Speacial Features
Discover the unique benefits of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), a cutting-edge energy storage solution that offers superior safety, sustainability, and efficiency compared to traditional battery technologies. Learn why redox flow batteries are the preferred choice for large-scale energy storage and grid stability.
Long Lifespan and Durability
- No Capacity Degradation: Unlike conventional batteries, VRFBs do not experience capacity loss due to repeated charge and discharge cycles, ensuring consistent performance over time.
- Unlimited Charge-Discharge Cycles: VRFBs can endure thousands of charge-discharge cycles without degrading, making them ideal for applications with frequent energy cycling.
- Extended Reliability: Their durability ensures long-term, reliable energy storage, reducing the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.
Safety and Fire Resistance
- Superior Fire Resistance: VRFBs are designed with high fire resistance, using non-combustible materials and flame-retardant components, including the piping and cell stack.
- Non-Flammable Electrolyte: The electrolyte is non-flammable, providing a significant safety advantage over traditional batteries.
- No Thermal Runaway: Operates safely within an optimal temperature range of 30-45°C (86-113°F) with no risk of thermal runaway, thanks to the electrolyte’s high heat capacity.
- Simplified Installation Approval: The use of non-hazardous materials simplifies the installation approval process.
- Certified Safety Standards: Meets UL 1973 and UL 9540A safety standards, validating its reliability and suitability for diverse settings.
Environmentally Friendly
VRFBs offer a sustainable energy storage solution with key environmental benefits:
- Minimal Battery Reaction: Charging/Discharging only involve changea in vanadium ion valence, with no other reactions.
- No Electrolyte Degradation: The electrolyte remains stable for over 20 years, maintainig performance without degradation.
- Reusable and recyclable Electrolyte: Highly sustainable, with initiatives like our Yokohama recycling project demonstrating successful reuse and environmental benefits.
Real-World Impact: Our recycling initiative in Yokohama demonstrates the practical benefits of this approach, successfully repurposing used electrolytes and setting new standards in battery sustainability.
High Recyclable / Reusable Rate
‐ Over 99.2% Reusability: With less than 1% waste generated, VRFBs are among the most sustainable energy storage solutions.
- Minimized Industrial Waste: Designed to minimize waste during dismantling after long-term operation.
- Eco-Friendly Disposal: Most materials used in VRFBs can be reused or recycled, supporting a circular economy.
- Sustainable Energy Storage: By prioritizing recyclability and minimizing waste, VRFBs contribute significantly to reducing the environmental impact of energy storage.
Scalability and Flexibility
- Easily Expandable: VRFBs can scale easily, supporting applications from small installations to large utility grids.
- Customizable Energy Capacity: Energy capacity (kWh) can be increased by expanding the size of the electrolyte storage tanks.
- Flexible Power Output: Power output (kW) is easily adjusted by adding battery containers with cell stacks, pumps, and sensors.
‐ Extended Duration: Capable of providing up to 10-hour duration, ideal for long-duration energy storage (LDES) needs.
Learn more about our full range of energy storage solutions on our Product Variations page.
Low Life Cycle Costs
- Lower Operational and Maintenance Costs: With minimal degradation and a long lifespan, VRFBs have lower maintenance needs and costs compared to other battery types.
- CAPEX Advantage for LDES: Offers a lower cost per kWh for long-duration applications, making VRFBs highly cost-effective for extended use.
- Low OPEX: Long life means no need for cell stacks or electrolyte replacement, reducing expenses.
- Minimal Removal Costs: The electrolyte is reusable and recyclable, resulting in no disposal costs.
- Simple Capacity Expansion: Expanding capacity over time only requires additional tanks and electrolyte, keeping costs low.
Long-Duration Energy Storage
- Reliable Power During Peak Demand: Stores and releases energy efficiently during high-demand periods, supporting grid stability and renewable integration.
- Flexible Discharge Duration: Extending discharge times is easy by increasing the electrolyte volume, making VRFBs adaptable to evolving energy needs.
- Cost-Effective for Long-Duration Use: The cost per kWh decreases over longer storage duration, making VRFBs a practical choice for sustained energy storage.
Easy Operation
- Real-Time State of Charge (SoC) Monitoring: Provides precise SoC monitoring through electromotive force measurements for accurate and efficient energy management.
- Full Power Range: Offers continuous rated power output across the full SoC range (0-100%), ensuring consistent performance.
- No Operational Limits: No restrictions on charge/discharge patterns or cycle numbers, with cell stacks tested for over 50,000 start/stop cycles.
- Low Maintenance Standby: When the system is off, no auxiliary power is required, and no self-discharge occurs, reducing power use and minimizing electric shock risk.
Why Choose Sumitomo Electric for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries?
With over 125 years of experience, Sumitomo Electric is a leader in Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) technology. Our advantages include:
1. Proven Reliability: Longest track record of leak-free operation in North America (7+ years).
2. Financial Strength: $109 million capital stock ensures long-term partnership and warranty coverage.
3. Innovation Leadership: Numerous patents keep our technology at the forefront.
4. Quality and Safety: Validated by major utilities, meeting the highest industry standards.
Choose Sumitomo Electric for advanced, reliable, and innovative energy storage solutions that exceed expectations.
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