What is a flow battery?

Unlike secondary battery systems using solid active materials, flow batteries decouple energy storage (i.e., the concentration of electrolyte and storage container size) and power conversion (i.e., the central electrochemical reaction energy conversion device), thus enabling relatively safe energy storage and long battery life (4, 6 – 8).

Are flow batteries scalable?

Scalability: One of the standout features of flow batteries is their inherent scalability. The energy storage capacity of a flow battery can be easily increased by adding larger tanks to store more electrolyte.

Are flow batteries a good choice for large-scale energy storage applications?

The primary innovation in flow batteries is their ability to store large amounts of energy for long periods, making them an ideal candidate for large-scale energy storage applications, especially in the context of renewable energy.

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 is a hybrid flow battery system?

Hybrid Systems: Researchers are also exploring hybrid flow battery systems that combine the benefits of different technologies, such as lithium-ion and flow batteries. These hybrid systems can offer the high energy density of lithium-ion with the long-duration storage capabilities of flow batteries.

Are flow batteries a good choice for a backup power system?

Military and Emergency Power: Flow batteries are increasingly being considered for military and emergency backup power systems. Their ability to store energy for long periods and their safety features make them an attractive option for critical infrastructure.