Flow battery energy storage cost analysis

Why do we need a fact-based techno-economic analysis for flow batteries?

Since there is a lack of capital cost data available for flow batteries under the same criteria and assumptions, a fact-based techno-economic analysis is evaluated based on real systems to facilitate the explorations of more competitive systems.

What are flow batteries?

Flow batteries, of which the energy and power can be designed independently, combine excellent traits of great safety, high efficiency, and durable cycle life, becoming a promising candidate for the back power of renewable energy sources , , .

Why are flow batteries rated based on stack size?

Since other batteries have a fixed energy to power ( E / P) ratio, the architecture of flow batteries enables energy and power to be decoupled, which can be adjusted with the amount of the electrolytes and the sizes of the total electrode areas, hence the power rating is based on the stack size or number.

How much does a flow battery cost?

Following these two items, it can be determined that the cost is $0.014/kWh for 2020 and $0.013/kWh for 2030 for the RFB system. Typical flow batteries are composed of two tanks of electrolyte solution, one for the cathode and the other for the anode.

How to reduce the cost of flow batteries?

For further cost reductions of these systems, the performances of the existing flow batteries need to be further improved in terms of usable active species concentrations, discharge voltages, number of electron-transfers and active material costs.

Can flow batteries be used for long-duration energy storage?

Development of inexpensive long-duration energy storage supports widespread deployment of variable renewable energy resources onto the electricity grid. Flow batteries are a promising class of devices for long-duration energy storage.