Renewable Organics for Flow Battery
Technology Description:
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is developing a low-cost battery system that uses safe and inexpensive organic energy storage materials that can be pumped in and out of the system. NREL’s battery, known as a “liquid-phase organic redox system,” uses newly developed non-flammable compounds from biological sources to reduce cost while improving the amount of energy that can be stored. The battery’s unique construction will enable a 5-minute “fast-charge” and promote long life by allowing for the rapid replacement of liquid electrodes. NREL anticipates an energy density of approximately 590 watt hours per liter with a cost of only $72 per kilowatt hour.
Potential Impact:
If successful, NREL’s liquid organic electrodes would improve the energy density, safety, and rechargeability of EV batteries while reducing manufacturing costs through the use of inexpensive materials.
Security:
The mass adoption of EVs would diminish the demand for petroleum, dramatically reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Environment:
Greater use of EVs would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.
Economy:
Technological advancements from the RANGE program could enable EVs to travel significantly further on a single charge at a much lower cost than that of current EVs and conventional vehicles.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ping Liu
Project Contact:
Dr. Jeremy Neubauer
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
jeremy.neubauer@nrel.gov
Partners
Chemtura Corporation
EIC Laboratories
Related Projects
Release Date:
02/15/2013