Programme: Home Affairs

Vanadium redox flow batteries, known for their high power and energy density, durability in charge-discharge cycles, non-toxic aqueous electrolyte, recyclability, and long lifespan, are gaining attention in the renewable energy storage sector. Despite these advantages, their low round-trip efficiency is a concern, which this project aims to address. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of vanadium batteries by developing innovative electrolyte additives that improve charge and discharge processes. A key aspect of the project is the addition of polymer materials with ionogenic C-O- functional groups and nitrogen-containing structures to the electrolyte. These polymers facilitate proton processes during charging and discharging, leading to improved energy efficiency. The research approach is divided into two stages. The first stage involves creating a balanced "internal standard" for the electrolyte, integrating proton-conducting polymers, and assessing their impact on the electrochemical reactions in the battery. This requires laboratory tests and the development of algorithms to simulate the battery's operating conditions. The second stage focuses on demonstrating the improved electrolyte in a 10 kW / 40 kWh vanadium redox flow battery energy system. This stage includes installing and operating the battery system, analyzing its working parameters, electrical characteristics, and efficiency, and evaluating the impact of the polymers on the system through comparative analysis before and after their addition. The overall goal of the project is to achieve Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL7) by creating and demonstrating a prototype of the improved electrolyte for vanadium redox flow batteries containing polymer materials. This would enhance the performance of the batteries in renewable energy storage applications.