Are redox flow batteries safe?

Conclusions Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are gaining more and more popularity due to their advantages in stationary applications, especially in sizes of several kW or even MW, and with long discharge times. A small number of papers about safety aspects of RFBs have been published, mainly because this technology is considered intrinsically safe.

What is a redox flow battery?

A redox flow battery is an electrochemical energy storage device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through reversible oxidation and reduction of working fluids. The concept was initially conceived in 1970s.

Are redox-flow batteries a good investment?

Go with the flow: Redox-flow batteries are promising candidates for storing sustainably generated electrical energy and, in combination with photovoltaics and wind farms, for the creation of smart grids.

Can a redox flow battery be contaminated by ion penetration?

In contrast, for redox flow batteries with different metal ions such as Fe3þ/Fe2þ and Cr3þ/Cr2þ in an iron-chromium flow battery, the cross-contamination via ion penetration may cause irreversible performance loss. Figure 2.

Can a redox flow battery cross-contaminate an electrolyte?

Crossover of metal ions through the membrane will then not cause contamination of the electrolyte. In contrast, for redox flow batteries with different metal ions such as Fe3þ/Fe2þ and Cr3þ/Cr2þ in an iron-chromium flow battery, the cross-contamination via ion penetration may cause irreversible performance loss.

What redox reaction does a battery use?

All-vanadium redox flow batteries, for instance, have V3þ/V2þ redox reactions on the negative side (anolyte) and VO2þ/VO2þ on the positive side (catholyte). Such battery uses the same metal ions on both sides. Crossover of metal ions through the membrane will then not cause contamination of the electrolyte.