Graphitic bipolar plates for redox flow batteries

Key components for long-lasting energy storage

Sustainability, climate protection, and an energy supply without greenhouse gas emissions – renewable energies and redox flow batteries as energy storage systems of the future play a central role in all of this. With our graphitic bipolar plates, we provide a key component for these technologies, backed by more than 20 years of experience in their production. Our compression-molded bipolar plates and extruded bipolar films provide reliable service in powering buildings with electricity as components in home storage systems or in stationary storage solutions for energy providers.

Absorbing energy peaks and stabilizing the power grid

Energy storage as a necessary complement to renewable energies

The large number of wind and photovoltaic systems presents challenges for energy providers. Renewable energy production depends on the weather and time of day, making it far from consistent. This can lead to rapid and significant fluctuations in energy input. This imbalance between production and consumption must be balanced, especially concerning maintaining grid voltage and avoiding overloads without having to shut down facilities. The second challenge is that much of the power grid is not designed for decentralized energy generation. In addition to traditional grid expansion, intelligent solutions are needed – this is where redox flow batteries come into play, serving as efficient energy storage systems that can play a crucial buffering role in the power grid.

Advantages of redox flow batteries over lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are well-known in e-mobility and are often the first choice for energy storage – but redox flow batteries offer many advantages:

They can be discharged 100%.
They allow a significantly higher number of charge/discharge cycles without reducing storage capacity.
They are fire-safe, as they consist of about 80% water.
They do not require raw materials like cobalt, lithium or manganese, whose extraction is ethically questionable and difficult to recycle.
The vanadium used in the electrolyte is not consumed during operation and can be 100% recycled at the end of its life.
The battery itself is nearly maintenance-free.
Power and capacity (energy amount) can be scaled independently of each other.

Why Schunk?

Strong industrial partner with strong commitment

We know what you expect from redox flow batteries and specifically from our graphitic bipolar plates: performance, cost-effectiveness, and longevity through corrosion resistance. More importantly, we know how to meet your expectations – not just in terms of materials but across the entire consulting and manufacturing process. One significant advantage for you is that we already produce compression-molded and extruded bipolar plates in series today.

Compression-molded graphitic bipolar plates

Wherever extreme longevity, fail-safety, and power density are required, our compression-molded bipolar plates with integrated flow fields are the first choice. With their excellent corrosion resistance, they offer extreme long-term stability. High electrical conductivity, very good mechanical strength, and design flexibility are additional advantages.

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Extruded graphitic bipolar plates

Our extruded graphitic bipolar plates offer high corrosion resistance against various electrolytes. They impress with good mechanical strength without brittle failure and very good liquid tightness. The flexible bipolar plate can be welded directly to the battery stack frame, eliminating the need for conventional sealing solutions.

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Brochure: Bipolar Plates

For Fuel Cells and Redox Flow Batteries

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Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our components for energy storage systems or require a customized solution.