ZBB Targets Development of Next-Generation 500-kWh Flow Battery System
ZBB Energy Corporation today announced two distinct technology initiatives, one to enhance the performance of the cell stacks utilized in the current ZBB EnerStoreâ„¢ 50-kWh product, and the other to develop the power electronics and other technologies to enable a low-cost 500-kWh flow battery system that leverages the performance gains in the cell stacks. ZBB has been working with an undisclosed, domestic, technology organization to develop specific materials to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of ZBB's zinc-bromide flow batteries, and formally entered into a development agreement with the organization in April of this year.
The preliminary results of this joint effort, in conjunction with other internally developed advances, are expected to yield efficiency gains of up to 20% while simultaneously reducing materials costs. ZBB has also entered into a development agreement with an undisclosed offshore partner to develop the design of a new 500 kWh zinc bromide flow battery platform, providing less cost per kWh in markets requiring larger systems, such as utilities, grid connected microgrids and remote microgrids.
"ZBB has aggressively pursued price and performance improvements for its zinc bromide flow battery products. We believe that the broad utility-scale market is now beginning adoption of energy storage, and that a sale price of about $500/kWh will accelerate market adoption. These design initiatives should enable our products to hit these cost levels. We are fortunate to have partners that can supplement the technical and financial resources of ZBB to accelerate these high leverage projects," said Eric Apfelbach, ZBB Energy President and CEO. "While still in the development phase, we believe the preliminary results will translate into significant performance gains as we commercialize the technology."
