In this paper, we propose a new strategy for electrolyte flow rate control in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. The
keystone of our approach is a novel methodology for determination of optimal reference voltage and robust
feedback controller design that provides the desired transient and steady state battery performance. In addition,
we introduce a hierarchical scheme of the general battery control system that significantly simplifies classification
of battery control tasks and gives guidelines for multistage controller design. The research considers a kilowatt
class VRFB system operating in a wide range of loading currents (20–180 A). The proposed control algorithm
allows reference trajectory tracking with high accuracy (average error less than 0.0005%), yet providing
the required battery performance at twice lower flow rates as compared to the existing solutions, and thus,
decreasing pump energy consumption by a factor of 3. As a result, the proposed method can be used for flow rate
regulation in practical VRFB systems ensuring their stable and efficient operation under dynamic loading
conditions.