Electro-thermal modelling of redox flow-batteries with electrolyte swapping for an electric ferry

Vanadium redox flow-batteries in coastal ferry applications have the potential to help bring down carbon footprint of shipping industry. There is a lack research focused on vanadium transport due their low energy density, though electrolyte swapping offers benefits whereby depleted can be rapidly exchanged for fully charged supply. also benefit from significantly higher cycle life when compared Li-ion and fuel cell technologies, offering lower cost per year ownership. A flow-battery electro-thermally modelled identify whether it feasible terms capacity, temperature limits, cost. The journeys between two ports, where each port equipped with provide swapping. An Equivalent Circuit Model utilized model battery response, while thermal predicts based conservation energy. Shunt current pumping losses are considered model. It was found that show real decarbonisation Battery kept within safe operating voyage close diesel system, significant reductions CO 2 output. • electro-thermal flow incorporating shunt currents developed system batteries (VRFB) shown viable candidates E -ferries Swapping using pre-chambers improved efficiency increased range cooling only required located at ports VRFB able compete operational costs showing threefold reduction