Redox Flow Batteries - Materials & components 

Redox Flow Batteries (RFB) are a promising solution for the storage of renewable and grid-based energy. They utilise redox reactions between two electrolyte solutions to store and release electrical energy. Due to their capacity to store large amounts of energy efficiently over long periods, they are particularly well-suited for stationary applications.

As a leading provider of high-performance plastics, we develop customised solutions to meet our clients' specific needs. Our plastics and components offer advantageous chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, are recyclable due to the use of thermoplastic materials, and thus ensure the longevity and reliability of battery systems while contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

Our portfolio includes highly developed compound solutions as well as durable, recyclable bipolar plates, media connection and distribution plates (Media Supply Units), and cell frames.

As a partner for Redox Flow Battery technology, we provide sustainable and high-performance solutions for modern energy storage applications.


Advantages of High-Performance Plastics in Redox Flow Batteries

High chemical resistance

High-performance plastics are characterised by excellent resistance to the corrosive electrolytes found in RFBs. This is essential for ensuring the longevity of components and maintaining the integrity of the battery over long periods.

Temperature resistance

Our materials are designed to operate at temperatures ranging from 40° C to 90° C. This allows usage under various operational conditions and contributes to the stability of the battery even under extreme temperatures.

High strength and rigidity

High-performance plastics offer significant mechanical strength and rigidity, which is crucial for the structural integrity of components within the RFB. This helps prevent deformation or mechanical failure, ensuring reliable operation.

Efficient manufacturing

Our TECACOMP HTE compounds are optimised for hot pressing, facilitating precise and economical production of components such as bipolar plates, including flow fields. This results in high quality and consistency of the parts.

Versatile use

Although initially developed for fuel cells, our compounds can also be effectively used in RFBs due to their excellent properties.

Long-term stability

The performance of these materials under demanding conditions contributes to the long-term stability and efficiency of Redox Flow Batteries, by withstanding the conditions of the battery environment.

Bipolar Plates for Redox Flow Batteries: Recyclable, Durable, and High-Performance

Bipolar plates are an integral part of Redox Flow Batteries and are crucial for their efficiency, performance, and lifespan. They fulfil key functions such as ensuring electrical contact between the cells and effectively separating the electrolytes.

To meet the stringent requirements of Redox Flow Batteries, bipolar plates must adhere to the highest standards. In addition to high electrical conductivity to minimise internal resistance, the materials used must exhibit outstanding chemical resistance to aggressive electrolytes to ensure a long lifespan. Mechanical strength, low weight, and a slim design are also essential. High corrosion resistance further ensures that both the plates and the entire battery function reliably over an extended period. Our hot-pressing production method allows for the creation of both unstructured plates and plates with flow fields.

Our bipolar plates made from high-performance plastics provide a tailored, long-lasting, and recyclable alternative to thermosets. They not only offer excellent chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties but also benefit from full value chain integration in-house and close collaboration with the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology in Duisburg, Germany (ZBT). This enables us to provide comprehensive support and customised solutions. For more information about our fuel cell solutions, click on the button below.


Cell Frames: Optimal Stability, Sealing, and Performance for Redox Flow Batteries

Cell frames ensure mechanical stability and sealing in Redox Flow Batteries. They securely hold electrodes, bipolar plates, and membranes in place, prevent electrolyte leakage, and optimise circulation through integrated channels. High-performance plastics are particularly suitable due to their chemical resistance and high mechanical load-bearing capacity. Additionally, precise manufacturing ensures the sealing and exact fit of the cell frames, while modular and replaceable designs facilitate maintenance and battery adjustment.

By employing advanced technologies such as Moldflow simulation and finite element analysis (FEM), we optimise the design of our cell frames for maximum efficiency and durability under various operating conditions. Close collaboration with leading German and European institutes in the field of electrolysis technology drives innovation and enables us to provide modern and advantageous solutions for our customers.


Media Connection Plates for Efficient Electrolyte Distribution

Media connection plates are vital for the circulation and distribution of electrolytes in Redox Flow Batteries. They ensure efficient transport of electrolytes between containers and cells, maintain a secure connection, and prevent mixing of different electrolytes. These plates must provide perfect sealing to prevent leakage, possess enough mechanical stability to endure operating conditions, and feature optimised flow paths to ensure uniform electrolyte distribution and minimise pressure losses.

The primary challenges in designing and manufacturing media connection plates lie in selecting the appropriate materials, achieving high precision during production, and ensuring long-term stability, as the plates are constantly exposed to aggressive electrolytes. High-performance plastics are ideal due to their excellent chemical resistance and mechanical strength.

Our comprehensive portfolio of high-performance plastics includes materials optimally suited for media connection plates in Redox Flow Batteries. We are happy to provide personal consultation to find the best solution for your specific requirements.


Types of Redox Flow Batteries

There are various types of Redox Flow Batteries, distinguished by their electrolytes and chemical reactions. Each type of Redox Flow Battery has specific advantages and challenges. While VRFBs are the most common, other types, such as organic and iron-salt batteries, offer promising potential for future energy storage solutions. Our materials optimise the performance and lifespan of batteries, contributing to greater economic and environmental viability.
    • Benefits of our materials: Improved electrolyte stability, enhanced energy efficiency and battery lifespan, and optimised electrochemical activity.
    • Additional benefits: Lower costs through more efficient vanadium usage, improved power density.
    • Benefits of our materials: Increased efficiency through optimised electrolyte solutions, cost-effective electrode materials, and improved energy conversion.
    • Additional benefits: Longer operating times and enhanced charge and discharge cycles.
    • Benefits of our materials: Sustainable organic molecules with higher electrochemical stability, longer lifespan through innovative electrode materials.
    • Additional benefits: Cost savings due to the use of environmentally friendly materials, improved scalability for commercial applications.

Contact

Our team of experts is available to find the best solutions for your specific Redox Flow Battery requirements. With our extensive portfolio of high-performance plastics and manufacturing expertise, we provide bespoke support to ensure the successful implementation of your projects.

For a personal consultation or more information about our products and services, please reach out via our contact form. We are happy to answer your questions and assist you in selecting the optimal materials and technologies.