Basic Technology Characteristics
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How it Works:
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Liquid anode (anolyte) and cathode (catholyte). Electrolytes flow through reaction cell and charge transfer occurs at a membrane. Vanadium-based chemistry is most mature, other chemistries being developed.
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Benefits:
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- Power (reactor size) decoupled from Energy (tank size)
- Limited impact of cycling on degradation
- Higher fire safety than lithium ion
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Challenges:
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- Lower energy density
- Potential environmental spill risk
- OK to poor efficiency observed to-date
- Added system complexity with pumps etc.
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Technology Variations:
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Vanadium Redox
Zinc Bromine
Coupled iron-chrome
Zinc/Chlorine
Organic
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Applications:
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Energy shifting for renewable integration, T&D deferral, potential for longer duration
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AC RTE Efficiency:
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50-75%
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Cycle Life:
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20 years, >100,000 cycles (claimed)
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Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
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8 - deployed (for Vanadium redox). Early deployment / continued R&D.
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Installed Capacity:
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~100 MW
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