A typical flow battery

consists of two tanks of

liquids which are pumped
past a membrane held
between two electrodes.
Flow battery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A flow battery is a type of rechargeable
battery where rechargeability is provided by
two chemical components dissolved in
liquids contained within the system and
separated by a membrane. Ion exchange
(providing flow of electrical current) occurs
through the membrane while both liquids
circulate in their own respective space. Cell
voltage is chemically determined by the
Nernst equation and ranges, in practical
applications, from 1.0 to 2.2 Volts.
A flow battery is technically akin both to a
fuel cell and an electrochemical accumulator
cell (electrochemical reversibility). While it
has technical advantages such as potentially
separable liquid tanks and near unlimited longevity over most conventional
rechargeables, current implementations are comparatively less powerful
and require more sophisticated electronics.
Contents
1 Construction principle
2 Classes of flow batteries
2.1 Redox
2.2 Hybrid
2.3 Membraneless
2.4 Organic
2.5 Metal hydride
3 Chemistries
4 Advantages and disadvantages
5 Applications
6 See also
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7 References
8 External links
Construction principle
A flow battery is a rechargeable fuel cell in which an electrolyte containing
one or more dissolved electroactive elements flow through an
electrochemical cell that reversibly converts chemical energy directly to
electricity (electroactive elements are "elements in solution that can take
part in an electrode reaction or that can be adsorbed on the electrode"
[1]
).
Additional electrolyte is stored externally, generally in tanks, and is usually
pumped through the cell (or cells) of the reactor, although gravity feed
systems are also known.
[2]
Flow batteries can be rapidly "recharged" by
replacing the electrolyte liquid (in a similar way to refilling fuel tanks for
internal combustion engines) while simultaneously recovering the spent
material for re-energization.
In other words, a flow battery is just like an electrochemical cell, with the
exception that the ionic solution (electrolyte) is not stored in the cell around
the electrodes. Rather, the ionic solution is stored outside of the cell, and
can be fed into the cell in order to generate electricity. The total amount of
electricity that can be generated depends on the size of the storage tanks.
Classes of flow batteries
Different classes of flow cells (batteries) have been developed, including
redox, hybrid and membraneless. The fundamental difference between
conventional batteries and flow cells is that energy is stored as the electrode
material in conventional batteries but as the electrolyte in flow cells.
Redox
The redox (reduction-oxidation) cell is a reversible fuel cell in which all
electrochemical components are dissolved in the electrolyte. The energy
capacity of the redox flow battery is fully independent of its power, because
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the energy available is related to the electrolyte volume (amount of liquid
electrolyte) and the power to the surface area of the electrodes. Redox flow
batteries are rechargeable (secondary cells).
[3]
Because they employ
heterogeneous electron transfer rather than solid-state diffusion or
intercalation they are more appropriately called fuel cells than batteries. In
industrial practice, fuel cells are usually, and unnecessarily, considered to
be primary cells, such as the H
2
/O
2
system. The unitized regenerative fuel
cell on NASA's Helios Prototype is another reversible fuel cell. The
European Patent Organisation classifies redox flow cells (H01M8/18C4) as
a sub-class of regenerative fuel cells (H01M8/18). Examples of redox flow
batteries are the vanadium redox flow battery, polysulfide bromide battery
(Regenesys), and uranium redox flow battery.
[4]
Redox fuel cells are less
common commercially although many systems have been proposed.
[5][6][7]
[8]
Hybrid
The hybrid flow battery uses one or more electroactive components
deposited as a solid layer.
[9]
In this case, the electrochemical cell contains
one battery electrode and one fuel cell electrode. This type is limited in
energy by the surface area of the electrode.
Hybrid flow batteries include the zinc-bromine, zinc-cerium
[10]
and lead-
acid flow batteries.
Membraneless
This battery employs a phenomenon called laminar flow in which two
liquids are pumped through a channel. They undergo electrochemical
reactions to store or release energy. The solutions stream through in
parallel, with little mixing. The flow naturally separates the liquids,
eliminating the need for a membrane.
[11]
Membranes are often the most costly component and the most unreliable
components of batteries, as they can corrode with repeated exposure to
certain reactants. The absence of a membrane enabled the use of a liquid
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bromine solution and hydrogen. This combination is problematic when
membranes are used, because they form hydrobromic acid that can destroy
the membrane. Both materials are available at low cost.
[12]
The design uses a small channel between two electrodes. Liquid bromine
flows through the channel over a graphite cathode and hydrobromic acid
flows under a porous anode. At the same time, hydrogen gas flows across
the anode. The chemical reaction can be reversed to recharge the batterya
first for any membraneless design.
[13]
One such membraneless flow battery published in August 2013 produced a
maximum power density of 7,950 W/m
2
, three times as much power as
other membraneless systemsand an order of magnitude higher than
lithium-ion batteries.
[14]
Organic
In 2013 researchers announced the use of 9,10-anthraquinone-2,7-
disulphonic acid (AQDS), a quinone, as a charge carrier in metal-free flow
batteries. Each of the carbon-based molecules holds two units of electrical
charge, compared with one unit in conventional batteries, implying that a
battery could store twice as much energy in a given volume.
[15]
AQDS
undergoes rapid, reversible two-electron/two-proton reduction on a glassy
carbon electrode in sulphuric acid. An aqueous flow battery with
inexpensive carbon electrodes, combining the quinone/hydroquinone
couple with the Br
2
/Br

redox couple, yields a peak galvanic power density

exceeding 6,000 W/m
2
at 13,000 A/m
2
. Cycling showed >99 per cent
storage capacity retention per cycle. Volumetric energy density was over
50 Wh/l and specific energy density over 50 Wh/kg.
[16]
The organic
anthraquinone species can be synthesized from inexpensive commodity
chemicals. This organic approach permits tuning of the reduction potential
and solubility by adding functional groups. Adding two hydroxy groups to
AQDS increases the open circuit potential of the cell by 11%.
[17]
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Metal hydride
Proton flow batteries integrate a metal hydride storage electrode into a
reversible proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. During charging,
PFB combines hydrogen ions produced from splitting water with electrons
and metal particles in one electrode of a fuel cell. The energy is stored in
the form a solid-state metal hydride. Discharge produces electricity and
water when the process is reversed and the protons are combined with
ambient oxygen. Metals less expensive than lithium can be used and
provide greater energy density than lithium cells.
[18][19]
Chemistries
Source^
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Couple
Max. cell
voltage
(V)
Average
electrode
power density
(W/m
2
)
Average fluid
energy density
(Wh/kg)
Bromine-hydrogen 7,950
Iron-tin 0.62 <200
Iron-titanium 0.43 <200
Iron-chrome 1.07 <200
Vanadium-vanadium
(sulphate)
1.4 ~800 25
Vanadium-vanadium
(bromide)
50
Sodium/bromine
polysulfide
1.54 ~800
Zinc-bromine 1.85 ~1,000 75
Lead-acid
(methanesulfonate)
1.82 ~1,000
Zinc-cerium
(methanesulfonate)
2.43 <1,2002,500
Advantages and disadvantages
Redox flow batteries, and to a lesser extent hybrid flow batteries, have the
advantages of flexible layout (due to separation of the power and energy
components), long cycle life (because there are no solid-solid phase
transitions), quick response times, no need for "equalisation" charging (the
over charging of a battery to ensure all cells have an equal charge) and no
harmful emissions. Some types also offer easy state-of-charge
determination (through voltage dependence on charge), low maintenance
and tolerance to overcharge/overdischarge.
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On the negative side, flow batteries are rather complicated in comparison
with standard batteries as they may require pumps, sensors, control units
and secondary containment vessels. The energy densities vary considerably
but are, in general, rather low compared to portable batteries, such as the Li
-ion.
Applications
Flow batteries are normally considered for relatively large (1 kWh
10 MWh) stationary applications. These are for
Load balancing - where the battery is connected to an electrical grid to
store excess electrical power during off-peak hours and release
electrical power during peak demand periods.
Storing energy from renewable sources such as wind or solar for
discharge during periods of peak demand.
[20]
Peak shaving, where spikes of demand are met by the battery.
[21]
UPS, where the battery is used if the main power fails to provide an
uninterrupted supply.
Power conversion - because all cells share the same electrolyte/s.
Therefore, the electrolyte/s may be charged using a given number of
cells and discharged with a different number. Because the voltage of
the battery is proportional to the number of cells used the battery can
therefore act as a very powerful DC/DC converter. In addition, if the
number of cells is continuously changed (on the input and/or output
side) power conversion can also be AC/DC, AC/AC, or DC/AC with
the frequency limited by that of the switching gear.
[22]
Electric vehicles - Because flow batteries can be rapidly "recharged"
by replacing the electrolyte, they can be used for applications where
the vehicle needs to take on energy as fast as a combustion engined
vehicle.
[23][1]
Stand-alone power system - An example of this is the telecom industry
for use in cellphone base stations where there is no grid power
available. The battery can be used alongside solar or wind power
sources to compensate for their fluctuating power levels and alongside
a generator to make the most efficient use of it to save fuel.
[24][25]
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See also
Glossary of fuel cell terms
Hydrogen technologies
Load balancing
Polysulfide bromide battery
Redox electrode
Vanadium redox flow battery
Zinc-cerium hybrid flow battery
Zinc-bromine hybrid flow battery
Hydrogen bromine battery
References
1. ^ Science-Dictionary.org. "Electroactive Substance (http://chemistry.science-
dictionary.org/Electrochemistry-Dictionary/electroactive_substance%
7Cpublisher=Science-Dictionary.org)" 14 May 2013.
2. ^ T. Fujii, T. Hirose, and N. Kondou, in JP patent 55096569
(http://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=JP55096569)
(1979), to Meidensha Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd.
3. ^ Bartolozzi, M. (1989). "Development of redox flow batteries. A historical
bibliography". ournal of P ower Sources 27 (3): 219234. doi:10.1016/0378-
7753(89)80037-0 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2F0378-7753%2889%2980037-
0).
4. ^ Linden, D.; Reddy, T.B. (2002). Handbook of Batteries (Eds.). McGraw-
Hill.
5. ^ L. H. Cutler, in US Patent 3607420 (1969), to E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Co.
6. ^ Shiokawa, Y.; Yamana, H.; Moriyama, H. (2000). "An Application of
Actinide Elements for a Redox Flow Battery". ournal of N uclear Science and
T echnology 37 (3): 253. doi:10.1080/18811248.2000.9714891
(http://dx.doi.org/10.1080%2F18811248.2000.9714891).
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7. ^ Leung, P. K.; Ponce-De-Len, C.; Low, C. T. J.; Shah, A. A.; Walsh, F. C.
(2011). "Characterization of a zinccerium flow battery". ournal of P ower
Sources 196 (11): 5174. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2011.01.095
(http://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jpowsour.2011.01.095).
8. ^ W. Borchers, in US patent 567959 (http://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?
DB=EPODOC&IDX=US567959) (1894)
9. ^ W. Nernst, in DE patent 264026 (http://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?
DB=EPODOC&IDX=DE264026) (1912)
10. ^ R. M. Keefer, in US patent 3682704
(http://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US3682704)
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11. ^ Kummer, J. T.; Oei, D. -G. (1985). "A chemically regenerative redox fuel
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03043170 (http://worldwide.espacenet.com/textdoc?
DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO03043170) (2001), to Squirrel Holdings Ltd.
14. ^ Talk by John Davis of Deeya energy about their flow battery's use in the
telecomms industry (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbLRKN3srUs) on
YouTube
15. ^ "New rechargeable flow battery enables cheaper, large-scale energy
storage" (http://www.kurzweilai.net/new-rechargeable-flow-battery-enables-
cheaper-large-scale-energy-storage). KurzweilAI. doi:10.1038/ncomms3346
(http://dx.doi.org/10.1038%2Fncomms3346). Retrieved 2013-08-20.
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battery; potential breakthrough for low-cost grid-scale
storage" (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2014/01/20140111-qbfb.html). 11
January 2014.
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17. ^ Braff, W. A.; Bazant, M. Z.; Buie, C. R. (2013). "Membrane-less hydrogen
bromine flow battery". ature C ommunications 4. doi:10.1038/ncomms3346
(http://dx.doi.org/10.1038%2Fncomms3346).
18. ^ Performance Testing of Zinc-Bromine Flow Batteries for Remote Telecom
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19. ^ Huskinson, B.; Marshak, M. P.; Suh, C.; Er, S. L.; Gerhardt, M. R.; Galvin,
C. J.; Chen, X.; Aspuru-Guzik, A. N.; Gordon, R. G.; Aziz, M. J. (2014). "A
metal-free organicinorganic aqueous flow battery". ature 505 (7482): 195
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20. ^ "From Harvard, a Cheaper Storage
Battery" (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/business/energy-
environment/from-harvard-a-cheaper-storage-battery.html). New York Times.
January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
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Vanadium Redox Flow
Technology" (http://www.poweringnow.com/applications/electric-vehicles).
R D T E nergy Storage.
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Energy" (http://www.redtenergy.com/applications/renewable-energy).
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power" (http://www.gizmag.com/proton-flow-battery-hydrogen-electricity-
rmit/30818). Gizmag.com. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
24. ^ Andrews, J.; Seif Mohammadi, S. (2014). "Towards a 'proton flow battery':
Investigation of a reversible PEM fuel cell with integrated metal-hydride
hydrogen storage". International ournal of H ydrogen E nergy 39 (4): 1740.
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2Fj.ijhydene.2013.11.010).
1. ^ nanoFLOWCELL-powered Quant e-Limo approved for german road trials,
By Antony Ingram, Published July 18, 2014, High Gear Media
10 / 11 Flow battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2014/7/29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_battery
(http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/07/18/nanoflowcell-powered-quant-e-
limo-approved-for-german-road-trials/?intcmp=obnetwork)
External links
Electropaedia on Flow Batteries
(http://www.mpoweruk.com/flow.htm)
Research on the uranium redox flow battery (http://www.imr-
oarai.jp/en/research/research4-5.html)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Flow_battery&oldid=618279597"
Categories: Fuel cells Battery types Energy
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