Sustainability of the CellCube system

Again and again and again

Efficient use of resources and the circular economy

By choosing a CellCube system, our customers have chosen a long-term solution. And yet the operating lifetime extending beyond 20 years is still not enough for us. We take a “cradle to cradle” approach, meaning that our products and the individual components remain in the cycle for as long as possible. Why? In order to conserve resources and avoid waste.

Over 85% of the CellCube system is directly and conveniently reusable. The majority of this reusable share comprises the electrolyte solution, which only has to be produced once and is remanufactured with minimal effort at the battery’s end of life. Water makes up the most of this liquid, which is enriched with vanadium sulfate, among other elements. Other immediately reusable parts which have a large share are e.g. containers, floors, shelves. The remaining ~ 10% can be reused or recycled – e.g. electrolyte tanks, secondary safety containments, stacks, metals and are treated accordingly.

Power unit

Our vanadium redox flow batteries differ from other storage solutions in that they can be disassembled into their individual parts. Unlike most other batteries, they do not consist of a closed, irreparable unit. The power unit, for instance, is made up of a variety of different components which we reuse directly again after the end of the system’s lifecycle. In turn, other components e.g. stacks can be reconditioned or recycled with minimal effort.

Durable and recyclable

Energy unit

The main component in the energy unit is the electrolyte solution, which can be easily reused in the next battery. Because of the complex manufacturing and the use of high-quality materials, the lifecycle of the tank and the secondary safety container, which serves as protection against leaks, is well beyond 20 years.

The electrolyte: unlimited sustainability

The vanadium electrolyte solution is unlike traditional industrial waste. It is mainly made up of water, sulfuric acid and stabilizers like phosphoric acid. Unlike lithium ion batteries, access to this liquid active material is significantly easier, meaning that other than transferring the liquid, no further processes are necessary. Vanadium, which in this form is more valuable than vanadium pentoxide, can be reclaimed using chemical and electrochemical procedures or used directly in a new energy storage system. This is how Circular Economy is done!

Furthermore, the batteries of our latest CellCube development, Release 4, feature a technological innovation: a rebalancing system capable of monitoring and rectifying the state of electrolyte imbalance, preventing battery failure and contamination and ensuring optimal functionality of the electrolyte solution. Under normal operating conditions, the average oxidation state of the electrolyte is increasing, which can lead to imbalance and a loss of capacity. The CellCube Rebalancing System identifies this imbalance in real time and conducts a rebalancing process through an electrolysis cell. This eliminates the need to replace the electrolyte solution over the entire duration of battery operation.

At the end of the battery life, the electrolyte is cleaned and is ready to be used as a primary product in the next storage solution (remanufacturing). When the entire system is decommissioned, the electrolyte solution is pumped out and simultaneously purified from possible impurities, the level of acidity and the concentrations of the individual constituents are checked, and the electrolyte is pumped into a new system.

Other positive factors

In order to be able to use as many components as possible for as long as possible, our CellCube system is designed for reparability and is also very easy to repair. You can depend on it: Our technically adept and innovative service team can repair practically anything. It is important to us that every CellCube system can be used for the long term and that its components remain in the lifecycle for as long as possible.

Furthermore, the CellCube system runs quietly and emits no odors. This is yet another factor that differentiates our system from other solutions in energy supply.

Short distances for greater sustainability

Sourcing and supply chain

When it comes to procurement, CellCube places particular importance on regionality, short transportation distances and long-term partnerships characterized by common values and objectives.

Materials and components

100% of the tier 1 suppliers of our components are European companies. The electrolyte solution is only exception among the components, as this is delivered directly to the customer. In order to keep transportation distances to a minimum and to promote regional value creation and generate jobs locally, as many of our key components as possible are procured in the surrounding vicinity. 40% is sourced from less than 100 kilometers away, 50% from within 200 kilometers, and 70% from within 500 kilometers. We rely on long-term and dependable cooperation with our partners who support us in realizing our vision and our objectives while at the same time guaranteeing a resilient, efficient and stable supply chain.

Good to know: The CellCube system uses no rare earth metals.

The electrolyte

Our procurement organization is positioned with strategic partners around the world. We work with the global market leaders in order to ensure an optimal supply of the electrolyte and to be able to provide every project site worldwide with a sustainable solution which is optimal in terms of scheduling, quality and costs.

Sustainable project environment

When it comes to installing a new CellCube system, we pay meticulously attention to sustainability throughout the whole environment. From the fencing surrounding the project to the foundation slab, we consider every aspect and ensure the proper disposal of construction site waste such as rags contaminated with chemicals. As previously mentioned, the electrolyte is delivered directly to the site in order to shorten the transportation distances, thus cutting CO2 emissions.

Smaller footprint, bigger impression

Carbon footprint

With a CellCube system, our customers can reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment. The CellCube system produces no emissions during operation, making it clearly superior to diesel engines, gas turbines and other fossil fuels as a black start or load balancing resource.

Sustainable production in Austria

Energy consumption at CellCube

We source 100% of the electricity for our entire company from renewable sources — in our opinion, to do otherwise would make no sense. Our pool vehicles are all electric cars, and we have our own charging station powered by an in-house PV plant.

At CellCube, we practice environmental protection in the truest sense of the word. For example, hardly any water is required for production. All waste generated in the company is separated and disposed of properly. Above all, we aim to avoid waste. That begins with employee mealtimes and extends even beyond reusable packaging for deliveries.