Redox-Flow Batteries
Redox-Flow Batteries are electrochemical energy storage devices based on a liquid storage medium. Energy conversion is carried out in electrochemical cells similar to fuel cells. Most redox-flow batteries have an energy density comparable to that of lead-acid batteries, but a significantly longer lifespan.
In the electrochemical cell, electrolyte solutions flow through the half-cell compartments of the plus and minus pole.
To prevent the two solutions from mixing, the half-cells are separated by an ion-conducting or semi-permeable membrane. The potential difference of the electrolytes generates a voltage at the electrodes.
How do redox flow batteries work?
In redox flow batteries, electrical energy is stored in two liquids, the electrolytes.
These electrolytes are stored in tanks. The electrolytes can be charged or discharged by circulation through the stacks.
Redox flow batteries are non-flammable, show a high cycle life, are recyclable and offer the lowest levelized costs of storage.
The vanadium redox flow battery is an electrochemical battery using the vanadium connections in a liquid electrolyte as the active material for storing energy. The liquid electrolyte is found in the tanks of the energy unit and is pumped from there through the electrochemical cells (the stacks). Electrochemical reactions cause electrons to move between the vanadium ions at different charging states. This causes chemical energy to be converted to electrical energy (discharge) or electrical energy to be converted to chemical energy (charge).
Redox flow batteries can be used in various applications:
- Buffer for renewables for increased consumption by owner
- Charging stations for electric cars
- Peak shaving in industrial applications
- Grid storage
- Storage in island grids/micro grids e.g. especially in developing countries
- A flow battery provides maximum energy flexibility, the possibility of smart power management and can replace diesel generators for reserve power.
Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs) for energy storage which has grown over the last few years, implementation of RFB technology has been slow and challenging, growing solar and wind generation of electricity has increased the demand for energy storage capacity which is required to ensure adequate load levelling, stability and efficiency of the power grid Redox flow batteries are important competitors in the energy storage industry for stationary applications.
Middle East Energy Development Company research on Redox Flow Batteries (RFBs) and manufactured a prototype to develop more efficient Stack.
The Redox Flow Battery manufactured in: