Practical flow battery volume

Are flow batteries a viable energy storage solution?

Flow batteries are a promising energy storage solution. However, the footprint and capital cost need further reduction for flow batteries to be commercially viable. The flow cell, where electron exchange takes place, is a central component of flow batteries.

How do flow batteries work?

K. Webb ESE 471 3 Flow Batteries Flow batteries are electrochemical cells, in which the reacting substances are stored in electrolyte solutions external to the battery cell Electrolytes are pumped through the cells Electrolytes flow across the electrodes Reactions occur atthe electrodes Electrodes do not undergo a physical change Source: EPRI

How much does a flow battery cost?

The capital cost of flow batteries (~US$800/kWh) (9) is still significantly higher than that of Li-ion batteries (<US$300/kWh) (10) and far from the US$125/kWh goal set by the US Department of Energy (1). The power module composes ~40% of the cost of flow batteries (11).

What are the components of a flow battery?

Flow batteries comprise two components: Electrochemical cell Conversion between chemical and electrical energy External electrolyte storage tanks Energy storage Source: EPRI K. Webb ESE 471 5 Flow Battery Electrochemical Cell Electrochemical cell Two half-cellsseparated by a proton-exchange membrane(PEM)

What is the difference between power and capacity of a flow battery?

The capacity is a function of the amount of electrolyte and concentration of the active ions, whereas the power is primarily a function of electrode area within the cell. Similar to lithium-ion cells, flow battery cells can be stacked in series to meet voltage requirements. However, the electrolyte tanks remain external to the system.

Do flow batteries need a fluid model?

Flow batteries require electrolyte to be pumped through the cell stack Pumps require power Pump power affects efficiency Need a fluid model for the battery in order to understand how mechanical losses affect efficiency K. Webb ESE 471 29 RFB Fluid Model Power required to pump electrolyte through cell stack Pumping power is proportional to