Abstract

Abstract
Optimizing and Validating the Performance of a Low-cost Potentiostat for In-Situ Flow Battery Testing
Dharik Purohit
This thesis relates to the design, optimization, and validation of a low-cost potentiostat tailored specifically for the requirements of flow battery testing. The primary objective is to deliver a reliable solution that maintains high-performance standards necessary for precise electrochemical measurements, achieved through simplified circuit design, affordable components, and open-source software.
The potentiostat design incorporates an expanded compliance voltage of ±2.5V, dynamic current range selection using a multiplexer, and enhanced noise filtering for accurate operation in aqueous systems and microelectrode setups. The system’s functionality was further extended with the addition of features like two-way pulse testing and battery charge-discharge testing over multiple cycles. Comprehensive performance validation was conducted to ensure the potentiostat meets the requirements for electrochemical applications, with tests focused on accuracy, stability, and flexibility across a range of experimental conditions.
The CellStat’s design specifications were derived through simulations and theoretical calculations, including the assessment of compliance voltage, DAC/ADC resolution, and projected measurement errors. These theoretical benchmarks were validated through cyclic voltammetry experiments under varying scan rates, showcasing the potentiostat’s ability to reliably measure and control redox reactions in flow batteries. The work highlights the potential for low-cost, open source potentiostats to meet the growing demand for accessible electrochemical testing tools, supporting advancements in renewable energy technologies.