Are flow batteries a good choice for large-scale energy storage applications?

The primary innovation in flow batteries is their ability to store large amounts of energy for long periods, making them an ideal candidate for large-scale energy storage applications, especially in the context of renewable energy.

Are flow batteries a new technology?

You might believe that flow batteries are a new technology merely invented over the past few years. Actually, the development of flow batteries can be traced back to the 1970s when Lawrence Thaller at NASA created the first prototype of this battery type.

Why are flow battery chemistries so expensive?

The common problem limiting this use of most flow battery chemistries is their low areal power (operating current density) which translates into high cost. Shifting energy from intermittent sources such as wind or solar for use during periods of peak demand.