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Three types of flow batteries are currently undergoing development and demonstration for distributed power applications:
- Zinc-bromine batteries, which are funded by DOE.
- Vanadium redox batteries (developed in Australia and Japan).
- Sodium-bromide batteries.
How It Works
A central battery unit provides power, but total energy is furnished by a reservoir of rechargeable electrolyte which can be as large as needed, and situated where convenient.
Advantages
Flow batteries offer potentially higher efficiencies and longer life than conventional lead-acid batteries. Their key advantage is that they can be a truly closed system with an electrolyte that is regenerated, rather than having to be replaced.
In vanadium redox batteries, plastic bags can be used to store the electrolyte. The bags can be stuffed into available crawl space and other residual areas.
Disadvantages
Integrated power electronics are essential to successful applications.
Applications
While only relatively small systems exist in the United States, a 15-MW, 120-MWhr sodium-bromide battery system is under construction in the United Kingdom.
Zinc-bromine batteries are available off the shelf and have been widely deployed.
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