Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are a type of rechargeable flow battery used for storing energy. They use vanadium ions in different oxidation states to store and release electrical energy. The battery consists of two tanks of vanadium electrolyte separated by a proton exchange membrane. During charging or discharging, the vanadium ions are pumped through the membrane, exchanging electrons, which generates an electric current.
Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are known for their long lifespan compared to many other types of batteries. They are designed to have a high number of charge and discharge cycles without significant degradation. Some key factors influencing the lifespan of VRFBs include:
- Minimal Degradation: VRFBs are built to minimize degradation over time. Unlike solid-electrode batteries that degrade with each charge and discharge cycle, VRFBs largely avoid this issue because the electrolyte is where the chemical reactions take place.
Ferro-Alloy Resources Ltd (LON:FAR) is developing the giant Balasausqandiq vanadium deposit in Kyzylordinskaya oblast of southern Kazakhstan. The ore at this deposit is unlike that of nearly all other primary vanadium deposits and is capable of being treated by a much lower cost process.
