ZOLTEK’s Role in Grid-Scale Energy Storage

The installation of grid-scale energy storage (ES) has been accelerating rapidly in recent years. Utility engineers are increasingly utilizing energy storage systems (ESS) alongside renewable energy (RE) generation from wind farms and solar panel arrays to lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). LCOE is the average revenue per unit of generated electricity needed to recover the costs of building and operating a power plant over its lifetime.

Many current Stationary Energy Storage (SES) systems rely on lithium-ion battery technology. However, these systems present several technical issues and safety concerns. Redox flow battery (RFB) technology offers a compelling alternative. RFB systems can separate the power and energy requirements of an ESS application, endure thousands of charge/discharge cycles without degradation, support energy storage durations of up to 10–14 hours, and operate without the risk of fire hazards. ZOLTEK carbonized felts and fabrics are increasingly being used and evaluated as the preferred battery electrode materials for these RFB systems.

As the market leader in low-cost carbon fiber, ZOLTEK leverages its expertise to supply the most cost-effective battery electrode materials to RFB manufacturers. ZOLTEK’s carbonized felts and fabrics not only meet but often exceed the technical requirements of their customers, all while being offered at attractive price points. This allows RFB manufacturers and ESS integrators to advance with designs that facilitate larger, more cost-effective energy storage projects, making them a reality.

Zoltek Carbon Electrode Materials – An Overview

Zoltek offers a comprehensive range of carbon electrode materials, available in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 5 mm. Each type of carbon electrode material is designed to provide unique benefits that can be customized to meet our customers’ specific requirements. Zoltek is committed to continuously improving our electrode products to maximize the performance of Redox Flow Batteries (RFB).

Click here to download the Zoltek Electrode Materials presentation.

Energy Storage Products

• Felts – ZOLTEK PXFT Carbonized Felts

ZOLTEK PXFT carbonized felts are made from 100% ZOLTEK OX felts, which are continuously carbonized and supplied in roll form. These felts are versatile and can be used in various applications, including:

• Stationary energy storage batteries
• High-temperature furnace linings
• Acid gas mist eliminators
• Carbon composite materials

Customers can apply their own post-treatments, and the felt is easy to process into specific designs tailored to their needs.

Click here to download the technical datasheet.

• Fabrics – ZOLTEK PXFB Carbonized Fabrics

ZOLTEK PXFB carbonized fabrics are made from 100% ZOLTEK OX fabrics, continuously carbonized and supplied in roll form. These high-quality carbon fabrics are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Stationary energy storage batteries
• High-temperature and chemically corrosive environments
• Carbon composite materials for friction-related uses

These fabrics are designed to meet stringent performance requirements and are easily adaptable for various industrial applications.

Click here to download the technical datasheet.