Flow batteries are not all made from the same materials. The basic principles are similar, but there are different chemicals in the electrolytes. This results in several different flow battery types.
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries Are Best Known
We hear most about vanadium redox flow batteries nowadays. They use dissolved vanadium in their liquid electrolytes. One important advantage is that the same element is used on both sides of the battery.
This helps prevent certain problems that may occur when different chemicals cross the membrane. Vanadium flow batteries are particularly well suited to large stationary energy storage systems.
Zinc-Bromine Flow Systems Are Second On Our List
zinc-bromine flow batteries are the second of our different types of flow batteries. They use zinc and bromine compounds in their electrolytes. Zinc deposits and leaves an electrode during charging and discharging.
Zinc-bromine batteries can store considerable amounts of energy and suit large-scale storage applications.
There’s Growing Interest In Iron-Based Flow Batteries.
Iron-based flow batteries use iron compounds because iron is relatively common and inexpensive. Iron-based systems are attracting interest as researchers look for ways to reduce the cost of large energy storage systems.
Further Exciting Development Is Ongoing As We Write
Other flow battery designs in development use materials such as organic molecules or other metals. Researchers are investigating these alternatives because they may offer advantages in cost, availability, safety and / or environmental impact.
All These Batteries Share The Same Basic Idea
All these flow batteries share the same basic idea. Two liquid electrolytes store chemical energy in tanks. Pumps move these liquids through a cell, where their chemical reactions produce electricity.
The differences are mainly what the electrolytes contain, and how the chemical reactions work. This variety is important, because there is no single flow battery that is ideal for every application.
More Information From Our Battery Blog
