Welcome to our frequently
asked questions

Here, you can learn about our batteries and get an answer to all your questions.

You are welcome to contact us, if you have a question you cannot find the answer to here.

Write to us at [email protected]
What is the lifetime of a battery solution from VisBlue?

Our battery solutions have a lifespan of more than 20 years.

In theory, the lifespan of a battery solution that consists of vanadium electrolyte is infinite. Vanadium, in principle, never wears out because of a chemical reaction, as vanadium is also rechargeable.

The remaining components of our battery solutions also have a long lifespan, such as the plastic tanks, which store the vanadium electrolyte, that can last for decades, and the involved electronics, which are easily upgradable.

Is a battery solution from VisBlue scalable?

Yes, our battery solution is scalable and can be tailored to fit the needs of the customer.

This is possible, as we can both design and arrange the desired number of VisBlue units to meet the energy requirements of the customer. To determine the customer’s energy requirements, we begin with a specific calculation of exactly this, along with the expectations of the customer.

Our calculations are accomplished with the help of advanced simulation software, which we ourselves have developed for the occasion.

One of VisBlue’s strengths lies in our ability to calculate the exact needs, expectations, and requirements of our customers, so that they receive an optimal battery solution, that agrees with their initial wants and wishes.

What are the technical specifications of a VisBlue Battery solution?

The VisBlue Battery is based on an all vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB), which is the most mature redox flow battery technology.

Electricity is stored electrochemically by changing the oxidation states of vanadium redox species that are dissolved in sulphuric acid and stored in two separate tanks. While charging or discharging, the two solutions are circulated through a flow cell, where the electrochemical energy is converted into electricity or vice versa.

The basic chemical principles used in redox flow batteries are similar to that of li-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries, where electricity is stored in solid redox electrolytes. In redox flow batteries, liquid redox species are used.

Moreover, redox flow batteries can be described as reversible fuel cells with fuels/electrolytes other than O2 and H2.

Redox flow batteries have high (70-90 %) cyclic charge/discharge energy efficiencies, depending on the charge/discharge current. One of the attractive features of redox flow batteries is scalability between storage capacity and power because the storage tank and power generation are two separate units.

Compared to redox flow batteries, based on redox species other than vanadium, the vanadium redox flow batteries have the advantage that cross-contamination of ions inside the flow cell is less detrimental than in mixed species batteries and will only result in slow self-discharge. This means that, VRFBs, in principle, have an infinite lifetime. However, mechanical deterioration of the flow cell gives finite lifetime.

Depending on the quality of the flow cell, the lifetime is expected to be more than 20 years (>10000-20000 cycles).

At the same time, the vanadium species that constitutes about 30-50 % of the battery cost has significant scrap value and can be reused in a new installation.

Such lifetimes are significantly higher than that of a standard li-ion and lead-acid batteries, which together with the low cost of the vanadium redox species is the main reason for the lower cost of storage in vanadium redox flow batteries.

Is vanadium environmentally-friendly?

Yes, as vanadium is considered to not have a negative impact on the environment or, in normal exposures, human health.

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

The vanadium used in the VisBlue Battery Solution is in the form of vanadium electrolyte, and it is expected to have a lifespan of more than 20 years. When, the battery solution has surpassed its lifespan, or if it is de-commissioned, the vanadium electrolyte is reclaimable and recyclable.

Is vanadium recyclable?

Yes, the vanadium used in the VisBlue Battery Solution is in the form of vanadium electrolyte, and it is expected to have a lifespan of more than 20 years. When, the battery solution has surpassed its lifespan, or if it is de-commissioned, the vanadium electrolyte is reclaimable and recyclable.

This process is done by removing and cleaning the electrolyte with the help of filtrating the electrolyte.

What does a battery solution from VisBlue cost?

It is difficult to determine the exact price of our battery solution, as every single one of our battery solutions are different, in principle.

The VisBlue Battery Solution is custom made for the specific customer at hand, so as it meets whatever energy requirements the customer may have.

Please, feel free to contact us to see if we can tailor a solution that fits exactly your needs.

Write to us at [email protected]
Is a battery solution from VisBlue recyclable?

Yes, the majority of the components in our battery solutions are recyclable.

99% to be exact.

The core of a VisBlue Battery Solution consists of the following major components: an electrolyte stack and two tanks, which are made of conventional plastic, and these are either recyclable or reusable. Furthermore, two metal plates hold the stack together, and these are also recyclable.

A battery solution from VisBlue consists of the following major operating components: vanadium electrolyte, tanks, pumps, and electrode stack. These components are separated and are therefore easy to remove and recycle separately.

What are the benefits of a VisBlue Battery solution?

Large savings and a cheaper electrical bill
Here, at VisBlue we do ours to make our planet greener.

Our solution provides savings from day one.

With a VisBlue battery you use more of the energy that your renewable energy source produces, which entails a smaller collective purchase from the grid = cheaper electrical bill.

Our batteries increases the utilisation rate of solar energy and we make our batteries from recyclable material.

Scalable
Whatever the requirement, we can adapt our batteries to the capacity you need.

Because being environmentally conscious should be worth your while.

Long lifetime
Our batteries have a long lifetime – much longer than regular battery types available on the market.

Our batteries have between 10,000-20,000 cycles (one cycle is equal to charging and discharging the battery once), which gives the battery a lifetime og 20+ years.

Safety
Our batteries are safe to install in densely buily-up areas - they are actually safe to install anywhere.

The batteries exist of 80-85% water, 10-15% sulphuric acid, and 5% vanadium, which, due to the amount of water, means that the batteries cannot burn or explode.

99% recyclable
Our batteries are 99% recyclable. A VisBlue battery is made up of parts that are easy to recycle and it is built for disassembly.

Sustainable electricity
With security against tariff changes, VisBlue’s customers buy less electricity and are, therefore, less vulnerable to political measures and changes in the export tariff for surplus electricity.

Where is VisBlue located?

VisBlue’s main office is located in Aarhus, Denmark, where we also have our production and development facilities.

In Aarhus, VisBlue has close connections to the University of Aarhus, in order for us to continuously improve the chemical solution, the membrane and the bipolar plates.

Furthermore, VisBlue has a small office in Porto, Portugal, supporting the R&D and Business Development of VisBlue. With the office in Porto VisBlue has a close relationship with the University of Porto.

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