Effect of Transport on the Performance of a Hydrogen-Bromine Flow Battery

Abstract

Renewable energy sources including wind and solar can supply a significant amount of electrical energy around the world. However, because of their intermittent nature the potential of these two energy sources can be fully exploited only if a suitable energy storage system is provided. Considering the requirements of energy capacity, efficiency and cost of this application, the Hydrogen-Bromine flow battery has been identified as a great candidate for electrical energy storage. Its many advantages include fast reaction kinetics, high energy storage capacity, and high reliability. This paper discusses the unique features and the advantages and disadvantages of this H2-Br2 system and shows the electrochemical charge and discharge performance obtained at different concentrations and flow rates. A comparison of the H2-Br2 to the H2-O2 system is also included to highlight the fast kinetics of the bromine reactions. Finally, test results are also included to show that flow field design like the interdigitated flow field can be used to reduce the effect of transport limitation at the bromine electrode.