The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery System

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The VRB-ESS  is a device that is capable of storing energy in multi megawatt ranges  for durations that range from hours to days, from any available input source such as Grid, Renewable resources or even from a diesel generator. The stored energy can then be provided back into the Grid or supplied to a load as required & directed. It is uniquely capable of being charged as quickly as it was discharged. This seminar presents the various features & applications of the VRB and discusses its future in the coming years.

The vanadium redox flow battery system has undergone optimization and the manufacture of various components have been streamlined and designed to meet the needs for full scale commercial production. With high energy efficiencies of over 80% and a cycle life of greater than 16,000 cycles, the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery that was pioneered at the University of New South Wales has been shown to be superior to any other battery system currently available.

Commercial installations have already been completed in several parts of the world for a range of stationary applications and full-scale manufacture has begun in Japan.A new 250 kW/2 MWh VRB installation for the USA has been recently installed by Pinnacle. The installation, which is modular and relocatable in design, will be used by PacifiCorp to supply peak power capacity (charging in the off-peak hours) and provide end of line voltage support (supplying up to 250 kVAR of reactive power) in a remote area in southeastern Utah.

The stored energy and voltage support available through this VRB unit will allow PacifiCorp to maintain reliable electric service in the area while deferring the need to build a new substation. Because the unit will be portable, it can be moved to another location as needed in the future. The vanadium redox flow battery system has demonstrated an ability to be applied in various energy storage applications. As the development continues more applications will reveal its full versatility and potential. .