VisBlues flow batteries are making their way into the classrooms of KEA's educational programs

At Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KEA), the goal is to prepare future energy technologists, energy managers, and electricians to manage and advise on an intelligent, green energy transition in Denmark. To this end, KEA has invested in a sustainable flow battery from VisBlue, equipped with intelligent controls. This battery will not only be used for teaching purposes but also optimize the school's solar energy use and buy energy intelligently from the grid when prices are low.

When students return to KEA after the summer of 2024, they will find flow batteries both in the basement and on the curriculum. Energy Manager Walther Toft and Lecturer Jens Højmann successfully convinced management that flow batteries are essential to the future, both at KEA and in Denmark’s green energy landscape. As a result, KEA has invested in a 10 kW VisBlue flow battery with a 50 kWh capacity to optimize energy consumption and be integrated into student education.

VisBlue flow batteries are key to the transition

According to KEA’s Energy Manager Walther Toft, flow batteries are highly relevant for the green transition and the EU's upcoming building directive, which tightens energy efficiency requirements for new and existing buildings.

“I don’t understand why flow batteries aren’t more widespread. With a flow battery, you get an energy storage solution to save surplus energy for later use, making much better use of your self-produced, green, and free electricity. The most amazing thing is that it barely counts against your carbon footprint,” says Walther Toft.

The transition starts in the classroom

Walther first discovered flow batteries during his studies as an energy technologist at KEA, where battery technologies are a key focus. He believes traditional battery technology has stagnated for too long. When he came across flow batteries, he was impressed by their unique properties, which make them far more sustainable than traditional alternatives.

“I find flow batteries interesting primarily because they are sustainable,” Walther explains and elaborates:

“They have a lifespan of 20,000 charge cycles, and after that, you only need to replace the membrane to get another 20,000 cycles. That’s infinitely more than lithium-ion batteries. Plus, they are completely sustainable and non-flammable.”

After graduating, Walther became KEA’s Energy Manager at Lygten campus, where solar panels were being installed. He suggested investing in flow batteries to store surplus solar energy instead of sending it back to the grid. He also highlighted the potential to use the battery as a teaching tool to prepare students for the green energy future.

This idea resonated with Electrical Engineer and Lecturer Jens Højmann, who teaches renewable energy production, storage technology, energy communities, reserve power markets, and the future Danish energy grid.

“I want to ensure that the next generation of VE-certified installers, energy technologists, and energy managers leave with knowledge about flow batteries, so they’re ready to save the world,” says Jens Højmann.

Jens Højmann considers VisBlue’s flow batteries relevant and necessary across all these areas to help Denmark achieve its green energy goals. Consequently, flow batteries will now become a permanent part of his teaching.

Partnership sparks enthusiasm and hope

The collaboration between VisBlue and KEA excites both parties and offers hope for the future.

“Educational institutions like KEA play a central role in the green transition by training tomorrow’s workforce. For flow batteries to gain wider adoption, it’s crucial that educators like Jens see the value of the technology,” says Søren Bødker, CEO and Co-Founder of VisBlue.

“I’m a strong advocate for VisBlue’s flow batteries because they are sustainable and safer. It wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting to bring in generic batteries from China,” says Walther Toft.

Contact

Mia Voldum
Head of Marketing, Communications & Press
+45 2723 0612
mvo@visblue.com

About VisBlue

A stable, green power grid for a balanced world. That’s VisBlue’s vision.

We are your partner in energy storage solutions, with a track record of 150+ installed flow batteries across Denmark, Portugal, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Italy.

Our customers are private and public organizations committed to using the earth’s resources flexibly and efficiently. We help them store energy (from renewable sources and the grid) in safe, scalable, and eco-friendly flow batteries designed to last.

Flow batteries store energy in a liquid made of 85% water mixed with acid and vanadium. With a recyclability rate of 99% and a lifespan exceeding 20 years, our flow batteries are an economically, socially, and environmentally sound key to the green transition.

This press release has been translated by Energy Cluster Denmark.

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