This paper describes the results of a performance review of a 10 kW/100 kWh commercial VFB system that has been commissioned and in operation for more than a decade. The evaluation focused on the system efficiencies, useable capacity, electrolyte stability and stack degradation.
What is a vanadium flow battery?
The vanadium flow battery (VFB) can make a significant contribution to energy system transformation, as this type of battery is very well suited for stationary energy storage on an industrial scale (Arenas et al., 2017 ). The concept of the VFB allows conver electrical energy into chemical energy at high efficiencies.
Does the vanadium flow battery leak?
It is worth noting that no leakages have been observed since commissioned. The system shows stable performance and very little capacity loss over the past 12 years, which proves the stability of the vanadium electrolyte and that the vanadium flow battery can have a very long cycle life.
Does reprocessed vanadium electrolyte reduce emissions?
The influence of the foundation is marginal compared to the electrolyte. In the 10 considered impact indicators, this leads to a reduction of emission between 0.97% (ODP) and 91.8% (AP). On average, a VFB using reprocessed vanadium electrolyte instead of primary electrolyte has only 53% of potential environmental impacts.
When was vanadium first used?
It was first proposed and demonstrated by Skyllas-Kazacos and co-workers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the early 1980s , . Using vanadium as a single electroactive element in both half-cell electrolytes eliminates the issue of cross-contamination due to ion movement across the membrane.
What is the difference between vanadium slag and steel?
Up to the “soft-blowing” step, all necessary processes for the production of vanadium and steel are identical. Starting with the resulting vanadium slag all emissions can be fully attributed to the V 2 O 5. For the production of 1 kg of V 2 O 5 62.58 kg of steel are produced.
What is CO2 eq in steel & vanadium pentoxide production?
The CO 2 eq caused in the production of steel and vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5) from raw material extraction to the finished 1 kg of V 2 O 5 with a purity of 97.5 wt%. On the basis of the manufacturing steps, the allocation of emissions and the designation of the system boundaries become clear.