A newcomer to the battery storage industry, flow batteries are designed for large-scale energy storage applications. Although this storage technology has been under study and development for many years, it is only recently that it is beginning to see some usage in the actual world. 

The design of flow battery technology is notable. Electrons pass via electrochemical cells and a membrane that separates them rather than through a single enclosed battery cell where electrolyte and conductors mix easily. 

The aqueous electrolyte solution often in other batteries is not kept in the cells surrounding the positive and negative electrode, which is the primary distinction between flow batteries and different rechargeable battery types. The active components are instead kept in outside tanks and pushed toward a flow cell membrane and a power stack. The ability to create more power increases with storage tank size. 

Through a process known as “oxidation,” energy sources such as solar arrays or banks of wind turbines charge the electrons in the electrolyte solution in the positive anolyte tank attached to the anode. 

A procedure known as “reduction” is then used to force the charged electrons into the catholyte tank connected to the cathode. Half cells that sandwich the protective membrane separating the tanks are where ion exchange occurs. 

Flow batteries come in various forms, including polysulfide redox, hybrid, organic, and several electrochemical reaction couplings (such as zinc-bromine and iron-chromium). However, none have yet attained the performance, efficiency, or cost levels required for widespread deployment. 

Most flow batteries sold commercially employ a vanadium liquid electrolyte, primarily found in Russia. 

When the battery is turned on, a conductive microporous polymer membrane in the first tank allows the electrons to flow back through, creating an electric current.

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