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The new system comes in three versions, providing up to 10 hours of storage. It achieves improvements in performance and energy density, thanks to improved components, thus reducing cost and physical footprint. Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Electric has launched a new vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) suitable for a variety of long-life configurations. Presented at the Energy Storage North America (ESNA) show, held in San Diego from February 25 to 27, 2025, the system applies “newly developed long-life materials” that allow for a 30-year operational life. According to the manufacturer, this lifespan, subject to proper maintenance, improves the system’s profitability in the long term. Long lifetime is one of the main advantages of VRFBs, in addition to their high recyclability and strong safety credentials. In VRFBs, energy capacity (liquid electrolyte) and output power (cells) are decoupled and can be scaled separately. This design also reduces wear on components, contributing to longer lifespans. Sumitomo said that compared to previous models, the new system achieves a 15% increase in energy density while reducing the physical footprint. In addition, the new VRFB “reduces overall costs by 30% thanks to optimized system design, improved electrolyte circulation control, and improved manufacturing processes.” The system is available in three versions with six, eight and ten hours of storage duration. The six-hour system is housed in a 40-foot container and offers 2 MWh of capacity. Its nominal power is 334 kW AC. The other two versions come in a 45-foot container and offer 2.4 MWh of capacity. Their nominal power is 300 kW and 240 kW for the eight- and ten-hour system, respectively. The operating temperature of the system ranges from -10 to 45 degrees Celsius. Sumitomo Electric highlights safety, long life, environmental friendliness and superior life cycle cost as the four main features of its VRFBs. As with all VRFBs, the electrolyte is non-flammable and all components use fireproof materials, meaning the system is not classified as hazardous under fire safety regulations. “No special hazardous materials permits or on-site hazardous materials handlers are required,” says Sumitomo. In addition, the electrolyte and electrodes do not degrade during charging and discharging. The manufacturer explains that this means that the systems can operate stably for long periods regardless of operating conditions. The electrolyte can be reused and up to 99% of the system material can be recycled with proper separation, contributing greatly to the environmental credentials of the technology. Finally, the cost per unit of capacity is reduced for longer-duration storage. “With no need to replace the cell or electrolyte and minimal waste at the time of decommissioning, the system achieves low life-cycle costs in long-duration configurations,” the company says. Sumitomo Electric will begin accepting orders for the new VRFB in 2025. |
