VRB Modelling for the Study of Output Terminal Voltages, Internal Losses and Performance

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using large scale energy storage in wind systems for power smoothing and energy redistribution. Vanadium-redox batteries are well suited for this type of application because of their high efficiency, high scalability, fast response, long life and low maintenance requirements. This paper looks into determining an appropriate electrical vanadium-redox battery (VRB) model for this type of application. In particular, model details including stack voltage, series resistance, state of charge (SOC) and transients modeling are examined. The model is used to obtain results on the energy content, and terminal voltage profile of the battery. The battery performance is also assessed, including VI transfer characteristic, transient response and efficiency.