The objective of this demonstration is to validate the technical and cost performance of a 500kW/ 5,000kWh CellCube vanadium redox flow battery at the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, CA. The demonstration will evaluate the battery system’s ability to reliably supply the training center’s critical loads in combination with an existing diesel generator. 

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) like CellCube’s are designed for robust, large-scale, and long-duration energy storage. These modular vanadium flow batteries use a water-based vanadium electrolyte to store and deliver energy. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, these systems are non-flammable, have built-in leak and fault detection, and require no additional safety systems, making them particularly well-suited for installations that host critical military missions. The vanadium electrolyte can be reused or reclaimed which offers a longer operational life with minimal capacity loss compared to lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time.

Implementing this VRFB on installations could provide energy resilience and increased mission assurance by supplying long-duration, non-flammable backup power for critical operations during grid outages and other unforeseen power/energy-disrupting events. These batteries offer a much longer lifespan and lower degradation than lithium-ion, reducing replacement and maintenance costs. Their modular design allows flexible scaling for different base sizes, and their safe, water-based electrolyte eliminates fire risks, both of which are crucial to ensure adequate technology transfer and technology compatibility. Further, the key components of the VRFB are not sourced from any countries classified as Foreign Entities Of Concern the way many li-ion battery components are. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)