VESS vanadium energy systems offer a reliable and scalable solution for achieving carbon neutrality in industrial environments. Vanadium Redox Flow technology provides the stability needed for critical infrastructure and energy grids, combining 25–30+ years of service life, zero risk of fire or overheating, and predictably the lowest LCOE in long-term projects. This transforms VESS systems into a strategic asset for organizations planning sustainable growth and seeking energy security in the coming decades.
VESS’s Vanadium Redox Flow Battery stores energy in a liquid electrolyte based on vanadium (V), circulating between separate tanks and electrochemical cells. Power and capacity are completely separated, allowing independent optimization for the specific application.
Electrolyte solutions containing two different oxidation states of vanadium (V²⁺/V³⁺ and V4⁺/V5⁺) are stored in two separate tanks.
The solutions are transported to the active cells via a pump system.
In active cells, energy is stored or released through chemical reactions between electrodes. Electrons are transferred during oxidation and reduction reactions.
Protons are transferred across the membrane into the cell, thus balancing the processes of energy storage and release.
The system is designed to operate for long-term projects without the need for replacement.
The water-based electrolyte and intrinsically safe chemistry eliminate the risk of overheating and fire.
The system’s capacity remains unchanged throughout its service life.
Provides a low cost per 1 kWh, considering all costs throughout the life cycle.
The system operates continuously and does not degrade when performing many charge and discharge cycles.
The system can operate continuously and be charged and discharged from 0 to 100% without degrading.
The electrolyte does not lose its qualities; even after more than 30 years of operation, it retains its value.
The water-based electrolyte is not affected by temperature, humidity, dust, and various climatic conditions.
Unlike lithium-ion systems, VRFB has no flammable organic solvents, no heat build-up in the cells, and no chain reactions in emergency modes.
This fundamental technological difference directly affects operational safety, insurance risk, and regulatory requirements, especially for large-scale energy storage systems.
In recent years, a number of real incidents with lithium-ion ESS have clearly shown how the risk increases with increasing capacity:
VRFB is establishing itself as the preferred technology for critical infrastructure, grid applications, and long-term storage, where safety is a key investment factor.
| Indicator | VESS Flow Battery (VRFB) | Li-ion ESS |
|---|---|---|
| Operating duration (hours) | VESS (VRFB) Unlimited | Li-ion ESS 2- and 4-hour modules |
| Capacity ratio | VESS (VRFB) Unlimited | Li-ion ESS 0.5 |
| Number of cycles | VESS (VRFB) Unlimited | Li-ion ESS Up to 7000 under optimal conditions |
| Efficiency (round-trip) | VESS (VRFB) ~80–82% | Li-ion ESS ~87–91% |
| Degradation | VESS (VRFB) 0.3 | Li-ion ESS 2.5% |
| Operating temperature | VESS (VRFB) from −25°C to 40°C | Li-ion ESS −30°C to 50°C (requires additional heating at low temperatures) |
| Optimal external operating temperature | VESS (VRFB) from 20°C to 45°C | Li-ion ESS from 20°C to 25°C ±10°C |
| Optimal operating humidity | VESS (VRFB) from 5% to 95% | Li-ion ESS from 40% to 60% ±10% |
| Optimal charge/discharge range | VESS (VRFB) from 0% to 100% | Li-ion ESS from 20% to 80% ±10% |
| Warranty | VESS (VRFB) Up to 30 years. Unlimited number of cycles/day | Li-ion ESS Up to 20 years under optimal conditions (1 cycle/day) |
| Battery life | VESS (VRFB) Over 30 years | Li-ion ESS Up to 20 years under optimal conditions (1 cycle/day) |
| Service | VESS (VRFB) When needed | Li-ion ESS Li-ion ESS (3 × 1 MW / 2 MWh, total 6 MWh): ~$8k – $12k/year (6 MWh), +2% annually. Replacements of key components – at the customer's expense. |
| Software | VESS (VRFB) Included. Adaptive open-source. | Li-ion ESS Developed by the supplier. Possible restrictions on activities/regions + one-time or periodic fees. |
| Fire extinguishing system | VESS (VRFB) Not required | Li-ion ESS Required |
| Fire requirements for distances from buildings | VESS (VRFB) Not required | Li-ion ESS Required |
| Eco tax | VESS (VRFB) Not required | Li-ion ESS ~€2.85/kg |
| Electrolyte buyback (end of life) | VESS (VRFB) Possible | Li-ion ESS Not possible |
The diagram shows the energy delivered over time when comparing a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) and a lithium-ion ESS system at equivalent installed power.
While Li-ion systems reach a limit in the number of cycles and their effective service life in the early years, VESS VRFB systems provide stable, repeatable, and non-degrading operation, resulting in significantly higher cumulative energy delivered in the long term. This effect is key to the real return on investment (ROI), not just the initial CAPEX.
We assume that you have solar panels with a maximum capacity of 1MW per hour under optimal weather conditions and daylight hours of 6 hours.
In case you use lithium batteries to store the energy produced during daylight hours you will need to purchase a minimum of 3 units, taking into account the technical limitations of the battery.
VESS energy storage systems regulate capacity according to the amount of electrolyte in the system. Under these conditions, a VESS vanadium system is quite sufficient, and the benefits over time are incomparable to a Li-Ion battery.
The PCS (Power Conversion System) is a key component of the vanadium flow battery that manages the bidirectional energy flow between the battery and the power grid. It provides precise charge and discharge control, as well as reliable conversion between alternating and direct current, in accordance with grid requirements and the specific application.
BMS is the main control layer of every VESS VRFB system. It monitors all electrochemical and electrical parameters in real time, ensuring safe, stable, and long-term operation of the system.
EMS is the upgrade that turns VESS VRFB into a strategic energy asset. It coordinates the interaction between the battery, the power grid, renewable sources, and end consumers.
Balancing, peak shaving, RES integration
Data centers, transport hubs, N+1/N+2 systems
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