Redox flow – third generation

Alternative for small-scale electricity storage

Several technologies for local, small-scale storage systems are currently available and being developed. For systems over 100 MW(h) only pumped storage and compressed air energy storage (CEAS) are a valuable option. These systems have a great geographical impact.

For small-scale electricity storage, the Redox Flow battery is an interesting alternative. The present Redox Flow generation for the storage of electricity needs two large vessels with an electrolyte in an acid environment. Together with all controls and auxiliary equipment, investment costs for such an 'All Vanadium' system are about 100 EUR/kWh. Objectives The objectives for this project are to enable oxygen from the air to act as a reactor for the electrolyte and to develop membranes which can be simple and cost-effective when produced on a large scale. This third generation Redox Flow system halves the cost to about € 50 kWh. T

The project phases are defined as:
• Market survey
• Membrane development
• Development of the electrode and catalyst
• Development of a 'Membrane Electrode Assembly'
• Integration of the separately developed components into one operational system
• Management, communication and knowledge securing.

Benefits
Through the application of electricity storage systems it is possible to integrate more small-scale, sustainable generation units in the distribution network without a decrease in the quality of electricity. The dependency of sustainable energy sources like wind and sun decreases it to a negligible level.

Project coordinator
KEMA, Arnhem, the Netherlands

Duration
November 2006 – October 2010

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