Energy storage systems have become an integral component of the electric power industry, offering multiple advantages including supporting renewable energy integration and lowering demand charges for end users.
Pumped hydrostorage and batteries are currently the two primary grid-scale energy storage technologies used, respectively. ARPA-E is investing in technologies which can store energy for extended durations.
Long-term storage
Energy storage enables renewable sources to supply power when most needed, helping balance supply and demand on electric grids instantaneously and improve power quality and reliability. Energy storage systems also help lower peak pricing charges so electricity consumers can avoid expensive demand charges.
Battery-based energy storage systems (ESSs) are one of the most popular solutions for long-term storage needs, often comprised of rechargeable Lead-acid, Lithium-ion or flow batteries designed to meet specific power and duration needs. When coupled with an inverter they can also convert AC into DC.
Thermal energy storage technologies also play a long-term role, such as using solar heat stored in molten salt or ice to be released during times of high electricity demand. Such technologies reduce the need for fossil fuel-powered peaker plants that operate during these high demand times, exacerbating air pollution while restricting access to energy for low-income communities. They can replace existing dirty peaker plants while eliminating future ones development altogether.
Short-term storage
Storage solutions can provide an effective solution in many circumstances, from moving or relocating to renovating your home, keeping things safe from dust, debris and accidental damage. Short term storage provides ideal interim solutions; items stored for less than three months may be stored without worrying.
Energy storage saves energy in one form for later use-such as the batteries used to power cellphones; pumped hydroelectric dams which store gravitational potential energy; or ice storage tanks which collect cold to meet peak daytime electricity demands. Energy storage also can help balance grid supply and demand, improve quality and reliability standards, “firm up” renewable sources like photovoltaic cells.
Energy storage systems can be found throughout the electric grid, from transmission and distribution networks, generators (such as solar ones) and commercial buildings or homes to transmission lines themselves. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most prevalent energy storage device used to supply electricity back into the grid.
Community resiliency
Resiliency refers to the capacity for communities to recover quickly from disasters and adapt quickly to ongoing stresses, including environmental degradation, poverty, urbanization, aging infrastructure and climate change impacts; natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes may also present significant threats. Resilient communities tend to possess strong social connections between members, local organizations and the trust they share among themselves; furthermore they can access vital resources like food and water after any major emergency occurs.
Though there is widespread agreement on the concept of community resilience, its implementation remains unknown. This is likely due to the wide array of activities that fall under this concept – for instance reducing pre-disaster vulnerabilities, conducting risk analyses and practicing disaster response and recovery procedures are just some of the elements which contribute to creating resilient communities; communication and local knowledge also play a vital role.
Grid-scale storage
Grid-scale storage (also called utility scale battery energy storage) is used by power companies to manage electricity supply and demand, stabilize the grid, integrate renewable sources like solar or wind, and integrate renewable technologies like PV or wind into the power system. By storing energy when production exceeds demand and releasing it during peak periods, grid-scale batteries help improve system reliability while decreasing customer energy costs.
At present, there are multiple grid-scale storage technologies. One such option is pumped hydroelectric storage – where water is pumped uphill into higher reservoirs before being released at times of high demand – before eventually generating electricity during those peak demand times. Another type of grid-scale energy storage involves compressing air stored in tanks or underground caverns and then expanded using turbines into energy.
As more energy comes from renewable sources, grid-scale storage will become ever more critical to managing their hourly and seasonal variations. At Qcells, our innovative battery storage solutions are helping build a cleaner energy future by contributing to more stable grid operations while offering cost savings benefits for utility companies and corporate buyers.