5kW-class 'Redox Flow Battery' Developed

Amid growing worldwide attention to large-capacity secondary battery technologies, a Korean research team has developed and successfully demonstrated 5kW-class Redox Flow Battery technology.

Core technology developed for production of large-capacity rechargeable batteries

A Redox Flow Battery(RFB) is a rechargeable battery that can store energy for an extended period of time by repeating recharge and discharge processes. Theoretically, there is no limit to its lifespan, with longevity known to be more than 10 times that of a lithium-ion battery. The developed device is a new-concept, next-generation battery that can increase the duration of power usage as much as desired according to the battery's capacity.

The Korea Institute of Energy Research(Han Moon-hee, President) said on July 15 that it had developed and successfully tested for the first time in Korea 'RFB technology,' which is emerging as the most promising system among large-capacity rechargeable batteries.

According to the institute, a demonstrative test found that the battery exhibits a level of output performance on par with that of world-class products, with its efficiency shown to be 5 to 10% higher.

The newly developed RFB system is comprised of a stack and an electrolyte tank. The stack, where chemical reactions occur, can be operated at normal temperatures, and thus can be used for over 20 years. It adopts vanadium as its active substance and can be used semi-permanently, thus meeting the conditions of a rechargeable battery in terms of safety, lifespan, and disposal.

The development of the new system is significant in that it allows for stable electric power supply(stabilization of output) by addressing problems with the generation system of renewable energy, which could not supply energy in a continuously stable fashion due to being affected by significant output fluctuations tied to the surrounding environment and natural conditions.

The RFB system is highly sought after as a promising next-generation energy-storage technology due to the huge potential for its advancement: it can be applied to renewable energy power generation systems, power plants, blackout-free power supply systems in buildings and semiconductor plants, and a power source for unmanned communication sub-stations. When its energy density is increased, it can also be used in electric vehicles.

The institute has developed recharging systems for electric vehicles for over 10 years, and has been conducting research and development activities in the large-capacity battery field, encompassing the development of core technology for large-capacity RFB, cultivation of human resources, and consultation for industries.

Dr. Jin Chang-soo, principal investigator at the Energy Conversion and Storage Research Center, said, "The achievement is expected to serve as a catalyst for the transition of research in Korea on large capacity rechargeable batteries into the phase of full-fledged technology development." Jin added, "Going forward, the institute will aggressively conduct follow-up studies aimed at optimizing processes and securing enhanced long-term performance in order to assure the durability and economic viability of the battery, which are required for its actual industrialization."

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Kim Joe-seph
joesmy at HelloDD.com twitter: at ssebiU

[August 02, 2010]

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Source - HelloDD.com