A validated dynamical model of a kW-class Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

The development of redox flow batteries depends on the research on new materials as well as on the technological development, but also on appropriate models which allow to simulate their performance in operative conditions. Very few investigations are reported in the literature concerning the technology, modeling and simulation of large-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery systems, built around multi-cell stacks. This paper regards the modeling of an industrial-sized 9 kW test facility. In particular, a complete dynamic model is presented, that takes into account all thermal effects occurring inside the stack, resulting in a complex non-linear coupled formulation, that allows to simulate the battery operation in any realistic conditions. The model is able to simulate the thermal behavior both in standby, i.e. without power and reactant flow, as well as in load operation, i.e. in charge and discharge. The numerical implementation of the model is described in detail. The model validation is also described, consisting in comparing computed data with experimental measurements taken on the available test facility.