Researchers to Test Energy-Efficient Batteries

A new type of energy-efficient storage battery will be tested by Unique Technical Services under the supervision of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC), a New York State Center of Excellence at Stony Brook University.
Researchers Stony Brook University energy researchers will be testing a prototype storage battery called a vanadium flow battery, designed to be more energy efficient than existing flow batteries used in industry and have added commercial value and residential applications. The battery, developed by StorEn Technologies, is being tested through the end of next month
Vanadium flow batteries are a newer technology used in power plants and other major industry as backup energy sources. Existing vanadium flow battery designs are large in size and built for big industry. StorEn is taking this technology to a new level by making a smaller, more condensed prototype, suitable for smaller load markets – the energy industry’s first vanadium flow battery designed for residential and light commercial applications.
The testing of the battery and process for validating its applications has moved forward at the AERTC and under the guidance of several New York State economic development partners and programs, including the Center in Integrated Electric Energy Systems (CIEES), a NY State-designated Center for Advanced Technology located in the AERTC; the Clean Energy Business Incubator Program (CEBIP), and the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) at the Rochester Institute of Technology. NYSP2I will be issuing a comprehensive technical and environmental impact report upon completion of the testing, which StorEn anticipates will be critical to raising the required funds to commercialize their technology.
“The collaborative efforts between all parties involved with the validation of this promising and innovative flow battery technology represents how multiple New York State programs can work together with industry for the benefit of our incubator companies, helping them achieve credibility and ultimately commercial success,” says AERTC Chair Bob Catell.
“We are happy to conduct this validation program at Stony Brook to demonstrate the technological advancements achieved with our first-generation design,” said StorEn CTO Angelo D’Anzi. “Vanadium flow batteries are a proven technology which have demonstrated such critical fundamentals as: exceptional duration of 25 years, no decay in capacity over time, and utilizing a water-based non-flammable and non-explosive electrolyte. Our R&D focused on building upon these proven characteristics to enhance the electrical performance of vanadium batteries as a strategy to reduce cost, and on reducing their environmental footprint.”
In addition, D’Anzi said, these batteries have achieved a 100 percent Index of Recyclability due to a reusable electrolyte, hence the impact on landfill and recurring mining is minimal.
“The validation of emerging-energy technologies is a key program and focus for NYSP2I,”said Charles Ruffing, NYSP2I Director. “Our independent analysis of these technologies is an important milestone for clients of New York State’s energy-incubator system. We are pleased to work with Stony Brook and StorEn in this prototype evaluation, which will provide valuable information for future prototype development and commercialization.”