How James Cropper’s Nonwovens for Flow Batteries Can Offer a More Sustainable Future

Flow batteries are recognised as one of the most promising technologies capable of storing renewable energy on a large scale, offering a broad range of benefits that make them a valuable asset in the energy transition.  

LONGER DURATION 

Flow batteries typically last for up to 12 hours, significantly longer than the 4 hours achieved by Lithium-Ion systems. They offer the capability of flexible, large scale energy storage, while maintaining a consistent supply of renewable energy. This makes them well suited to electrical power grids and attractive for users requiring uninterrupted supply or back up power such as hospitals, manufacturers and offices. 

CONSISTENT SUPPLY 

The long-duration storage of flow batteries allows renewable energy to be stored and distributed when needed, supporting a a future of 100% green energy. 

SCALABILITY 

Unlike lithium-ion batteries, where cell size restricts the charge capacity, flow batteries can be engineered with larger storage tanks enabling the use more electrolytes to meet energy requirements. This flexibility enables a de-coupling of power and energy, creating robust battery systems. 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Flow batteries can be constructed from low-cost, readily available materials and recyclable materials, such as thermoplastics and carbon-based materials. The electrolytes can be recovered and reused, offering a cleaner alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are harder to recycle. 

Flow batteries have the potential to deliver the full benefit of renewable energy and ultimately, achieve commitments of Net Zero Goals. 

Unlike traditional batteries, flow batteries store energy in liquid or gaseous reactants housed in separate tanks from the cell where the reaction occurs. This design offers flexibility and scalability. There are several types of flow batteries, including Vanadium, Zinc-Bromine and Hydrogen-Bromine, each with different reactants.