Unfolding the Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries: An indeep perspective on its components and current operation challenges

Abstract The trend of increasing energy production from renewable sources has awakened great interest in the use of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB) in large-scale energy storage. The VRFB correspond to an emerging technology, in continuous improvement with many potential applications. In this review, several evolutionary aspects of the battery are addressed. An in-depth survey of the main components of the battery, such as electrolytes, electrodes and membrane is presented. Design and sizing issues are also approached, providing the reader, in addition to knowledge about the operating principles, a detailed perspective how technology has improved since its inception. A perspective upon inherent limitations and hindrances, with recent developments to circumvent these was brought, highlighting both the economic and operational views aiming its transposition to real systems. Therefore, this review opportunely summarizes the fundamental technologies involved in VRFBs and encourages continuous research for their improvement.