Redox Flow Batteries: Recent Development in Main Components, Emerging Technologies, Diagnostic Techniques, Large-Scale Applications, and Challenges and Barriers

Abstract

Redox flow batteries represent a captivating class of electrochemical energy systems that are gaining prominence in large-scale storage applications. These batteries offer remarkable scalability, flexible operation, extended cycling life, and moderate maintenance costs. The fundamental operation and structure of these batteries revolve around the flow of an electrolyte, which facilitates energy conversion and storage. Notably, the power and energy capacities can be independently designed, allowing for the conversion of chemical energy from input fuel into electricity at working electrodes, resembling the functioning of fuel cells. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the components, advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of redox flow batteries (RFBs). Moreover, it explores various diagnostic techniques employed in analyzing flow batteries. The discussion encompasses the utilization of RFBs for large-scale energy storage applications and summarizes the engineering design aspects related to these batteries. Additionally, this study delves into emerging technologies, applications, and challenges in the realm of redox flow batteries.

Study of 10 kW Vanadium Flow Battery Discharge Characteristics at Different Load Powers

“…Flow batteries are actively developing as electrical energy storage media to be used in power systems with distributed generation [1], as well as batteries in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems [2]. Nowadays, vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) are the most commercially mature technology [3], despite the fact that other types of flow batteries are the subject of widespread interest [4], for example, zinc-bromine flow batteries or organic flow batteries, which are already underway [5].…”

Optimizing Performance of Hybrid Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems through Effective Control: A Comprehensive Review

“…Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming essential for the widespread integration of renewable energy sources into power generation, maintaining the security of the electrical grid, and easing the energy system's transition to a more environmentally friendly state because it is a significant resource for flexibility and regulation. Within a variety of DC or AC power sectors, ESSs can offer convenient ways to boost productivity, longevity, and quality [8,9].…”

Voltage and Overpotential Prediction of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries with Artificial Neural Networks

“…The development of large-scale energy storage systems is vital for this integration and maximising the use of renewable resources while maintaining the stability of the electric grid. Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have become one of the front-runners among the several available choices [3][4][5][6]. They are distinguished by the separation of the energy storage capacity from the power output, because RFBs store energy in chemical solutions contained in external tanks, allowing the capacity to be scaled independently of the power density [7,8].…”

“…This sets them apart from other RFB technologies, such as zinc-based chemistries, which present hydrogen evolution in charging, dendrite formation, and uneven metal deposition, which then lead to cell failure [3,18,19]. Organic-based RFBs have gained attention for their use of abundant, non-expensive organic compounds, but they still face challenges arising from cycling stability and reactant decomposition [6,20,21]. A more in-depth investigation is imperative to consolidate this technology for future scalability and commercial implementation.…”