1st Flow Energy Solutions, established in September 2018 in Freiburg, Germany, develops and produces innovative vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) systems. The company provides scalable, durable, and safe energy storage solutions that support the transition to renewable energy. By optimizing traditional flow battery technology, 1st Flow delivers high-performance energy storage units tailored to specific on-site energy sources and demands. Their focus is on contributing to the energy transition by advancing redox flow battery technology through collaboration with research institutions and energy experts.
Battery Technology
1st Flow Energy Solutions specializes in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), a technology that utilizes vanadium ions across four different oxidation states, stored within a liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte is non-flammable and non-explosive, contributing to system safety. A core advantage of VRFBs is their durability, resulting in a long lifespan of over 20,000 charge-discharge cycles without significant capacity degradation. One of 1st Flow’s unique developments is the Directed Flow Field (DFF) technology, which enhances power density and longevity while helping to reduce system costs.
The power and capacity of VRFB systems can be scaled independently, as the electrolyte tanks and cell stacks are physically separate. This modular design allows for customization across a range of applications. From a sustainability perspective, vanadium is sourced as a by-product of iron production, avoiding critical or ethically sensitive raw materials. 1st Flow’s systems incorporate open-source energy management integration for ease of operation and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Their battery stacks are advancing through fifth to seventh-generation designs, improving electrochemical efficiency and power output.
Recent Projects
In 2023, 1st Flow Energy Solutions implemented a VRFB system for the “Car Park of the Future” at Knoll Energy in Umkirch, Germany. This project involved a battery with a power output of up to 50 kW and a capacity of up to 300 kWh, integrated with an additional 25 kWp solar installation. This application demonstrates the company’s capabilities in providing significant buffer storage for electric vehicle charging stations and managing energy from renewable sources in commercial settings.
Investors
1st Flow Energy Solutions received foundational backing from Storion Energy Inc., a U.S.-based company with over two decades of experience in VRFB technology. This partnership provided initial expertise and technical support during 1st Flow’s early stages.
Business Details
Location: Malterdingen, Germany
Website: https://1stflow-energy.com/en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/78008329
