A low-cost design approach to vanadium redox flow test cell

Abstract

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) will be essential in maximizing the large-scale use of renewable energy after achieving technical maturity. But as the test cells needed to conduct VRFB research are very expensive, the cost factor can prevent participation of developing countries in critical research. To address such issue, this work presents a novel low-cost design for laboratory VRFB cell yielding good performances. This design relies on sturdy ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) end plates with flow channels to provide the strength needed to seal other components while properly distributing electrolyte. This simpler design uses a reduced number of components compared to traditional cells, thus resulting in easier manufacturing and assembly while keeping costs low. This novel design approach achieved performances that are comparable to a commercial VRFB test cell in various testing conditions, but at roughly a third of the cost. Performances have been further improved by 3D printing end plates with optimized flow channels, with the added benefit of avoiding the complexity and costs of computer numerical control (CNC) milling. This novel design approach can thus be useful to many researchers in developing countries for their VRFB test.