“VRFBs present diverse opportunities to advance Malaysia’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint target through its PowerCube.” Dr. Avishek Kumar (pic) said.
Have you ever heard of VRFBs, a battery that can revolutionise the way we store and utilise energy? Imagine a technology that offers not only reliability but also cost-effectiveness, scalability, and unparalleled longevity. Enter Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) – the game-changer in the world of energy storage solutions.
Speaking to BusinessToday, VFlowTech Co-Founder and CEO Dr Avishek Kumar, introduced the concept behind VRFBs. VRFBs represent a cutting-edge innovation in the field of battery technology, offering a myriad of benefits that address the pressing challenges faced by industries and communities worldwide.
Unlike traditional energy storage systems, VRFBs boast scalability, boasting the ability to easily scale up by increasing the size of electrolyte tanks, making them ideal for large-scale applications such as grid-level energy storage.
VFlowTech is a Singapore-based company specialising in long-duration energy storage solutions, particularly modular vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs).
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs)
“VRFBs have a long cycle life of up to 25 years, and can be charged and discharged thousands of times without significant degradation, making them durable and cost-effective over the long term.” Avishek said.
“VRFBs are renowned for their long cycle life, lasting up to 25 years and capable of being charged and discharged thousands of times without significant degradation. This exceptional durability translates to cost-effectiveness over the long term, offering users a reliable and sustainable energy storage solution that stands the test of time.
Moreover, safety is paramount when it comes to energy storage, and VRFBs deliver on this front as well. Utilising non-flammable and non-toxic electrolytes, VRFBs drastically reduce the risk of fire or explosion, ensuring peace of mind for users across various industries and applications.” he added.
The flexibility is another hallmark feature of VRFBs, allowing for simultaneous charging and discharging and enabling continuous operation and adaptable energy management strategies. This flexibility makes VRFBs an invaluable asset in grid-level energy storage, where stability and reliability are paramount.
In addition to grid-level applications, VRFBs find utility in commercial, industrial, and even remote off-grid settings, offering unparalleled versatility and reliability in managing peak electricity demand, reducing energy costs, and providing backup power during outages.
Unique Features of VFlowTech’s VRFBs
The VRFBs, embodied in the PowerCube series, stand out for their unique features and advantages that redefine energy storage solutions in the Asia Pacific region.
“The PowerCube, is available in two different storage capacities for differing needs” Avishek said.
Available in two different storage capacities, PowerCuber 10-100 and PowerCube 50-250, these batteries offer unparalleled benefits and use cases to businesses across various industries.
One of their standout features is their suitability for grid energy storage, providing a practical solution to stabilise the grid by storing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak-demand periods. This ensures a more reliable and sustainable energy supply, especially when integrated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
“Vanadium redox flow batteries contribute to shifting energy consumption to off-peak hours, reducing strain on the grid during peak periods and promoting a more balanced and sustainable energy distribution.” he added.
Notably, these batteries contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by enabling efficient use of clean energy and diminishing reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation. With lower environmental risks compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, VRFBs emerge as a sustainable choice for various applications, promising a greener and more resilient energy infrastructure for the future.
Furthermore, the PowerCube’s successful implementation in powering essential components of buildings like JTC CleanTech One underscores its scalability and potential to become primary energy sources for entire communities or cities, replacing reliance on diesel generators and offering a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution for urban environments.
Avishek emphasised that the batteries have been specifically designed to meet the increasing demand for modular, scalable, and efficient long-duration energy storage, the PowerCube 50-250 is poised to play a pivotal role in powering diverse areas and communities across Singapore and beyond as we transition towards a cleaner energy landscape.
Potential Benefits to Achieve Malaysia’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint Target by 2025
VRFBs offer significant opportunities for Malaysia to advance its efforts towards achieving its Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint target by 2025. As Malaysia aims to make renewable energy sources the primary source for its economy by 2050, the seamless integration of renewables into the grid is crucial, and VRFBs play a pivotal role in this transition.
By providing a reliable and cost-effective energy supply for electric vehicle (EV) owners, VRFBs reduce the country’s dependence solely on natural elements, ensuring a consistent power supply even during periods of low renewable energy generation.
One key area where VRFBs can support Malaysia’s carbon-neutral goal is in the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. These batteries can store excess energy generated from renewables, ensuring a stable electricity supply during times of low generation or high demand. This maximises the utilisation of renewable energy and promotes the transition towards a low-carbon energy system, aligning with Malaysia’s sustainability objectives.
Moreover, VRFBs offer opportunities for off-grid power supply in remote areas of Malaysia that are not connected to the main power grid. By storing energy from solar panels or other renewable sources, VRFBs provide a reliable and sustainable alternative to diesel generators, powering homes, businesses, and community facilities during times when renewable sources are unavailable or inadequate. This helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions in remote regions, contributing to Malaysia’s environmental goals.
In addition to off-grid applications, VRFBs can also be deployed in microgrids, offering a cost-effective solution for areas where extending the main power grid is impractical. By storing excess energy and smoothing out fluctuations in power supply and demand, VRFBs ensure stable and reliable electricity for local communities, supporting economic development and enhancing energy resilience.
Furthermore, VRFBs have various industrial applications in Malaysia, including providing backup power for critical processes, reducing peak demand charges, and optimising energy consumption. Industries can benefit from energy storage solutions that minimize reliance on intermittent grid supply, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to cost savings.
Overall, the adoption of VRFBs in Malaysia has the potential to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, enhance grid stability and resilience, reduce electricity costs, and support sustainable development goals, making them a valuable asset in the country’s transition towards a low-carbon future.
Adressing Key Issues of VRFBs
The company prioritises addressing key issues such as performance, thermal runaway, reliability, and safety in its battery technology to ensure the highest quality and user confidence in its products.
One crucial step towards achieving this goal is obtaining certifications such as UL 1973 for the cell stack component of their PowerCube. UL 1973 is a stringent safety standard established by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), confirming that the cell stack meets rigorous safety requirements and industry standards.
By obtaining certifications like UL 1973 and adhering to other recognised standards such as IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), VFlowTech demonstrates its unwavering commitment to product safety and reliability. “We believe that it assures our customers and stakeholders that our energy storage systems have undergone rigorous testing and comply with industry-leading safety protocols.” Avishek said.
The company also invests significantly in continuous research and development initiatives aimed at improving battery performance and safety. Collaborating with reputable academic institutions like Newcastle University, the company focuses on enhancing operational temperatures to mitigate thermal runaway risks.
Through joint research efforts, the company aims to push the operational limits of its flow batteries, thereby improving overall performance, reliability, and safety standards. By actively enhancing product regulation efforts and investing in ongoing research and development, the company ensures that its energy storage systems meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability, providing customers and partners with peace of mind in the quality of their products.
Founding VFlowTech
The Singapore-based company founded by individuals with over 15 years of experience in the solar industry. The company emerged from a vision to provide businesses with a dependable and readily accessible energy source independent of natural elements.
The founding members recognised the necessity for an energy storage solution that could complement the affordability of solar energy, aiming to empower companies to operate at net zero and advance sustainability efforts on a global scale.
The initiative to establish VFlowTech originated from a decade’s worth of research conducted at Nanyang Technological University aimed at addressing key issues faced by flow batteries. Capitalising on this research, VFlowTech embarked on pioneering new applications and developing advanced energy storage solutions.
This endeavor aligns with the escalating demand for alternative, clean energy solutions as the world transitions towards a carbon-neutral economy. The company’s focus on modular vanadium redox flow batteries reflects a commitment to innovation and sustainability, offering solutions that contribute to the global shift towards renewable energy integration and grid stability.
With a 25-year expected lifespan, the company’s VRFBs are designed to be safe and environmentally friendly, addressing critical concerns such as performance, thermal runaway, reliability, and safety.
The company’s long-term vision is to drive the world towards energy equity, where everyone can access clean energy at affordable pricing. By providing reliable and efficient energy storage solutions, VFlowTech aims to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future powered by renewable energy sources.
VFlowTech’s Future Planning
In 2024, the company is set to significantly expand its production and operational capabilities to further advance its impact in the energy storage sector.
One of their primary objectives is to scale up their manufacturing facility in India to a capacity of 100MWh, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year. This expansion will enhance operational efficiency and enable increased production of their PowerCube series, including the PowerCubes 10-30 and PowerCubes 50-250, catering to a wide range of energy storage needs.
In 2024, VFlowTech is poised to significantly expand its production and operational capabilities to further advance its impact in the energy storage sector. One of their primary objectives is to scale up their manufacturing facility in India to a capacity of 100MWh, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year. This expansion will enhance operational efficiency and enable increased production of their PowerCube series, including the PowerCubes 10-30 and PowerCubes 50-250, catering to a wide range of energy storage needs.
Furthermore, VFlowTech has set ambitious deployment goals, aiming to install a total of 7MWh of energy storage solutions globally. This includes plans to deploy 120 units in various locations across the Asia Pacific region, such as Singapore, India, Korea, Japan, and Australia. These deployments will not only bolster local infrastructure but also contribute to the broader regional energy transition, supporting efforts to achieve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
“Moreover, VFlowTech is committed to contributing to impactful projects such as the Green Corridor initiative, which aims to advance the regional energy transition.
By leveraging their expertise in vanadium redox flow battery technology, VFlowTech aims to play a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability and resilience in the Asia Pacific region.” Avishek added.
This includes plans to deploy 120 units in various locations across the Asia Pacific region, such as Singapore, India, Korea, Japan, and Australia. These deployments will not only bolster local infrastructure but also contribute to the broader regional energy transition, supporting efforts to achieve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
The company is also committed to contributing to impactful projects such as the Green Corridor initiative, which aims to advance the regional energy transition. By leveraging their expertise in vanadium redox flow battery technology, the company aims to play a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability and resilience in the Asia Pacific region.
