IEEE Draft Guide for the Characterization and Evaluation of Flow Batteries in Stationary Applications
Abstract
Guidance for an objective evaluation of flow batteries by a potential user for any stationary application is provided in this document. IEEE Std 1679-2020, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Characterization and Evaluation of Emerging Energy Storage Technologies in Stationary Applications is to be used in conjunction with this document. In a flow battery, the electrolyte is stored in one or two tanks and pumps are utilized to deliver the electrolyte through the cells in order to recharge or discharge the battery. (When two electrolytes are used they are often referred to as negolyte and posolyte). Technology descriptions, operating parameters, failure modes, safety information, battery architecture, and qualification and application considerations are provided in this document. Batteries that do not employ flowing electrolyte systems are not covered. Sizing, installation, maintenance, and testing techniques are not covered except insofar as they may influence the evaluation of a flow battery for its intended application.Scope
This document provides guidance for an objective evaluation of flow batteries by a potential user for any stationary application. This document is to be used in conjunction with IEEE Std 1679, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Characterization and Evaluation of Emerging Energy Storage Technologies in Stationary Applications. A flow battery is characterized by electrolytes flowing past both electrodes. Examples include: - Redox flow batteries, such as vanadium redox - Hybrid flow batteries, such as zinc-bromine The outline of IEEE Std 1679 is followed in this document, with tutorial information specific to flow batteries provided as appropriate. Examples of tutorial information include technology descriptions, operating parameters, failure modes, safety information, battery architecture, and qualification and application considerations. This document does not cover sizing, installation, maintenance and testing techniques, except insofar as they may influence the evaluation of a flow battery for its intended application.
Purpose
Flow batteries have been studied and tested since the 1970s, and deployed in demonstration systems since the 1990s. They are now being offered on commercial terms for stationary applications, and as such there is a need to evaluate their performance under various operating conditions related to these applications. End-users would benefit from having a guide to assist in evaluation of this technology for stationary applications. Used with IEEE Std 1679, this guide describes a format for the characterization of flow battery technologies in terms of performance, service life and safety attributes. This format will provide a framework for developers and manufacturers to describe their products. The resulting information will assist users, integrators and servicing organizations in evaluating the possible use of these batteries in stationary applications and to provide objective criteria for comparative evaluation.
Topic
Power, Energy and Industry Applications, Engineered Materials, Dielectrics and Plasmas