Long Duration Aluminum-CO2 Grid Battery by Flow Aluminum

Introduction

Flow Aluminum, an innovative energy storage company, has developed a groundbreaking long-duration non-flammable Aluminum-CO2 battery designed for grid applications. This case study explores the development, implementation, and impact of this technology, highlighting its potential to revolutionize energy storage and contribute to a sustainable energy future.

Background

Flow Aluminum emerged as a pioneer in the energy storage industry, driven by the vision of creating efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly batteries. The company closed a pre-seed fundraising round of $400,000, oversubscribed by $225,000 and won a $400,000 grant and has since made significant strides in prototyping and developing its Aluminum-CO2 battery technology.

Technology Overview

The Aluminum-CO2 battery developed by Flow Aluminum is a novel energy storage solution leveraging the electrochemical reaction between aluminum and carbon dioxide. Key features of this battery include:

  • High Energy Density: The battery offers superior energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, making it ideal for long-duration applications.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing abundant and inexpensive materials like aluminum and CO2, the battery is more affordable to produce.
  • Environmental Impact: By utilizing CO2, the battery helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Development Journey

Prototyping and Testing

Flow Aluminum’s development journey began with the creation of a 2″x2″ planar battery prototype, demonstrating stable voltage and promising performance metrics. The company then progressed to develop larger format prototypes, approaching production performance. This iterative prototyping process was crucial in refining the technology and ensuring its reliability and efficiency.

Team and Collaboration

The development was spearheaded by a talented team, including Olaf Conrad, the newly appointed CTO with extensive expertise in electrochemical science. Collaborations with industry experts and academic institutions, such as the NSF Engine initiative, further strengthened the development process.

Implementation

Pilot Projects

Flow Aluminum is planning multiple pilot projects to validate the performance and scalability of the Aluminum-CO2 battery in real-world applications. Notable collaborations included:

  • Reading Municipal Light Department: Under the guidance of Kevin Bassalleck, Flow Aluminum is planning a pilot project with the Massachusetts utility to achieve product-market fit and demonstrate the battery’s efficacy in grid applications.
  • GridWorks – President Kevin Bassalleck is an Advisor and we are looking for pilot opportunities.
  • UNM Collaboration: Flow Aluminum is exploring multiple opportunities with UNM to explore potential pilot projects to integrate the battery into grid stability and transmission systems.
  • We are also exploring microgrid applications with the U.S. military.

Community and Educational Support

Initial interest from Dona Ana Community College at Santa Teresa for supporting a single wind turbine microgrid project exemplified the battery’s versatility and potential for community-level energy solutions. 

Results and Impact

Performance

The pilot projects showcased the Aluminum-CO2 battery’s capability to provide long-duration energy storage(starting at 10 hours with a target of 100 hour duration), maintaining stable performance over extended periods. The battery has near perfect roundtrip efficiency. This made it an attractive solution for utilities and EPC firms seeking reliable and efficient energy storage options. The battery performs excellently at extreme temperatures down to -40C and over 60C.

Environmental Benefits

By utilizing CO2 in the electrochemical process, the battery contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. This environmental benefit positions Flow Aluminum as a leader in eco-friendly energy solutions. The battery is recyclable and uses no cobalt, nickel, lithium, graphite or manganese.

Economic Viability

The cost-effectiveness of the Aluminum-CO2 battery, owing to the use of inexpensive materials, presented a significant economic advantage. Currently Aluminum is around $1 a pound where cobalt is $15 a pound. This affordability made it a competitive alternative to existing energy storage technologies, promising substantial cost savings for utilities and other large-scale energy consumers.

Future Prospects

Building on the success of the pilot projects, Flow Aluminum is poised to scale up production and commercialize the Aluminum-CO2 battery. The company is raising $375,000 to close the current round and plans to open an $8M seed round in the fall, seeking a lead investor with $2M in soft commits.

Flow Aluminum’s upcoming open house at their new lab at 1400 Eubank will showcase their technological advancements and foster further collaborations.

Conclusion

Flow Aluminum’s long-duration Aluminum-CO2 grid battery represents a significant advancement in energy storage technology. With its high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits, the battery has the potential to transform the energy storage landscape. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it stands at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable energy future.