The ESP30 series has a power capability of up to 50 kW and can store up to 200 kWh of electricity. The power and capacity of the ESP30 make it suited for a variety of demanding energy storage applications, including peak shaving, demand response, energy shifting, renewable energy firming, and microgrid or back-up power.

It is the first battery from Imergy to use secondary sources of vanadium such as mining slag, fly ash, and other environmental waste. As a result of this technology and other developments, Imergy will be able to lower the cost of its flow batteries from $500/kWh, already an industry benchmark, to under $300/kWh.

The ESP30 operates within a far wider temperature range than lithium ion or other storage solutions and is air-cooled. The storage duration can be extended by increasing electrolyte concentration and volume. Built in a modular fashion from replaceable components, the ESP30 has a lifetime that is effectively unlimited,mImergy says.

The ESP30 modules measure approximately 6 meters (20' shipping container), with available energy ranging from 2 to 12 hours of output duration. ESP30 modules can be linked together to form Energy Storage Platforms (ESP) capable of delivering megawatts of power and storing megawatt hours of energy. The system provides power security (can operate in full islanded mode) and power quality (with fast response time for seamless power source transitions, load transients, and photovoltaic system firming).

The ESP30 also incorporates fast charge capabilities and advanced controls and electronics, and can be remotely managed using secure Linux- and Windows-based integrated dispatch optimization software.

Customer deliveries of the ESP30 will begin in November in the United States and India for microgrid applications.

Flow batteries essentially store energy in a liquid electrolyte that circulates between tanks. The simplicity of the design creates a robust and efficient system that can be cycled thousands of times in a year, and charged and discharged completely without impact on its lifespan. Integrated power electronics manage the charging and discharging processes, but the unique architecture allows the system to be scaled up in size by simply increasing the electrolyte volumes. The Imergy product inherently lasts longer than conventional batteries, with lower maintenance costs and fewer thermal management concerns.