Overview
IEC 62932-1:2020 - Flow battery energy systems for stationary applications (Part 1: Terminology and general aspects) defines the fundamental vocabulary and general framework for flow battery energy systems (FBES) used in stationary electrical energy storage (EES). This first part establishes consistent terms, system boundaries, component descriptions, and high-level aspects needed to define unit parameters, test methods, safety and environmental considerations.
Key topics
- Core terminology and definitions for FBES, flow battery systems (FBS), flow cells, hybrid flow cells, energy storage fluids, auxiliary energy, input power, end of charge/discharge, energy efficiency, standby modes (hot/cold), ground fault, gas release, leakage, etc.
- System architecture and boundaries - diagrams and descriptions of a Flow Battery System (FBS) and a Flow Battery Energy System (FBES), clarifying stacks, fluid circulation, power conversion system (PCS), battery management system (BMS) and battery support system (BSS).
- Component descriptions - stacks, fluid system (tanks, pumps, valves, sensors), power electronics and support systems (informative Annex A).
- Chemistries overview - informative mapping of common flow battery and hybrid flow battery chemistries and categories (informative Annex B).
- Safety & environmental aspects - terms addressing gas release, fluid leakage, emergency stop/shutdown, ventilation and grounding concepts needed for later safety standards and testing.
- Measurement & test vocabulary - terms required to express unit parameters and evaluate energy efficiency (including auxiliary and parasitic loads).
Applications and practical value
IEC 62932-1:2020 is the foundational reference for anyone designing, specifying, testing, operating or regulating stationary flow battery installations. Typical applications include:
- Grid-scale energy storage for renewable integration, peak shaving, frequency regulation and capacity firming
- Microgrids and islanded power systems
- Backup and resilience installations for critical infrastructure
- Energy storage solutions for utilities and developers
Practical benefits:
- Provides harmonized terminology to avoid misinterpretation in procurement, testing and certification
- Clarifies system boundaries so manufacturers and integrators can define performance and test regimes consistently
- Establishes the vocabulary needed to develop safety procedures, environmental assessments and operation manuals
Who should use this standard
- Flow battery manufacturers and system integrators
- Grid operators, utilities and project developers
- Test laboratories and certification bodies
- Safety engineers and regulators
- R&D teams and academic researchers working on stationary energy storage
Related standards
- IEC Electropedia (terminology database) and ISO online browsing platform for related definitions
- Cross-references in the document cite related IEC work such as IEC 61427-2 and IEC 62933-1 for battery management, efficiency and EES concepts; users should consult later parts of IEC 62932 series for tests, safety and performance requirements.
Keywords: IEC 62932-1:2020, flow battery energy systems, FBES, flow battery, stationary energy storage, terminology, battery management system, energy storage fluid, safety, energy efficiency.