Advanced Flow Battery Electrodes

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Program:
GRIDS
Award:
$1,999,999
Location:
Hayward, California
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
09/01/2010 - 12/31/2012

Technology Description:

Primus Power is developing zinc-based, rechargeable liquid flow batteries that could produce substantially more energy at lower cost than conventional batteries. A flow battery is similar to a conventional battery, except instead of storing its energy inside the cell it stores that energy for future use in chemicals that are kept in tanks that sit outside the cell. One of the most costly components in a flow battery is the electrode, where the electrochemical reactions actually occur. Primus Power is investigating and developing mixed-metal materials for their electrodes that could ultimately reduce the lifetime cost of flow batteries because they are more durable and long-lasting than electrodes found in traditional batteries. Using these electrodes, Primus Power's flow batteries can be grouped together into robust, containerized storage pods for use by utilities, renewable energy developers, businesses, and campuses.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Primus Power’s highly durable advanced metal electrodes would reduce the cost of flow batteries while providing greater lifetime and energy density than current-generation technologies, enabling rapid deployment of stored energy to the electric grid.

Security:

A more efficient and reliable grid would be more resilient to potential disruptions.

Environment:

Electricity generation accounts for over 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Enabling large-scale contributions of wind and solar power for our electricity generation would result in a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions.

Economy:

Increases in the availability of wind and solar power would reduce fossil fuel demand, resulting in reduced fuel prices and more stable electricity rates.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Mark Johnson
Project Contact:
Mr. Rick Winter
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
NULL

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Release Date:
03/02/2010