ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE – NEED, EFFECT, SPECIFICATIONS

Although balancing the power grid has always been a challenge and many institutes and developers have been trying for decades to find the optimal solution in energy storage systems, in recent years, this need has become enormous.

With the increase in the share of renewable energy sources, and their specific performance, which is mostly characterized as non-permanent, energy operators, public structures, businesses and individual citizens are now focused on finding the right solutions for energy efficiency, an invariable element of which is not only the installation of RES, but also the possibility of storing excess electrical energy.

This need led and led to new and more efficient technical solutions, as well as to a reduction in the cost of equipment, with the last year the investment has become cheaper up to two times.

However, it should be noted that it is the cost that has until now prevented the installation of battery farms in local energy storage systems, and against the background of the volume of installed photovoltaic and wind farms, the volume of storage systems has so far been negligibly small.

Today, the design and installation of energy storage systems is on the rise, and a huge push for investor decisions has a number of effects that are achieved with their installation, such as, above all, increasing the profitability of RES and the overall return on investment in RES, optimizing own costs for business electricity, helping the energy efficiency of public buildings and infrastructure, and even optimizing family budgets.

TYPES OF SOLUTIONS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

It should be noted that, regardless of the constantly developing technologies for energy storage, the use of such solutions has been real for a while, and there are almost no facilities that have fulfilled their entire intended service life.

On the other hand, due to the huge interest in the market, there are more and more new companies that offer similar equipment and with good catalog specifications and indicators and warranty conditions.

Lithium-ion batteries, used in mobile phones and electric vehicles, are the leading energy storage technology in large power plants. They help power grids provide a reliable supply of renewable energy. Unlike ordinary batteries, battery energy storage (BESS) batteries are more complex and use a combination of hardware and software to store and release energy from renewable sources such as the sun and wind.

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion):

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common and established energy storage solutions. They are characterized by high energy density, long service life and high efficiency. They are used in both small home energy storage systems and large grid applications.

Sodium Sulfur (NaS) batteries:

These batteries are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries and have a longer service life. They operate at high temperatures and are suitable for applications that require large energy storage capacity. Their main disadvantage is the need for high temperature for operation, which increases maintenance costs.

Flow Batteries (Flow Batteries):

Flow batteries use liquid electrolytes that are stored in separate reservoirs and pumped through cell packs to generate electricity. These batteries are highly suitable for large stationary applications due to their easy scalability and long service life. The main disadvantage is the relatively low energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Hydrogen energy storage systems
(HESS):

Hydrogen systems use electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water, which can then be stored and used to produce electricity through fuel cells. These systems are promising for long-term energy storage and can contribute to significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

Systems using compressed air (CAES):

These systems use compressed air that is stored in underground caverns or reservoirs and then released to drive turbines that generate electricity. CAES systems are efficient and can be used for large storage volumes, but require special geological conditions for construction.

Equipment specifics

Inverters:

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) stored in the batteries into alternating current (AC) that can be used by the power grid or by the end user. Modern inverters are equipped with intelligent energy management and monitoring functions.

Energy Management Systems (EMS):

EMS systems provide intelligent management of energy storage and release, optimizing BESS performance and efficiency. These include software solutions for demand forecasting, battery charge and discharge management, and integration with renewable energy sources.

Thermal management and cooling systems:

Effective thermal management is critical to maintaining optimal performance and long battery life. Cooling systems prevent overheating and ensure stable operation in different temperature conditions.

Monitoring systems:

Monitoring systems allow constant monitoring of battery status and performance. They provide real-time data on voltage, temperature, current and other important parameters, enabling quick identification and troubleshooting.

TYPES OF SOLUTIONS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

It should be noted that, regardless of the constantly developing technologies for energy storage, the use of such solutions has been real for a while, and there are almost no facilities that have fulfilled their entire intended service life.

On the other hand, due to the huge interest in the market, there are more and more new companies that offer similar equipment and with good catalog specifications and indicators and warranty conditions.

Lithium-ion batteries, used in mobile phones and electric vehicles, are the leading energy storage technology in large power plants. They help power grids provide a reliable supply of renewable energy. Unlike ordinary batteries, battery energy storage (BESS) batteries are more complex and use a combination of hardware and software to store and release energy from renewable sources such as the sun and wind.

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion):

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common and established energy storage solutions. They are characterized by high energy density, long service life and high efficiency. They are used in both small home energy storage systems and large grid applications.

Sodium Sulfur (NaS) batteries:

These batteries are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries and have a longer service life. They operate at high temperatures and are suitable for applications that require large energy storage capacity. Their main disadvantage is the need for high temperature for operation, which increases maintenance costs.

Flow Batteries (Flow Batteries):

Flow batteries use liquid electrolytes that are stored in separate reservoirs and pumped through cell packs to generate electricity. These batteries are highly suitable for large stationary applications due to their easy scalability and long service life. The main disadvantage is the relatively low energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Hydrogen energy storage systems (HESS):

Hydrogen systems use electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water, which can then be stored and used to produce electricity through fuel cells. These systems are promising for long-term energy storage and can contribute to significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

Systems using compressed air (CAES):

These systems use compressed air that is stored in underground caverns or reservoirs and then released to drive turbines that generate electricity. CAES systems are efficient and can be used for large storage volumes, but require special geological conditions for construction.

Equipment specifics

Inverters:

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) stored in the batteries into alternating current (AC) that can be used by the power grid or by the end user. Modern inverters are equipped with intelligent energy management and monitoring functions.

Energy Management Systems (EMS):

EMS systems provide intelligent management of energy storage and release, optimizing BESS performance and efficiency. These include software solutions for demand forecasting, battery charge and discharge management, and integration with renewable energy sources.

Thermal management and cooling systems:

Effective thermal management is critical to maintaining optimal performance and long battery life. Cooling systems prevent overheating and ensure stable operation in different temperature conditions.

Monitoring systems:

Monitoring systems allow constant monitoring of battery status and performance. They provide real-time data on voltage, temperature, current and other important parameters, enabling quick identification and troubleshooting.

Risks

The main risk in the implementation of energy storage systems stems precisely from the fact that there are many new companies producing equipment, as well as the fact that there are no observations of the completed intended operating cycle

The specific needs of different types of generating capacity, investors and other facts require the competences of consultants, designers and installers, as well as a personal approach for each solution according to its specifics.

This risk is minimized precisely by choosing quality equipment from a supplier proven over the years and with a good image, and by choosing a reliable partner for delivery and with experience in implementation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In conclusion, battery farms powered by energy from renewable sources are a promising solution for the future of energy. They will not only meet peak demand but also improve the efficiency of existing renewable energy installations. Transparent and responsible management of these technologies will be key to building sustainable and reliable energy systems for the future.

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