Optimal Operation Strategies of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery for Residential Peak Shaving

In this paper, we consider an application of the 5-kW vanadium redox flow battery to perform the peak shaving task in a residential grid. The battery behavior is simulated with application of zero-dimensional model considering real load conditions. The optimal battery operation strategy (battery usage protocol) is determined to minimize capacity fading during long-cycling battery operation. In this regard, different strategies of electrolyte rebalancing are considered, which allow periodic restoration of battery capacity. The result shows that with an increase of the total volume of electrolyte, fewer rebalancing services are required. It is found that for the considered case (1 year of battery operation with 1 charge and 1 discharge per day) the optimal volume of the electrolyte is 140 L. The obtained results show a good potential of the VRFB systems as stationary storage for residential applications.