A Review. Batteries. 2025; 11(12): 432. doi: 10.3390/batteries11120432

[15]Hu H, Han M, Liu J, et al. Strategies for improving the design of porous fiber felt electrodes for all-vanadium redox flow batteries from macro and micro perspectives. Energy & Environmental Science. 2025; 18(7): 3085–3119. doi: 10.1039/D4EE05556J

[16]Wang Q, Shan X, Liu H, et al. Mass transfer in micro-nano porous electrodes: A crucial role in optimizing vanadium redox flow battery performance. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 2026; 705: 139465. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139465

[17]Yang WW, Bai XS, Zhang WY, et al. Numerical examination of the performance of a vanadium redox flow battery under variable operating strategies. Journal of Power Sources. 2020; 457: 228002. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228002

[18]Liu X, Pan L, Rao H, et al. A review of transport properties of electrolytes in redox flow batteries. Future Batteries. 2025; 5: 100019. doi: 10.1016/j.fub.2024.100019

[19]Shoaib M, Vallayil P, Jaiswal N, et al. Advances in Redox Flow Batteries—A Comprehensive Review on Inorganic and Organic Electrolytes and Engineering Perspectives. Advanced Energy Materials. 2024; 14(32): 2400721. doi: 10.1002/aenm.202400721

[20]Guo Z, Ren J, Sun J, et al. A split convection-enhanced flow field for stack-scale redox flow batteries. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2025; 511: 161937. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.161937

[21]Cheng Q, Li MJ, Wang RL, et al. Design and optimization of guide flow channel for vanadium redox flow battery based on the multi-field synergy. Journal of Power Sources. 2025; 650: 237526. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237526

[22]Huang Z, Liu Y, Xie X, et al. Design and optimization of a novel flow field structure to improve the comprehensive performance of vanadium redox flow batteries. Journal of Power Sources. 2025; 640: 236736. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236736

[23]Li X, Yuan C, Chen X, et al. Temperature-dependence of Zn deposition/stripping behavior in aqueous Zn-based flow batteries. Journal of Energy Chemistry. 2025; 107: 260–268. doi: 10.1016/j.jechem.2025.03.049

[24]Basavaraju SK, Chavati GB, Sannaobaiah MB, et al. Investigation of CeVO4-decoracated activated carbon-nanocomposite as a bifunctional electrode material for vanadium flow battery and supercapacitor applications. Composite Structures. 2025; 371: 119524. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2025.119524

[25]Agyekum EB, Abdullah M, Odoi-Yorke F, et al. A state-of-the-art review of electrolyte systems for vanadium redox flow battery—Status of the technology, and future research directions. Energy Conversion and Management: X. 2025; 27: 101180. doi: 10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.101180

[26]Huang Z, Xuan L, Liu Y, et al. Numerical analysis of asymmetric biomimetic flow field structure design for vanadium redox flow battery. Future Batteries. 2025; 5: 100017. doi: 10.1016/j.fub.2024.100017