World's first flow battery for commercial application (Patent granted)
Problem Statement
Prior to our breakthrough innovation, traditional flow batteries were designed exclusively for utility applications—bulky, heavy systems that lacked the flexibility, scalability, and necessary certifications for commercial use. This significant limitation created a critical gap in renewable energy adoption and grid stability solutions for commercial customers seeking sustainable power alternatives.
Product Vision
Our vision is to revolutionize energy storage with the world's first commercialized flow battery engineered for unmatched safety, flexibility, scalability, and manufacturability. Featuring a modular architecture, unlimited cycle life, and inherently safe chemistry, this next-generation system enables commercial users to lower energy costs, enhance power reliability, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly electrified world.
My Role / Contribution
- Invented the control algorithm
- Conducted customer interviews to identify pain points
- Initiated the concept and developed MVP
- Led cross-functional team through development and launch
- Managed key stakeholder relationships
- Collaborated to define pricing strategy and GTM approach
Key Achievements
- World's first UL/CE certified flow battery designed for commercial applications
- $20M revenue in first year of launch
- 40% cost reduction through two iterations
Customer Personas
Understanding the key customers who interact with our product
John L. - Convenience Store Owner
Age: 45 | Location: NYC
Goals:
- Keep store running 24/7
- Lower utility bills
Pain Points:
- Frequent outages
- High demand charges
- Noisy generators during outages
- Fire concerns with Lithium batteries
Needs: A safe, quiet, reliable energy solution that cuts costs and works during outages
Matthew W. - Field Electrician
Age: 30 | Location: CA
Goals:
- Work in two-person teams
- Finish 2-3 jobs daily per team
Pain Points:
- Complex battery systems
- Need for costly heavy tools
- Installations taking 1-2 days
Needs: A simple, quick way to install systems without heavy equipment or special skills
Alex W. - Production Manager
Age: 50 | Location: China
Goals:
- Create fully automated production
- Use standard designs to cut costs
Pain Points:
- Customized designs making assembly harder
- Small production runs causing high costs
Needs: A standard modular product for mass production
These personas represent our primary customer segments : end users, system installers, and manufacturers. Other segments include logistics operators such as drivers and loading staff.
Customer Journey - From Spark to Spread
Development Phases - From Vision to Value
Ideation
Contributions:
- 30+ customer interviews
- 5+ customer personas
- Initiated smart control algorithm
Key Results:
- Identify pain points and unmet needs
- Defined comprehensive solution
MVP
Contributions:
- Patented control algorithm
- Engaged 3 customers for early adaption
Key Results:
- Successful delivery MVP to beta customer on time
- Got unanimous approvals from the board
- 100% customer satisfaction
Launch
Contributions:
- Led 25-person team to develop from end to end
- Collaborate with marketing and sales team on pricing strategy and GTM
Key Results:
- Opened blue ocean market
- Increased reliability by 100x
- Grew No. of customers by 200% in first 12 months of launch, leading to $20M revenue
Product Landing Page
RKP (Dalian Rongke Power) is the parent company of UniEnergy Technologies and the manufacturer of this product, which is listed as "Unicorn Company" at 2024.