What is redox flow battery?
Redox batteries (RFB) are one of the classes of electrochemical devices that store energy. The name redox refers to chemical reduction. RFB uses oxidation to store energy in liquid electrolyte solutions, which causes them to flow through electrical cells during discharging and charging.
The electron is released as a result of the oxidation reaction. It happens during each discharge cycle. Then the electron passes through the outer circumference and is reduced. It is worth remembering that when charging, the direction of the current is reversed.
How does flow battery technology works? What determines the electricity produced by the battery? First of all, it determines the number of atoms and active molecules. The voltage generated by the RFB battery system is specific to the chemicals involved in the reactions and the number of cells connected in series. The power delivered by the RFB is the product of the total current and the full voltage generated in the electrochemical cells. The amount of energy stored in the RFB is determined by the total amount of active chemicals available in the system’s volume of electrolyte.
What are redox flow batteries used for?
Since 2000, the number of scientific publications and commercial activities of RFB redox flow batteries has been steadily increasing. There are many possible combinations for creating new types of RFB flow batteries. By 2015, there were approximately 78 different types of RFBs flow batteries, but only a few could be used commercially.
RFB redox flow batteries are an idea that was ahead of its time. However, with the significant increase in renewable energy over the past 15 years, the need for better energy storage solutions has increased. Currently, lithium-ion batteries lead to several different problems: social (cobalt mining in Congo), hazards (fire), recycling (environmental aspects) of many hazardous substances (cobalt, nickel, organic electrolytes). This battery type do not seem to be sustainable and green technology.
The demand for stationary energy storage and electric mobility is growing every year. The great advantage of RFB flow batteries is the significant cost reduction that has taken place over the last ten years. As the number of RFBs flow batteries increases and production is optimized towards mass production, it will be possible to reduce costs even further. Thanks to this, flow batteries have a chance to become the leading technology in the storage of renewable electricity.
Are flow batteries the future of energy storage?
Will flow batteries become the leading solution for energy storage in the future? These batteries’ numerous advantages can make the flow batteries even more popular in energy management in the coming years. Essential benefits of flow batteries include:
Long service life: this is one of the most significant advantages of flow battery systems. Flow battery allow for a large number of complete cycles of both charging and discharging. Importantly, electrons do not undergo any physical changes to be freely upgraded for catalytic and electrical properties. Besides, convective cooling of the electrodes supported by the pumped electrolyte helps in managing and distributing heat.
No standby losses: flow batteries are the ideal solution for devices with long periods of disuse. The flow-through battery will not discharge because the charge-carrying electrolyte is stored in separate reservoirs.
Low maintenance costs: the flow batteries are incredibly ergonomic. One electrolyte is used for all cells, ensuring that the battery is charged uniformly.
Environmentally friendly: flow battery waste can be reused. Additionally, electrolytes are not very toxic.
Charging method: fluctuating power demand, charging, and discharging rates do not affect the operation of redox flow batteries. Therefore, flow battery systems are the right solution for complex energy management systems.