As the world moves towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the need for reliable energy storage becomes increasingly important. One promising solution is using flow batteries, which can store large amounts of energy for long periods, offering cost and longevity advantages. However, while flow batteries offer flexibility in adjusting capacity and power separately, they also pose challenges related to electrolyte degradation, crossover, and high capital costs.
The most popular flow battery design features vanadium in different oxidation states on each side of the battery. Vanadium is attractive due to its ability to withstand degradation and prevent cross-contamination of the electrolytes. However, the supply chain for vanadium is unreliable, leading to high and volatile prices that hinder widespread deployment.
Researchers are exploring alternative chemistries for flow batteries that use materials that are more abundant and less expensive than vanadium, such as organic molecules or other metals like iron or manganese. However, finding alternatives is not easy, as other chemistries may offer lower initial capital costs but may be more expensive to operate over time, requiring periodic servicing to rejuvenate or replace electrolytes.
To evaluate the feasibility of new energy technologies like flow batteries, researchers have developed a framework for assessing the levelized cost of storage over the system’s lifetime. The framework considers the capital and operating costs and provides general guidance for pursuing different options. However, comparing the economics of different options remains challenging due to the complexity of the electrochemical system, where adjusting one component can affect others.
Researchers emphasize the importance of finding grid-scale, long-duration energy storage solutions to combat climate change. They suggest that there are several chemistries currently being researched, but there is a need to focus on solutions that can compete with vanadium and be deployed and operated long-term. Advances in one type of flow battery chemistry can be applied to others, helping to prepare the technology for grid-scale storage in the future.
Flow batteries offer promising energy storage solutions for renewable energy sources like solar and wind. However, challenges related to electrolyte degradation, crossover, and high capital costs must be addressed to enable widespread deployment. Research into alternative chemistries, techno-economic modelling, and long-term operation and remediation is crucial to determine where to focus research and development investments. Finding grid-scale, long-duration energy storage solutions is essential to combat climate change and transition towards a sustainable future.
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