Description:
VRB stores energy by employing vanadium redox couples (V2+/V3+ in the negative and V4+/V5+ in the positive half-cells). These are stored in mild sulfuric acid solutions (electrolytes).
During the charge/ discharge cycles, H+ ions are exchanged between the two electrolyte tanks through the hydrogen-ion permeable polymer membrane. The cell voltage is 1.4-1.6 volts. The net efficiency of this battery can be as high as 85%. Like other flow batteries, the power and energy ratings of VRB are independent of each other.
Deployment Status:
VRB was pioneered in the Australian University of New
South Wales (UNSW) in early 1980's. The Australian Pinnacle
VRB bought the basic patents in 1998 and licensed them
to Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) and VRB Power
Systems. VRB storages up to 500kW, 10 hrs (5MWh) have
been installed in Japan by SEI. VRBs have also been
applied for power quality applications (3MW, 1.5 sec.,
SEI).
Current Developers / Suppliers:
Prudent Energy Inc.
Past Developers/Suppliers:
VRB Power Systems, Inc.
Reliable
Power
Pinnacle
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
Cellennium Company Limited
