Vanadium Redox Flow Technology uses the unique chemical qualities of Vanadium, a metal found commonly with magnetite, to store large amounts of energy generated by renewable sources such as solar and wind.
The process works by converting vanadium peroxide into an electrolyte solution. The module itself consists of two tanks with a positive electrolyte solution pumped from a tank on one side at the same time as a negative solution supplied from a tank on the other side. The solutions flow to one or more electrochemical cell stacks situated between the two sides. A charge controller and inverter then manage the storage and release of electricity.
Vanadium Redox Flow Modules differ from lithium batteries, where the charge is stored in the battery unit itself. Lithium batteries are therefore lighter and more suitable for powering electric vehicles or mobile devices.
Conversely, while heavier, Vanadium Redox Flow Modules can hold much larger amounts of energy, are more chemically stable (making them noncombustible) and allow much longer periods of battery life – 20 years plus. They can also charge and discharge at the same time.
This makes them ideal for industrial-sized applications and for energy firming for electricity grids where the inconsistent availability of renewables due to changes in weather conditions can result in system instability.
The idea of a “flow” module dates back to the 1970s and technology developed by NASA using chemicals such as Zinc Bromide. The use of Vanadium to produce an electrolyte solution resulted from ground-breaking research at the University of New South Wales in the 1980s.
Since then, ongoing research has refined the technology to the point where it is now feasible to provide cost-effectively for commercial use.
