The main advantages of using flow batteries over lithium-ion batteries include:
- Longer Duration and Cycle Life: Flow batteries can discharge for extended periods, often up to 12 hours, making them suitable for applications requiring long-duration energy storage. They also have a nearly unlimited cycle life, capable of operating for over 20,000 cycles without significant degradation, whereas lithium-ion batteries have a limited cycle life of around 7,000 cycles.
- Increased Safety: Flow batteries are safer as they are non-flammable and non-toxic, unlike lithium-ion batteries which can be prone to thermal runaway and explosions.
- Scalability and Cost Efficiency at Scale: While initially more expensive, flow batteries can be scaled up by increasing tank size without adding expensive materials like cathodes needed in lithium-ion batteries. This makes them cost-effective for large-scale applications over time.
- Environmental Benefits: Flow batteries often use environmentally friendly materials like vanadium or iron and have a lower environmental impact compared to lithium-ion batteries, which contain toxic elements and contribute more to CO2 emissions during production.
- Operational Flexibility: Flow batteries can be “recharged” quickly by replacing the electrolyte, offering operational flexibility not available with lithium-ion batteries.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-advantages-of-using-flow-batteries-over-lithium-ion-batteries/
