Modeling and Simulation of Flow Batteries

Abstract

Flow batteries have received extensive recognition for large‐scale energy storage such as connection to the electricity grid, due to their intriguing features and advantages including their simple structure and principles, long operation life, fast response, and inbuilt safety. Market penetration of this technology, however, is still hindered by some critical issues such as electroactive species crossover and its corresponding capacity loss, undesirable side reactions, scale‐up and optimization of structural geometries at different scales, and battery operating conditions. Overcoming these remaining challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated structural design parameters and the multivariable operations within the battery system. Numerical modeling and simulation are effective tools not only for gaining an understanding of the underlying mechanisms at different spatial and time scales of flow batteries but also for cost‐effective optimization of reaction interfaces, battery components, and the entire system. Here, the research and development progress in modeling and simulation of flow batteries is presented. In addition to the most studied all‐vanadium redox flow batteries, the modelling and simulation efforts made for other types of flow battery are also discussed. Finally, perspectives for future directions on model development for flow batteries, particularly for the ones with limited model‐based studies are highlighted.

An Extensive Study and Analysis of System Modeling and Interfacing of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

“…f ¼ 64 R e , R e < 2000 (12) In Equation 12, when the Reynolds number is maintained at ðR e < 2000), the friction factor ( f ) is determined for laminar flow and f ¼ 0.316R À0.25 e , 4000 < R e < 10000 (13) In Equation 13, when the Reynolds number is maintained at (4000 < R e < 10 000), the friction factor ( f ) is determined for turbulent flow. Once the total pressure drop is calculated, the hydraulic power required by the pumps is given by Equation (14)…”

“…In addition to this, the VRFB has the unique feature of having the longest cycle life (>20 000), which is close to the life of a solar PV power plant. [ 13 ] Also, vanadium is environmentally friendly and does not produce any toxic gases or flammable substances. [ 13 ] For the past three decades, researchers all over the world have emphasized their research and developmental work on all‐vanadium RFBs, in comparison to other RFB technology, only because of the aforementioned advantages, focusing on the improvement of the electrode material, cost‐effective membrane materials, electrolyte preparation, and energy efficiency (EE).…”

“…[ 13 ] Also, vanadium is environmentally friendly and does not produce any toxic gases or flammable substances. [ 13 ] For the past three decades, researchers all over the world have emphasized their research and developmental work on all‐vanadium RFBs, in comparison to other RFB technology, only because of the aforementioned advantages, focusing on the improvement of the electrode material, cost‐effective membrane materials, electrolyte preparation, and energy efficiency (EE). Apart from the aforementioned merits of the VRFB, it has some shortcomings as well, including a relatively poor energy‐to‐volume ratio in comparison to the other standard storage batteries, and the volume of aqueous electrolyte makes the VRFB heavy and bulky; therefore, it is suitable mostly for stationary applications.…”

Research and analysis of performance improvement of vanadium redox flow battery in microgrid: A technology review

“…10,11 Based on the continuous emergence and development of new RFB-ESS based on new concepts, new materials, and new technologies, energy storage technology is developing in the direction of large-scale, safe, efficient, long-life, low-cost, and pollution-free, eliminating the above most of the disadvantages of energy storage. 12,13 Literature 14 pointed out that the RFB is compared with other electrochemical batteries. The electrolyte for storing electric energy and the charging and discharging stack are set independently, which increases the flexibility, stability, and durability of the RFB.…”

Optimal location and operation of battery energy storage system in the distribution system for reducing energy cost in 24‐hour period

“…The EES can bring benefits such as power quality improvement, 5 exploitation of renewable energy, 6 time change of energy use, 7 power generation planning, 8 load leveling, 9 expanding grid, 10 reducing power generation costs, maximizing profitability, 11 and improving reliability 12 . There are many technologies about EES such as pumped hydro, 13 batteries, 14 flow batteries, 15 super capacitors, 16 fuel cells, 17 flywheels, 18 compressed air energy storage, 19 and superconducting magnetic energy storage 20 . The battery energy storage system (BESS) is one of the most used technologies on EDS with priority points such as fast response, testability, and independence 21 .…”