ViZn Energy Systems Inc. has received an order for a 128 kW/320 kWh redox flow battery system based on its zinc-iron chemistry from Idaho National Laboratory, part of the Department of Energy’s complex of national laboratories. ViZn’s flow battery system will be installed as part of a microgrid research, development and demonstration testbed and is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2016.
“We are seeing increasing interest in our flow batteries from both private and public organizations looking to initiate large-scale energy storage for various applications,” said Ron Van Dell, President and CEO of ViZn Energy Systems. “Flow batteries, in general, are well suited for applications requiring large-scale, long-duration capabilities."
“The characteristics of the ViZn battery are of significant interest for island grids and microgrids that support various services in heavy-use and challenging environments, especially for renewable energy integration challenges,” said Kurt Myers, Clean Energy Market Area lead for INL. “We are interested in the potential for lower cost energy storage systems, with 20+ year life times and the ability to fulfill aggressive duty cycle requirements as well as long duration energy dispatch.”
ViZn’s zinc-iron redox flow battery is the only flow battery on the market with a non-toxic, non-flammable, non-explosive alkaline chemistry, allowing it to be deployed safely in densely-populated areas or adjacent to utilities and sub stations without the risks associated with other battery technologies. Its chemical components are globally abundant and inexpensive, providing favorable ROIs for utilities and commercial & industrial customers.
