Flow Batteries: Separating Power from Energy
Discover how flow batteries decouple energy storage capacity from power delivery, enabling scalable, long-duration energy storage solutions for the grid
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Section 4 of 5The Flow Battery Advantage
Unlike conventional batteries where energy and power are coupled, flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes that flow through a cell stack. This architecture allows independent scaling of energy capacity and power output, making them ideal for grid-scale applications requiring long duration storage.
Electrolyte Flow Simulator
Experience how flow batteries work by controlling electrolyte flow through the system. Select different chemistries, adjust flow rates, and observe how power output changes with different operating conditions.
Select Flow Battery Chemistry
Electrolyte Flow Simulator
Vanadium Redox Flow
Uses vanadium in different oxidation states for both electrodes
Flow Battery Performance Matrix
| Chemistry | Power Density | Energy Density | Efficiency | Cost ($/kWh) | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanadium Redox Flow | 50 W/L | 25 Wh/L | 85% | 300 | Commercial today |
| Zinc-Bromine Flow | 60 W/L | 70 Wh/L | 75% | 200 | Pilot scale |
| Iron-Chromium Flow | 30 W/L | 15 Wh/L | 70% | 150 | Research stage |
| Organic Flow | 40 W/L | 30 Wh/L | 80% | 250 | Lab scale |
| Hydrogen-Bromine | 80 W/L | 40 Wh/L | 90% | 350 | Demonstration |
Flow Battery Applications
Grid Storage
Long-duration energy storage for renewable integration
Peak Shaving
Load leveling and demand response
Backup Power
Uninterruptible power supply for critical loads
Flow vs Conventional Batteries
Independent Scaling
Energy and power scale separately
Long Duration
Hours to days of storage capacity
Deep Cycling
100% depth of discharge capability
High Energy Density
Limited by electrolyte tank size
Market Opportunities
Solar + Storage
Store excess solar generation for evening/night use
Grid Stabilization
Frequency regulation and peak demand management
Industrial Microgrids
Isolated power systems for remote facilities
Flow Batteries Explored!
Flow batteries offer unique advantages for long-duration storage with their decoupled energy and power architecture. Now let's summarize the key takeaways from emerging storage technologies.