Hydrogen/Bromine Energy Storage System

"It is our objective to develop a cost effective, durable and reliable hydrogen-bromine flow battery system for small-scale electrical energy storage applications. H2/Br2 flow battery technology has been around for decades, however, the lack of low-cost and durable electrode and membrane materials in addition to non-optimal cell/stack configurations have prevented this technology from widespread deployment. TVN Systems Inc. teams up with research groups at Vanderbilt University and The University of Kansas to develop innovative electrodes, membranes and optimal cell/stack design to reduce cost and to increase cycle life and overall efficiency of an H2/Br2 flow battery system. In Phase I we will (1) identify and fabricate inexpensive and durable electrocatalysts and nanofiber composite membranes to replace platinum-based electrode materials and Nafion membranes, and (2) develop optimal electrode and cell design. In Phase II, a 250W stack module will be developed employing the new materials and optimal cell design to demonstrate the cost reduction and performance gain as opposed to stacks using state-of-the-art materials. A number of modules can be combined in parallel to support large power demands. An analysis on a 2.5kW-4hour energy storage system consisting of ten proposed modules shows that it meets the ARPA-E’s primary targets: 1.2m3 footprint, at least 80% round trip efficiency, lifetime more than 1250 cycles and under $1000 per unit. It can be charged by solar power systems or electric grids to store off-peak electricity at customer’s location. The success of this project will be truly transformational for large-scale H2/Br2 electrochemical energy storage systems to have a greater impact on economic and energy security of the United States."