Redflow’s Advanced Battery Technology Takes Center Stage in Pioneering US Project

Redflow Limited (ASX: RFX), a global leader in clean energy storage, is making waves in the renewable energy sector as its zinc-bromine battery technology has been identified as the preferred choice for a cutting-edge project recommended for grant funding by the California Energy Commission (CEC).

“The Barona Community LDES Project signifies a significant leap forward in our journey towards greater energy resiliency and sustainability,” says Raymond Welch, Barona Tribal Council Chairman. “This initiative will help the Band achieve greater energy sovereignty through control over our own energy resources.”

The Barona Band of Mission Indians’ innovative project, named the Barona Community LDES Project, has received a nod from the CEC for its focus on energy storage for resilience. The project, aimed at delivering improved resiliency and sustainability, features a 6.6 MWh flow battery system powered by Redflow’s advanced zinc-bromine battery technology.

Working in collaboration with Prosper Sustainably and Microgrid Initiatives, the Barona Band, along with Redflow Limited and Ameresco, has successfully prepared the proposal that stood out as the first-ranked submission from a pool of twelve projects in a competitive solicitation process. The AUD $20.1 million Barona project has been recommended for a substantial grant of AUD $13.8 million by the CEC.

“The recognition from the California Energy Commission reaffirms the technological prowess of Redflow in the clean energy storage sector,” notes Tim Harris, Redflow CEO and Managing Director. “This project showcases Redflow’s technology capabilities on a commercial multi-megawatt hour scale, delivering greater resiliency and grid-infrastructure benefits.”

The grant terms are currently in negotiation, with the goal of commencing development activities for the energy project in the second half of this year and an anticipated deployment timeframe in 2025. Funded by the CEC’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program, this initiative is designed to support the Barona Band of Mission Indians in delivering reliable, resilient, and sustainable clean energy to their community while also opening up economic development opportunities for the Tribe.

Redflow CEO and Managing Director, Tim Harris, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasizing that the project will deliver greater resiliency and grid-infrastructure benefits for the Barona Band of Mission Indians while providing a lifetime of energy cost savings unmatched by competing battery energy storage system (BESS) technologies.

“Subject to completion of the grant award process, this would be Redflow’s fourth multi-megawatt hour project in California involving the CEC as a funding partner,” Harris added. “Redflow’s LDES technology is flexible, allowing for a 100% depth of discharge without impairing BESS capacity or lifespan, aligning seamlessly with California’s decarbonization goals.”

For more information about the project and the conditions under which the funding is awarded, you can visit the CEC’s website. Redflow’s innovative contributions to this project underscore its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and driving the transition towards a more sustainable future.

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The Battery Energy Storage boom.

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in battery energy storage technology. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize the way we use and store energy, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. In this article, we will discuss some of the latest developments in battery energy storage and their potential impact.

One of the most promising advancements in battery energy storage is the development of solid-state batteries. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte. This makes them safer, more durable, and more energy-dense than traditional batteries. According to Dr. Venkat Viswanathan, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, “Solid-state batteries can offer up to 2-3 times the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries, which means they can store more energy in the same amount of space.” This makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles, where space is limited and energy density is crucial.

Another promising development in battery energy storage is the use of flow batteries. Flow batteries use two electrolyte solutions, which are stored in separate tanks and pumped through a cell stack to produce electricity. According to Dr. Jay Whitacre, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and founder of Aquion Energy, “Flow batteries are ideal for long-duration energy storage applications, such as renewable energy integration, because they can be charged and discharged for hours or even days without degradation.” This makes them ideal for use in grid-scale energy storage systems, where energy is needed on demand and for extended periods.

Advancements in battery energy storage technology are also leading to improvements in battery recycling. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, “Recycling of lithium-ion batteries is expected to become increasingly important as the electrification of transport and other sectors accelerates.” One of the most significant advancements in battery recycling is the use of hydrometallurgical processes, which use chemicals to dissolve the metals in batteries and recover them for reuse. According to Dr. Linda Gaines, a researcher at Argonne National Laboratory, “Hydrometallurgical processes can recover up to 99% of the metals in lithium-ion batteries, making them an efficient and sustainable solution for battery recycling.”

Overall, advancements in battery energy storage technology have the potential to transform the way we use and store energy. Solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and battery recycling are just a few of the latest developments in this field, and there are sure to be more to come in the years ahead. As Dr. Viswanathan notes, “Battery technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and we are just scratching the surface of what is possible.” With continued research and innovation, we may one day see a world powered entirely by renewable energy stored in advanced battery systems.

References:

  1. Viswanathan, V. “What’s Driving the Development of Solid-State Batteries?” Energy Institute Blog, Carnegie Mellon University, 20 Apr. 2021.
  2. Whitacre, J. “How Flow Batteries Can Enable Long-Duration Energy Storage.” Energy Institute Blog, Carnegie Mellon University, 20 Apr. 2021.
  3. “The Future of Batteries: Reuse and Recycling.” International Energy Agency, Nov. 2019.
  4. Gaines, L. “Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Quest for Sustainable Production.” Argonne National Laboratory, 14 Dec. 2020.

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280kWh Redflow-based microgrid in Tasmania

Redflow CEO Simon Hackett has installed a 280kWh Redflow-based rural microgrid in Tasmania. The sheep farm will benefit greatly from the ZMB2 flow batteries – let’s take a look at the install and how it’s going to work.

Simon Hackett – installing a microgrid in Tasmania

Redflow Microgrid in Tasmania (source: Redflow)

The 280kWh Redflow-based rural microgrid is now live according to a press release on the Redflow website. Simon Hackett’s place, a sheep farm named the Vale, has seen install of 280kWh of  Redflow ZBM2 zinc-bromine flow batteries. We first wrote about this Redflow microgrid in 2019 – fantastic to see the Vale’s solar installation improve and upgrade along with solar panel technology.

The Vale (http://www.thevale.com.au), a working sheep farm with the largest private runway in Tasmania, is a 73-hectare property including a number of farm buildings and multiple houses.

The solar install uses a cluster of 12 x 15KVA Victron Quattro inverter/chargers and control systems that can deliver a peak energy output of 180KVA – it’s wired throughout the property to create the microgrid. The solar energy created by the ground-mounted 100kWp solar array is stored in 28 Redflow 10kWh ZBM2 zinc-bromine flow batteries, for a total storage capacity of 280 kWh. 

Hackett went on to discuss some of the specifics of his microgrid in Tasmania:

“The battery array makes extensive use of the Redflow Standby Power System (SPS) mode, allowing batteries to be fully charged during good solar weather days, and to then be ‘hibernated’ with zero self-discharge. During extended overcast periods, the SPS batteries are automatically activated to support site loads instead of using the grid. This unique strength of Redflow’s ZBM2 batteries allows the site to maximise both energy storage quantity and also energy storage efficiency.”

Hackett, who also works as Redflow’s Systems Integration Architect, said the system will completely eliminate grid electricity costs for the property. “The system also gives us energy resilience by automatically switching to off-grid mode during any grid power failures,” he said.

 

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4 Main Types Of Batteries For Solar Storage

(source: Unsplash.com)

When choosing a solar battery, there are various essential things to consider such as the battery’s lifespan, cost, how much power each battery can provide etc. There are multiple models of batteries which can store solar energy, all with advantages and disadvantages. The best ones for storage applications are recognized as the safest to use by the NEC 2020.  

Here below are the most trusted batteries currently available in the market for solar storage purposes.

Nickel Based Battery

Nickel-based batteries are used on a large scale for energy storage purposes because their characters perform well in all kinds of temperatures. Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) is the most common technique used.  Nickel-based batteries have been used in large-scale energy storage projects as they perform well in all types of temperatures. Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) is the most common Nickel-based battery technology used with the lowest cost than the other batteries. They are more appropriate for off-framework establishment as they have a dependable reinforcement framework and don’t need regular maintenance, yet the absence of support will lessen their cycle checks. They don’t require ventilation or cooling and have a long life cycle. They are available in a wide range of sizes and performances and even can be stored in a discharged state because of their long shelf life. Moreover, Cadmium used in these batteries is a toxic metal that makes the battery types less user-friendly and leads to lead-acid batteries.

Lead Acid

Lead batteries are renowned for decades. Either they are the bulky ones but are still rapidly being eclipsed by other technologies with more extended guarantees or lower prices as solar battery storage becomes more popular. They have a low self-discharge rate among the presented rechargeable batteries. They have the specific power and are well capable of the high discharge of current among many others, but it charges slowly (14+ hours) among the others and has a low specific energy. The lead batteries are not so eco-friendly, and in case if they are not discarded properly, they can contaminate the environment. That can result in a threat to human health and nature as they contain sulfuric acid and lead that are dangerous elements. So that’s why these batteries are heavy because of their materials. 

Lithium-Ion

The lithium ions are gathering more repute after evolving electric car industry development both in technology and cost. There are two kinds of lithium-ion batteries that exist and are used for large-scale solar battery storage applications: Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) is a fast charging but can only enter the C&I market. The Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) is high energy-specific and stable but relatively new. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) has a long life cycle with no requirements for ventilation or cooling. At the same time, these batteries have high energy thickness and a somewhat low self-release. They don’t require delayed preparation when new, and one charge is adequate. Lithium-particle batteries are overall poor support, and an occasional release isn’t needed. Anyway, the vast majority of them are still similarly costly to fabricate and are liable to maturing, even while not being utilized and transportation limitations. They likewise require an insurance circuit to keep up voltage and current inside limits.

Flow

They are the new entrants to the battery storage technology family, and even the technology has been used for years. They are known as flow batteries because of the water-based solution of zinc-bromide inside them. They have more prominent plan adaptability, permitting more blend between capacity limit and force yield limit. These Redox flow batteries (RFB) have high flexible energy storage technology and low energy density and less expensive. The Hybrid flow battery has a high storage technology with common charge and discharge rates and less costly. Rather than adding more batteries to a storage system to build its ability, stream batteries need more electrolyte fluid. This electrolyte can be recharged whenever without intruding on power yield. The electrochemical cell can convey power as long as the electrolyte arrangement is accessible.

Wrapping Up!

Settling on the battery innovation will affect the entire power system use and life span. As we have seen, lead-acid batteries are more dependable and have been utilized for quite a long time. Yet, they are not as adaptable or practical as the other batteries appeared previously. It is unquestionably challenging to pick battery storage or the correct EMS that will work with it. After selecting the battery type, one needs to appropriately estimate their battery fleet and track down a viable EMS for choosing a battery based on your demand. 

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Ballarat Energy Storage System | Solar Storage in Victoria

The Ballarat Energy Storage System has been turned on by the Victorian Government today – let’s take a look at this unique battery and see how it will help shape Victoria’s energy future!

Ballarat Energy Storage System

The Ballarat Energy Storage System has 30MW capacity and can output 30MWh – it’s located at the Ballarat terminal station and is owned by Australian energy company Ausnet. The battery storage units are Fluence branded, and were installed by Spotless and Downer Group.

Ballarat Energy Storage System
Ballarat Battery Energy Storage System (source: spotless.com)

ARENA and the Victorian Government will jointly provide $25 million in funding for both this project and the Gannawarra Energy Storage System (GESS). The project (BESS) is expected to end up costing around $35m. 

Lily D’Ambrosio, the minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, made a statement about the Ballarat Energy Storage System discussing the Government’s plans for Australia’s renewable energy future:

“We said we would deliver these large-scale batteries for Victoria, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” she said.

“This is part of our plan to transition to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system. We’re modernising our electricity grid, strengthening our energy security and delivering real action on climate change.”

According to RenewEconomy, the battery will be most useful in these three situations:

  1. It can help with congestion on Victoria’s transmission grid (especially as it’s installed at a network terminal rather than a wind or solar farm (which is the norm)). 
  2. It’ll help shore up the baseline load for Melbourne, especially during peak times when air conditioners and deconstructed latte machines are switched on en masse; and
  3. It’ll provide ‘key grid stability services’ like frequency control. 

Lastly, straight from the horses’s mouth:

The battery will store energy at times of relatively low value. The battery will use stored energy and use it at times of relatively high value. The project will also examine providing other grid services such as frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) and, should it be established under the electricity market rules, a Fast Frequency Response (FFR).

It’ll be fascinating to see how this works over the summer – we’ll, of course, also be keeping a close eye on the Tesla batteries at the Hornsdale Power Reserve to see if they’re able to continue delivering massive savings to the SA government. How long until the rest of the states follow suit? 

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