Liquid Flow Battery Energy Storage System Project

Can iron-based aqueous flow batteries be used for grid energy storage?

A new iron-based aqueous flow battery shows promise for grid energy storage applications. A commonplace chemical used in water treatment facilities has been repurposed for large-scale energy storage in a new battery design by researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Can flow batteries be used for large-scale electricity storage?

Associate Professor Fikile Brushett (left) and Kara Rodby PhD ’22 have demonstrated a modeling framework that can help speed the development of flow batteries for large-scale, long-duration electricity storage on the future grid. Brushett photo: Lillie Paquette. Rodby photo: Mira Whiting Photography

What is a Technology Strategy assessment on flow batteries?

This technology strategy assessment on flow batteries, released as part of the Long-Duration Storage Shot, contains the findings from the Storage Innovations (SI) 2030 strategic initiative.

Are flow batteries a viable alternative to lithium-ion storage systems?

High-tech membranes, pumps and seals, variable frequency drives, and advanced software and control systems have brought greater eficiencies at lower expense, making flow batteries a feasible alternative to lithium-ion storage systems. Each flow battery includes four fuel stacks in which the energy generation from the ion exchange takes place.

How can MIT help develop flow batteries?

A modeling framework developed at MIT can help speed the development of flow batteries for large-scale, long-duration electricity storage on the future grid.

What is a redox flow battery?

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) or flow batteries (FBs)—the two names are interchangeable in most cases—are an innovative technology that offers a bidirectional energy storage system by using redox active energy carriers dissolved in liquid electrolytes.