The HyFlow project, funded by the European Union, showcases a groundbreaking hybrid energy storage system that combines a high-performance Vanadium Redox Flow Battery with a Super Capacitor. This innovative system offers a flexible solution for covering power and energy demands during critical grid conditions. By intelligently integrating both storage technologies, the system effectively harnesses the advantages of each, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Hybrid Energy Storage System Enables Faster Charging of Redox-Flow Batteries
The Redox-Flow Battery, despite its large storage capacity, has the drawback of slow charging and discharging times. On the other hand, the Super Capacitor offers quick charging times but limited energy storage capacity. The hybridization of these two technologies in the HyFlow system has successfully reduced the charging times of the Redox-Flow Battery by 60%. This improvement allows for a more efficient and flexible energy storage solution, ensuring a reliable power supply during critical network conditions.
The HyFlow system stands out for its use of sustainable materials, such as locally sourced carbon electrodes instead of the typical coconut shell-derived activated carbon. In addition, non-flammable, water-based electrolytes were employed. As a result, the system boasts a 40% better CO2 footprint compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries and is up to 60% more cost-effective.
The HyFlow project has paved the way for the advancement of sophisticated and adaptable energy management systems. These systems allow for the optimal sizing of storage systems and ensure a secure, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy supply.
Interested parties from industry, municipal utilities, hospitals, or data centers now have the opportunity to visit the new demonstrator at the Energy Technology Center of the Hochschule Landshut. By analyzing their load profiles, they can determine which storage systems they require to meet their electricity demand.
The HyFlow project, conducted by the Hochschule Landshut in collaboration with nine partners from Germany, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, and Portugal, was supported by the European Union with approximately 4 million euros in funding.
The developed hybrid energy storage system provides a powerful, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for storing renewable energy. It allows for the optimal sizing of storage systems and contributes to the security, efficiency, and environmental friendliness of energy supply.
The HyFlow project represents a significant advancement in the development of energy storage systems for renewable energies. By combining a high-performance vanadium redox flow battery with a supercapacitor, the hybrid storage system effectively captures power peaks and addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly energy generation. It offers an efficient and sustainable solution for storing renewable energy, resulting in improved CO2 emissions and cost savings. Moreover, the project serves as a remarkable example of international collaboration and technological innovation in the energy sector.
