What are iron flow batteries?

They offer a safe, non-flammable, non-explosive, high power density, and cost-effective energy storage solution. In essence, iron flow batteries are electrochemical cells where an electrolyte stored in externals storage tanks acts as an energy source.

What is the electrolyte of iron flow batteries?

The electrolyte of iron flow batteries consists of iron salts which are abundant earth minerals in ionized form which store the electrical energy in the form of chemical energy.

What are all-iron flow batteries?

All-iron flow batteries are a technology development that offer a potential long-lasting solution to safely, efficiently and cost-effectively storing renewable energy. Within the past decade this technology and its potential impact on grid-level energy storage has been extensively researched.

What is the difference between Li-ion and Iron Flow batteries?

One advantage of Li-ion batteries is that they are designed for mobile applications like laptops, cell phones, and other mobility solutions. They are small, compact, and mobile, whereas iron flow batteries have a much larger footprint. Thus, making iron flow batteries suitable for large-scale commercial and industrial storage.

Are all-iron flow batteries safe?

All-iron flow batteries are a safer alternative to other metals frequently used in electrochemical energy storage devices, such as lithium. While lithium hydrates are toxic, flammable, react violently with water and corrode in air, iron is a relatively non-toxic alternative that is only slightly reactive with water and air.

What is a flow battery?

New flow battery technologies are needed to help modernize the U.S. electric grid and provide a pathway for energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar power to be stored. (Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)