Flow Batteries for Large Scale Energy Storage: Approaches and Technical Challenges

This presentation will address electrochemical technologies for large scale energy storage for use with renewable energy generation technologies that are inherently intermittent such as wind and solar, and for use in modernizing the electric grid.  The types of utility applications and the various operating constraints and requirements will be discussed along with the market size estimates.  The types of energy  and power storage devices being considered for these applications will be described in terms of their operating and economic features for the various applications.  Special attention will be given to the spectrum of electrochemical flow battery types and chemistries, and the range of commercial and technical advantages and challenges.   An example of the sensitivity of a storage technology costs and energy/power size ratios  to the economic benefit for a  specific grid application  will be described.