The Potential of Flow Batteries with Eugene Beh | Quino Energy | Ep 148

This episode is sponsored by Ranch Office—Texas style co-working in Houston. Life is better at the Ranch.

Eugene Beh, founder and CEO of Quino Energy, sits down with our Host, Joe Batir. They discuss flow batteries and their applications in the energy storage industry. He explains that flow batteries are a type of battery that use two tanks of reactants to generate electricity. Unlike other batteries, flow batteries can be easily scaled up by increasing the size of the tanks, making them suitable for long-duration storage. However, the cost and supply chain limitations of traditional flow battery technologies, such as vanadium flow batteries, have hindered their widespread adoption. Quino Energy aims to address these challenges by developing flow batteries using organic molecules called Quinones, which are cheaper and more sustainable. Their technology is a drop-in replacement for vanadium flow batteries, making it easier for existing systems to transition to their solution. Quino Energy\’s flow batteries are particularly well-suited for mid-duration storage, ranging from 6 to 24 hours. Quino Energy is exploring the repurposing of old oil storage tanks for energy storage. They have found that their flow battery technology is chemically compatible with carbon steel tanks, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution. The US has enough tank storage space to store about four terawatt hours of Quino\’s electrolyte, providing a significant opportunity for energy storage. Repurposing existing infrastructure can save time and money on installation. The conversation also touches on the importance of electrifying the grid, decarbonizing transportation, and exploring other clean tech solutions.

Eugene’s Book Recommendations:

Momo by Michael Ende

The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

Takeaways

• Flow batteries are a type of battery that use two tanks of reactants to generate electricity.
• Traditional flow battery technologies, such as vanadium flow batteries, have cost and supply chain limitations that hinder widespread adoption.
• Quino Energy is developing flow batteries using organic molecules called Quinones, which are cheaper and more sustainable.
• Their flow batteries are a drop-in replacement for vanadium flow batteries, making it easier for existing systems to transition to their solution.
• Quino Energy\’s flow batteries are particularly well-suited for mid-duration storage, ranging from 6 to 24 hours. Quino Energy is exploring the repurposing of old oil storage tanks for energy storage, leveraging the compatibility of their flow battery technology with carbon steel tanks.
• The US has enough tank storage space to store about four terawatt hours of Quino\’s electrolyte, presenting a significant opportunity for energy storage.
• Repurposing existing infrastructure, such as oil tanks, can save time and money on installation and provide a cost-effective solution for energy storage.
• Electrifying the grid, decarbonizing transportation, and exploring other clean tech solutions are crucial steps in achieving net-zero emissions and combating climate change.

Keywords

flow batteries, energy storage, scalability, long-duration storage, supply chain, sustainability, drop-in replacement, repurposing infrastructure, decarbonization, clean tech solutions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:48 Understanding Flow Batteries

08:10 Applications of Flow Batteries

15:20 Challenges and Limitations of Traditional Flow Battery Technologies