VFlowTech, a Singapore-based provider of sustainable energy storage solutions, has announced its partnership with Monash University as they embark on a project that will advance rechargeable batteries for renewable energy storage.
This partnership will include an AUD 510,000 ($335,430) grant awarded by Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project (LP) to Monash University and contribution from VFlowTech that will be used for joint research and development efforts in the field of improving the performance of flow batteries for high temperature operation, the duo said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the ARC Linkage Grant program is highly competitive and is awarded to companies that can demonstrate exceptional innovation and potential for real-world impact.
It said Monash University and VFlowTech’s successful grant application is a testament to both organizations’ expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing the energy storage industry.
Under this grant, VFlowTech will collaborate with Monash University’s renowned team including Professor Douglas MacFarlane, Associate Professor Alexandr Simonov and Dr. Tam Nguyen.
As esteemed experts in the field of material science, electrochemistry, and energy storage, their extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable in driving the success of this project.
From a technical standpoint, this project aims to develop high-performance electrolytes for vanadium redox flow batteries.
With a focus on enhancing efficiency and sustainability, this means that VFlowTech and Monash University will aim to increase the efficiency of rechargeable batteries to push the working capacity of energy storage technology at high temperatures.
The single overarching goal is to contribute to the global transition towards clean and renewable energy sources.
“The development of a new high-performance electrolyte composition for vanadium redox flow batteries is crucial in enhancing the robustness and efficiency of our technology, particularly in the rising temperatures today,
“By pushing the operational limits from 55°C to 60°C, we aim to unlock the full potential of energy storage, providing a sustainable and scalable solution for the transition to renewable energy sources,” said Dr Arjun Bhattarai, Chief Technology Officer of VFlowTech.
Dr. Tam Nguyen, Monash University’s ARC Early Career Industry Fellow, who will also be overseeing this project, shared the project aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy storage solutions.
Dr. Avishek Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of VFlowTech, said that by harnessing the synergy between academia and industry, they are driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in energy storage.
“We see tremendous opportunities in Australia and a strong future for uptake of the battery,
“Furthermore, this collaboration will set the stage for our potential expansion into the Australian market, enabling us to explore local manufacturing opportunities and establish further strategic partnerships,” he added.
VFlowTech is a long duration energy storage solutions provider manufacturing low-cost and efficient modular vanadium redox flow batteries.
With a 25-year expected lifespan, VFlowTech has one of the safest and most environmentally friendly battery technologies.
The firm was incubated in the CleanTech lab of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, and benefits from unique IP arising from many years of intensive research at the university.
VFlowTech batteries can store renewable energy over long-duration and are designed to address issues of performance degradation, thermal runaway, and product reliability on safety.
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