Ways to Ensure Parallel Operation of Vanadium Flow Batteries to Create High Power Energy Storage Systems

Abstract

Vanadium redox flow batteries are a highly efficient solution for long-term energy storage. They have a long service life, low self-discharge, are fire safe and can be used to create a large-scale storage system. The characteristics of the flow battery are determined by the parameters of its main components: a stack determines the battery power and its efficiency, and an electrolyte determines the battery’s capacity and service life. Several stacks must be combined into one system to create a powerful energy storage system; however, the discharge characteristics differ even for two identical stacks connected in parallel. This article proposes hydrodynamic and electrotechnical methods for ensuring the parallel operation of several flow stacks under the same conditions.

Keywords

• flow battery
• vanadium redox flow battery
• long-term energy storage
• parallel operation
• DC/AC converter
• electrolyte supply system