FAQ

A flow battery works by storing and releasing energy through an electrochemical process in which charged particles move between two liquids, known as electrolytes, that are stored in two external tanks.

The battery's unique design makes it possible to scale energy capacity and power output independently of each other, which sets it apart from traditional batteries such as lithium-ion batteries.

Our battery solution has a lifespan of more than 20 years.

In theory, the lifespan of the battery solution is unlimited. In practice, however, that is not entirely the case.

The components used in our battery solution also have a long service life, including the plastic tanks, hydraulics and mechanical systems.

VisBlue's battery solution is based on a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB), which is the most mature redox flow battery technology available.

Electricity is stored electrochemically through changes in the oxidation state of vanadium redox species dissolved in sulphuric acid and stored in separate tanks. During charging and discharging, the two solutions are circulated through a flow cell, where the electrochemical energy is converted into electricity.

The fundamental chemical processes used in a redox flow battery are comparable to those found in lithium ion and lead acid batteries. In lithium ion and lead acid batteries, electricity is stored in solid materials, whereas in flow batteries, electricity is stored in a liquid medium.

Redox flow batteries can also be compared to fuel cells, which use fuels and electrolytes other than oxygen and hydrogen.

Redox flow batteries offer a high charge and discharge efficiency of 70 to 90 per cent, depending on operating conditions and usage patterns. One of the key advantages of redox flow batteries is the ability to scale energy storage capacity and power output independently, as these are separate systems.

Compared with other redox flow battery technologies, vanadium redox flow batteries have the advantage of reduced ion cross contamination within the flow cells. This results in significantly lower self discharge than conventional flow batteries. As a result, VRFBs can theoretically achieve an unlimited lifespan.

In practice, however, this is not possible, as a number of factors affect longevity. For example, mechanical wear of the flow cells and other components ultimately gives the battery a finite service life.

Depending on the quality of the flow cells, the expected lifespan is more than 20 years, equivalent to over 10,000 to 20,000 charge and discharge cycles.

Vanadium accounts for approximately 30 to 50 per cent of the battery's cost and retains significant residual value, as it can be recovered and reused in a new installation.

The lifespan of a VRFB is considerably longer than that of standard lithium ion and lead acid batteries. Combined with its low operating costs, this makes a flow battery an attractive long term investment.

No.

Vanadium is considered non harmful to the environment and, under normal levels of exposure, is not harmful to humans either.

Vanadium is element number 23 in the periodic table, and traces of it can be found in more than 100 different minerals.

The vanadium used in VisBlue's battery solution is dissolved in sulphuric acid and water and has a lifespan of more than 20 years. Once a battery has reached the end of its service life or is taken out of operation, the vanadium can be regenerated and reused.

The vanadium used in VisBlue's battery solution, dissolved in sulphuric acid and water, has a lifespan of more than 20 years. Once a battery has reached the end of its service life or is taken out of operation, the vanadium can be regenerated and reused.

This process involves removing and purifying the vanadium electrolyte through filtration and evaporation.

Yes, our battery solution is scalable and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and requirements.

This is possible because we can design and configure the required number of VisBlue battery units to match your exact energy demands. To determine the appropriate system size and energy capacity, we begin with a detailed assessment of your needs and requirements and align expectations from the outset.

Our calculations are carried out using advanced simulation software that we have developed specifically for this purpose.

One of VisBlue's key strengths is our ability to accurately assess our customers' needs, expectations and requirements, ensuring that you receive the most effective battery solution for your specific application.