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H2020Doctoral network2017–2022

FlowCamp · European Training Network to improve materials for high-performance, low-cost next- generation redox-flow batteries

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2017-09-01 → 2022-02-28
EU contribution
€3,796,578
Participants
19
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

European Training Network to improve materials for high-performance, low-cost next- generation redox-flow batteries

FlowCamp was an interdisciplinary training network of 15 doctoral students, covering the development of next-generation redox flow battery (RFB) technology. Currently the all-vanadium redox flow battery is the dominating flow battery technology for mid- to long-duration stationary storage. In FlowCamp three systems were chosen as next-generation flow battery systems to improve specific battery characteristics beyond the state of the art. These technologies were: 1) zinc slurry air RFBs for higher capacity 2) hydrogen bromine RFBs for higher power density and 3) aqueous organic RFBs for environmentally friendlier systems. The complex interfaces of the scientific development of battery systems touch various disciplines in engineering. The interdisciplinary approach of the FlowCamp network combined material science, modelling and applied electrochemical engineering and spanned the whole development cycle from the modelling of battery cells and basic battery chemistry, the development of specialized battery materials like new membranes and catalysts to the development of complete cells and mini-stacks for the three chosen systems. The development was accompanied by an integrative training approach providing an interdisciplinary hub in which tomorrow’s battery scientists were trained to face a fast-changing, competitive and challenging research environment.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Renewable energy sources like wind turbines require large-scale, stationary energy storage systems to balance out fluctuations in energy generation. FlowCamp will advance the development of one of the most promising storage systems: redox-flow batteries (RFBs). The recruited fellows will develop materials (membranes, electrodes, electrolytes, catalysts, sealing materials) and macrohomogeneous models for three next generation RFBs (hydrogen-bromine, organic and zinc-air systems). They will then upscale the new systems to prototype level (TRL4/5), and validate them using the cutting-edge battery testing facilities available for the prestigious German-funded RedoxWind project at Fraunhofer ICT. The new RFB technologies can be combined in energy storage systems tailored to a wide variety of application scenarios, with lower cost, longer service life and higher efficiency than conventional (e.g. Li-ion) storage devices. Through FlowCamp, 15 ESRs will gain a unique skill-set comprising electrochemistry, material science and cell design/ engineering, as well as an overview of different RFB technologies and their implementation at prototype level. FlowCamp will consequently go far beyond existing electrochemical training, in a field with a high and growing research demand. The employability of the ESRs will be further enhanced by high-quality individualized training in scientific and complementary skills, and a structured network program of training units moving them from theoretical investigations towards industrial application and entrepreneurship. The active involvement of industrial partners, secondments in applied research and industry and a strong research and training emphasis on market requirements will furthermore provide them with the intersectoral experience needed for a career in electrochemical energy storage.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV · MunchenCoordinatorGermany
  • AMER-SIL SA · KehlenLuxembourg
  • BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY · Ramat GanIsrael
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
  • EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH · ZuerichSwitzerland
  • ELESTOR BV · ARNHEMNetherlands
  • ERAS-Labo · Saint-Nazaire-les-EymesUnknown Region
  • Eötvös Loránd University · BudapestUnknown Region
  • FRIEDRICH-SCHILLER-UNIVERSITÄT JENA · JENAGermany
  • HUN-REN TERMESZETTUDOMANYI KUTATOKOZPONT · BudapestHungary
  • Israel Chemicals LTD · Tel AvivIsrael
  • JENABATTERIES GMBH · JenaGermany
  • JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC · LONDONUnited Kingdom
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology · KarlsruheUnknown Region
  • Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences · KarlsruheUnknown Region
  • TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN · EindhovenNetherlands
  • UNIVERSITY OF STUTTGART · StuttgartGermany
  • VYSOKA SKOLA CHEMICKO-TECHNOLOGICKA V PRAZE · PRAHACzechia
  • ZURCHER HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN · WinterthurSwitzerland

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union