The vanadium-redox-flow-battery (VRFB) is a promising technology for a cost effective supply of storage capacity for an hour reserve. The VRFB uses vanadium exclusively in four oxidation levels. Therefore, cross contamination of the redox couples is excluded which increases the battery life. However, the corrosiveness of the electrolyte and the self discharge of the battery are challenges to be addressed.

To achieve progress in the material development of all components, i.e. electrodes, electrolyte, membrane, bipolar plates and fittings, their degradation processes in operation must be identified. Based on that accelerated ageing procedures will be developed for material testing. The results will be used for a degradation model on cell level to predict the time of life costs of the system and to identify operation conditions to expand its lifetime.