Increasing electrification through heat pumps and electric vehicles is increasing the demand for electricity in private households. Photovoltaic systems can partially cover this, but require powerful battery storage systems. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Thanks to highly conductive cation exchange membranes, VRFBs work more efficiently, but require precise control of the state of charge and state of health (SoC/SoH). By combining a modified open-circuit voltage (OCP) cell with an observer model algorithm, an innovative operating strategy is being developed that ensures a stable and maintenance-free electrolyte composition in the long term.

Following successful laboratory tests, the technology will be demonstrated in a 2kW-6kWh home storage system. This further development makes VRFB more economical and paves the way for its widespread use as a sustainable battery storage solution in the private sector.

Find out more about the project here.