Thermal modelling of battery configuration and self-discharge reactions in vanadium redox flow battery

► Precipitation of vanadium ions occurs at low or high electrolyte temperature. ► Vanadium ion diffusion leads to self-discharge and capacity loss. ► Self-discharge reactions release heat into the supporting electrolyte. ► Mathematical modelling can help with predicting the variation in electrolyte temperature and the loss of capacity. ► Temperature and rebalancing control systems can be developed based on the model to optimize the battery operation.