Topic > Energy Storage Essay - 1640

1.0 Introduction Grid electricity storage has long been identified as having the potential to add great value and improve the efficiency of electricity generation and consumption . Where and when possible, energy storage enables load leveling/balancing and peak rate dispatching, helps improve power reliability and quality, and enables distributed power generation resources to scale own production for the most economical use. As the percentage of electricity generated by “green” but highly insubstantial sources, such as solar or wind, increases, the availability of technology that allows us to store large amounts of electricity is becoming of increasing importance. One such storage technology of energy that is showing great potential are electrochemical storage technologies: battery energy storage systems (BESS). The potential application and advantage of battery storage can be seen on a limited scale in lead-acid batteries, used in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), widely used to support critical electronic components for short periods in the event of a power failure. However, these UPS batteries have relatively low energy densities, high life cycle costs and use toxic materials Many battery technologies are available, such as lithium-ion, lead, nickel-cadmium, vanadium Redox-Flow and sodium sulfur. But this report will focus on Redox flow batteries, because they are the most promising, in their use in grid-scale energy storage. However, development and implementation to date have largely been directed at paper transportation and risks during handling, storage and use. Flow battery electrolytes are also non-flammable and produce little to no emissions during operation. Among all types of batteries, flow batteries are the most suitable for integrating renewable electricity sources, making them more effective and economical. [2]2.3 Challenges of Battery Energy Storage Part of the challenge facing the development of battery energy storage is the apparent immaturity of both the market and the technology. Most BES systems are still in the prototype or test phase, and there are very few orders and funding to encourage further research and development. Lack of adequate funding makes the battery energy storage system a bit expensive. Another challenge is that only very few governments and institutions around the world have prioritized integrating BESS into their energy future as it stands..