Will vanadium redox flow battery technology Lift Off?

Vanadium redox flow batteries have shown plenty of promise over the past few years and delivered very little, however, big developments in China plus a perceived shortage of battery metals may be the spark this battery technology needs to lift off.

What is a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB)?

For a quick summary, vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) are used in large scale, battery storage systems that store excess power from the grid for use during peak demand periods.

What is a redox flow battery?

Although there are many different flow battery chemistries, vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are the most widely deployed type of flow battery because of decades of research, development, and testing. VRFBs use electrolyte solutions with vanadium ions in four different oxidation states to carry charge as Figure 2 shows.

Can redox flow batteries support grid integration?

Energy storage systems are used to regulate this power supply, and Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) have been proposed as one such method to support grid integration. Image Credit: luchschenF/Shutterstock.com VRFBs include an electrolyte, membrane, bipolar plate, collector plate, pumps, storage tanks, and electrodes.

Will flow battery suppliers compete with metal alloy production to secure vanadium supply?

Traditionally, much of the global vanadium supply has been used to strengthen metal alloys such as steel. Because this vanadium application is still the leading driver for its production, it’s possible that flow battery suppliers will also have to compete with metal alloy production to secure vanadium supply.

Are flow batteries based on vanadium electrolyte the main event?

The question of whether flow batteries based on vanadium electrolyte are the main event is even more complex. As it stands, China is leading the charge in the vanadium redox flow battery space where a hot bed of activity is taking place.