Flow Batteries: An Emerging Technology

Abstract

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, the intermittency of renewable energy will become more and more of a problem. This thesis will review the assortment of ways in which large-scale electrical energy storage can be accomplished, settling on flow batteries as the most promising technology available. An in-depth look into the physical, chemical, and engineering principles associated with flow batteries will inform a model simulating the operation of a large-scale flow battery installation. Finally, this paper will review research engaging with the future of flow battery technology (organic flow batteries and polymer-based flow batteries), giving the reader a glimpse of how current difficulties may be overcome.