Zinc-bromine flow batteries in residential electricity supply: Two case studies

Electricity utilities are increasingly faced with the problems associated with rising electricity demand and the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Energy storage can provide an effective solution to these problems. This study investigates the use of zinc-bromine (ZB) batteries in Australian residential electricity supply. A grid-connected suburban house in Sydney showed that it is possible to dramatically reduce grid power import, especially during peak times, and reduce overall grid import to less than two per cent of the time. Furthermore, an-off grid application in rural Victoria showed the significant reductions in diesel generator run time that can be achieved. The financial case for implementing such projects on a wide scale was also investigated. It was concluded that ZB batteries are very effective when used in residential electricity supply and in conjunction with embedded generation, but that an appropriate battery management system must be used in order to attain successful results.