Flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage
Associate Professor Fikile Brushett (left) and Kara Rodby PhD ''22 have demonstrated a modeling framework that can help guide the
Flow batteries also boast impressive longevity. In ideal conditions, they can withstand many years of use with minimal degradation, allowing for up to 20,000 cycles. This fact is especially significant, as it can directly affect the total cost of energy storage, bringing down the cost per kWh over the battery's lifespan.
Replacing batteries can cost between $5 million and $15 million for a 50MW/50MWh system, depending on future battery prices. In summary, maintenance costs for utility-scale battery storage systems are significant and include both ongoing operational expenses and eventual replacement costs over the system's lifespan.
It's integral to understanding the long-term value of a solution, including flow batteries. Diving into the specifics, the cost per kWh is calculated by taking the total costs of the battery system (equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance) and dividing it by the total amount of electrical energy it can deliver over its lifetime.
While this might appear steep at first, over time, flow batteries can deliver value due to their longevity and scalability. Operational expenditures (OPEX), on the other hand, are ongoing costs associated with the use of the battery. This includes maintenance, replacement parts, and energy costs for operation.
Let's look at some key aspects that make flow batteries an attractive energy storage solution: Scalability: As mentioned earlier, increasing the volume of electrolytes can scale up energy capacity. Durability: Due to low wear and tear, flow batteries can sustain multiple cycles over many years without significant efficiency loss.
However, the key to unlocking the potential of flow batteries lies in understanding their unique cost structure and capitalizing on their distinctive strengths. It's clear that the cost per kWh of flow batteries may seem high at first glance. Yet, their long lifespan and scalability make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Associate Professor Fikile Brushett (left) and Kara Rodby PhD ''22 have demonstrated a modeling framework that can help guide the
This report is the basis of the costs presented here (and for distributed commercial storage and utility-scale storage); it incorporates base year battery costs and breakdown from
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Replacing batteries can cost between $5 million and $15 million for a 50MW/50MWh system, depending on future battery prices. In summary,
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Flow batteries are not new; the first flow battery was patented in 1880 [5](see the figure below), a zinc-bromine variant which had multiple refillable cells.
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