Cost evaluation and sensitivity analysis of the alkaline zinc-iron flow battery system for large-scale energy storage applications. (1st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Ziqi; Liu, Yongfu; Yu, Wentao; He, Qijiao; Ni, Meng; Yang, Shuquan; Zhang, Shuanglin; Tan, Peng
• Is Part Of: Journal of energy storage. Volume 44(2021)Part A
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01
• Subjects: Zinc-iron redox flow battery -- Large-scale energy storage -- System cost -- Sensitivity analysis; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Research -- Periodicals; 621.3126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2021.103327
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-152X

Abstract

Highlights: A cost model for alkaline zinc-iron flow battery system is developed. A capital cost under 2023 DOE's cost target of 150 $ kWh −1 is obtained. A low flow rate, thin electrodes, and a PBI membrane can lower the capital cost. Slight impacts on the capital cost is demonstrated at high current densities. Abstract: Alkaline zinc-iron flow batteries attract great interest for remarkable energy density, high safety, environmentally benign. However, comprehensive cost evaluation and sensitivity analysis of this technology are still absent. In this work, a cost model for a 0.1 MW/0.8 MWh alkaline zinc-iron flow battery system is presented, and a capital cost under the U.S. Department of Energy's target cost of 150 $ per kWh is achieved. Besides, the effects of electrode geometry, operating conditions, and membrane types on the system cost are investigated. The results illustrate that a low flow rate and thin electrodes with high porosity contribute to low capital costs under low current densities. Furthermore, the porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane is more cost-effective than Nafion 212 membrane. This work provides an integrated estimation for the zinc-iron flow battery system, demonstrating its tremendous potential for grid-level energy storage applications. Graphic abstract: Image, graphical abstract