Flow Batteries

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery technology that stores energy in liquid electrolytes that flow through an electrochemical cell. Unlike conventional batteries with solid electrodes, flow batteries offer several advantages, including scalability, long lifespan, and inherent safety. They are particularly well-suited for grid-scale energy storage applications, where long-duration storage and high power output are required.

Impact on climate action

Flow Batteries in Battery Storage bolster climate action by enhancing renewable energy integration and grid stability. By storing excess renewable energy in a scalable and efficient manner, these batteries support grid flexibility, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy system, mitigating climate change impacts.

Underlying
Technology

  • Liquid Electrolytes: Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes, typically containing metal ions, that are pumped through an electrochemical cell. The chemical energy stored in the electrolytes is converted into electricity during discharge and vice versa during charging.
  • Electrochemical Cell: The electrochemical cell consists of two electrodes separated by a membrane. The electrolytes flow through the cell, and the chemical reactions at the electrodes generate an electric current.
  • External Tanks: The electrolytes are stored in external tanks, allowing for independent scaling of energy capacity and power output. This makes flow batteries highly scalable and adaptable to different energy storage needs.
  • Pump and Flow System: A pump and flow system circulates the electrolytes through the electrochemical cell, ensuring efficient energy conversion.

TRL : 6-7


Prominent Innovation themes

  • New Electrolyte Chemistries: Researchers are developing new electrolyte chemistries with higher energy densities, improved stability, and lower costs. This includes exploring the use of organic molecules, redox-active polymers, and other materials as electrolytes.
  • Advanced Membrane Materials: Innovations in membrane materials are improving the selectivity and durability of membranes, enhancing battery performance and lifespan.
  • System Design and Optimization: Researchers and startups are developing innovative system designs for flow batteries, focusing on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing scalability.
  • Hybrid Flow Battery Systems: Hybrid flow battery systems combine different electrolyte chemistries to optimize performance and cost for specific applications.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Electrolyte Innovation
  • Membrane Advancements
  • Scalability Solutions
  • Pump and Flow System Optimization
  • Hybrid Electrolyte Systems
  • Advanced System Designs
  • Energy Density Enhancement
  • Stability Improvements
  • Durability Enhancement
  • Performance Optimization
  • Smart Grid Applications
  • Control Strategy Development
  • Redox-Active Polymer Research
  • Materials Innovation
  • Longevity Enhancement
  • Off-Grid Power Systems

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. ESS Inc.:
    • Technology Enhancement: ESS Inc. focuses on developing advanced flow battery systems for long-duration energy storage applications. Their flow batteries use a unique iron electrolyte chemistry that enables high efficiency, scalability, and long cycle life. These systems are designed for stationary energy storage, grid services, and renewable energy integration.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: ESS Inc. stands out for its iron flow battery technology, which offers several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and better performance in high-temperature environments. Their flow batteries provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for grid-scale energy storage and microgrid applications.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: ESS Inc. serves utilities, renewable energy developers, and commercial/industrial customers seeking reliable and long-duration energy storage solutions. Their flow batteries are deployed in grid stabilization projects, renewable energy integration, and off-grid applications, providing grid flexibility and resiliency.
  2. Invinity Energy Systems:
    • Technology Enhancement: Invinity Energy Systems specializes in vanadium flow battery technology for grid-scale energy storage and microgrid applications. Their flow batteries utilize vanadium electrolyte solutions, which offer high energy density, rapid response times, and long cycle life. These systems are designed for stationary energy storage and renewable energy integration.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Invinity Energy Systems stands out for its vanadium flow battery technology, which provides scalable and long-duration energy storage solutions suitable for a wide range of applications. Their flow batteries offer superior performance, reliability, and safety compared to other energy storage technologies, making them ideal for grid-scale deployments and remote/off-grid installations.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Invinity Energy Systems serves utilities, independent power producers (IPPs), and commercial/industrial customers seeking cost-effective and sustainable energy storage solutions. Their flow batteries are deployed in grid stabilization projects, renewable energy integration, and microgrid applications, providing grid resilience and flexibility.
  3. Primus Power:
    • Technology Enhancement: Primus Power specializes in zinc-bromine flow battery technology for grid-scale energy storage and microgrid applications. Their flow batteries utilize zinc-bromine chemistry, which offers high energy density, rapid response times, and long cycle life. These systems are designed for stationary energy storage, renewable energy integration, and grid stabilization.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Primus Power stands out for its zinc-bromine flow battery technology, which provides scalable and cost-effective energy storage solutions for utilities and grid operators. Their flow batteries offer superior performance, safety, and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of grid applications, including peak shaving, load shifting, and frequency regulation.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Primus Power serves utilities, renewable energy developers, and commercial/industrial customers seeking grid-scale energy storage solutions. Their flow batteries are deployed in utility-scale energy storage projects, microgrids, and off-grid applications, providing grid stability, renewable energy integration, and backup power capabilities.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Research Focus: MIT is at the forefront of research on Flow Batteries, focusing on developing advanced materials, electrochemical processes, and system designs for scalable and efficient energy storage solutions.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves exploring novel redox-active electrolytes, membrane materials, and electrode architectures to enhance energy density, cycling stability, and cost-effectiveness of flow battery systems. They also investigate flow cell configurations, flow control strategies, and system integration approaches to optimize performance and reliability in grid-scale energy storage applications.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in renewable energy integration, grid stabilization, and backup power systems. By advancing flow battery technology, MIT’s research contributes to enhancing grid resilience, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and enabling the widespread adoption of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
  2. Stanford University:
    • Research Focus: Stanford University conducts pioneering research on Flow Batteries, leveraging its expertise in electrochemistry, materials science, and energy storage systems to develop innovative solutions for addressing scalability, efficiency, and cost challenges in large-scale energy storage.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of redox-active organic molecules, metal complexes, and hybrid electrolytes for high-performance flow battery chemistries. They also explore flow cell design optimization, electrode engineering, and flow management strategies to enhance power density, cyclability, and energy efficiency in flow battery systems.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in microgrid resilience, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and long-duration energy storage. By pushing the boundaries of flow battery technology, Stanford’s research supports the transition to a sustainable energy future by enabling greater integration of renewable energy resources and enhancing grid reliability and stability.
  3. University of California, San Diego (UCSD):
    • Research Focus: UCSD is engaged in innovative research on Flow Batteries, leveraging its expertise in electrochemical engineering, system modeling, and grid integration to develop scalable and cost-effective energy storage solutions for diverse applications.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves exploring redox couples, ion-selective membranes, and flow cell architectures for improving energy efficiency, durability, and safety of flow battery systems. They also investigate novel flow battery chemistries, hybrid configurations, and electrode materials to address performance limitations and promote widespread adoption in both stationary and mobile applications.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in renewable energy dispatchability, peak shaving, and load leveling. By advancing flow battery technology, UCSD’s research contributes to enhancing grid stability, reducing electricity costs, and decarbonizing the energy sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Flow batteries are being implemented in commercial-scale projects around the world, primarily for grid-scale energy storage applications. For example, Invinity Energy Systems has deployed vanadium flow batteries in projects ranging from grid-scale energy storage to off-grid power systems.



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