It has been studied the current state-of-the-art related to RFB components. In addition, our team developed an exhaustive list of essential requirements for RFBs to be used in repetitive cycles of charging and discharging or placed in warm climates.
Tests have been run to identify the most promising organic electrolytes candidates, electrodes, cell-frames, membranes and flexible tanks for the electrolyte. The proper components for the Battery Management System (BMS) were defined and selected, as well as its scheme and the number and type of sensors to be used. Hardware and software components have been defined, as well as communication protocols for the BMS and protocols for data exchange between the BMS and the Energy Management System (EMS). As regards the EMS, the algorithm has been implemented.
The battery was first tested in the factory and a Factory Acceptance Test was performed in CMBlu premises. A specific building was designed and constructed in Ibiza harbour to house the battery. It was expected that the RFB stores energy generated from renewable sources for the harbour’s own consumption and Electrical Vehicles (EVs) charging stations purposes. Finally, the specifically designed testing plan was partially achieved, in spite of the continues efforts to achieve the objectives and to improve all the battery components to accomplish the correct workability of the system as a whole.
BALIHT also concluded an economic analysis and a safety, sustainability and social analysis, where have been researched and discovered about BALIHT battery benefits as an energy storage solution, particularly when compared to other battery alternatives such as Lithium-ion and Vanadium Redox-flow.
BALIHT consortium have clustered with other H2020-funded projects through common meetings and participation in public events, under the Network of Flow Battery Research Initiatives FLORES. Our project is getting international recognition since it received the Gold Medal Award at the international exhibition ARCA2020. BALIHT has engaged with a community of interest, through the development of a dedicated website and social media channels, as well as the release of regular newsletters.
On the other hand, the main results accomplished with the redox flow battery developed within the BALIHT project are based on the overall improvements achieved with components designed and tested for the high-temperature/high-cycling needs, which are:
Plastics frames: obtain formulations able to double the heat deflection temperature while reducing the expansion to the half of the reference material.
Flexible tanks: Mechanically are not affected by the temperature (80ºC). Chemically, the fabric is not affected by posolyte and negolyte contact under 85ºC. Permeability is not influence after 40 days.
Omniphobic surfaces: It was developed coatings that operating at higher temperatures for tailoring the interphase electrolyte/container to ensure good flowability and chemical resistance.
Battery management: It was obtained an EMS adaptable and it was validated the BMS in warm environments and heavy multicycle.
The battery components fulfil relevant European Union health, safety and environmental regulations. Regarding the recyclability of the RFB can be obtained an 80% of its recyclability.
It should be highlighted that the research and development carried out in BALIHT has enabled all the project partners to increase their knowledge and business in battery design, manufacture, assembly and installation. Nevertheless, further optimisation will be needed to afford an industrial design, where some components of the battery need further efficiency and long-term use.
