One of the ongoing problems with renewables like wind energy systems or solar photovoltaic (PV) power is that they are oversupplied when the sun shines or the wind blows but can lead to electricity shortages when the sun sets or the wind drops. The way to overcome what experts in the field call the intermittency of wind and sun energy is to store it when it is in oversupply for later use, when it is in short supply.
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Various technologies are used to store renewable energy, one of them being so called “pumped hydro”. This form of energy storage accounts for more than 90% of the globe's current high capacity energy storage. Electricity is used to pump water into reservoirs at a higher altitude during periods of low energy demand. When demand is at its strongest, the water is piped through turbines situated at lower altitudes and converted back into electricity. Pumped storage is also useful to control voltage levels and maintain power quality in the grid. It's a tried-and-tested system, but it has drawbacks. Hydro projects are big and expensive with prohibitive capital costs, and they have demanding geographical requirements. They need to be situated in mountainous areas with an abundance of water. If the world is to reach net-zero emission targets, it needs energy storage systems that can be situated almost anywhere, and at scale.
IEC Standards ensure that hydro projects are safe and efficient. IEC Technical Committee 4 publishes a raft of standards specifying hydraulic turbines and associated equipment. IEC TC 57 publishes core standards for the smart grid. One of its key IEC Standards specifies the role of hydro power and helps it interoperate with the electrical network as it gets digitalized and automated.
Batteries are one of the obvious other solutions for energy storage. For the time being, lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries are the favoured option. Utilities around the world have ramped up their storage capabilities using li-ion supersized batteries, huge packs which can store anywhere between 100 to 800 megawatts (MW) of energy. California based Moss Landing's energy storage facility is reportedly the world’s largest, with a total capacity of 750 MW/3 000 MWh.
The price of li-ion batteries has tremendously fallen over the last few years and they have been able to store ever-larger amounts of energy. Many of the gains made by these batteries are driven by the automotive industry's race to build smaller, cheaper, and more powerful li‑ion batteries for electric cars. The power produced by each lithium-ion cell is about 3,6 volts (V). It is higher than that of the standard nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and even standard alkaline cells at around 1,5 V and lead acid at around 2 V per cell, requiring less cells in many battery applications.
Li-ion cells are standardized by IEC TC 21, which publishes the IEC series on secondary li-ion cells for the propulsion of EVs. TC 21 also publishes standards for renewable energy storage systems. The first one, IEC ‑1, specifies general requirements and methods of test for off-grid applications and electricity generated by PV modules. The second, IEC -2, does the same but for on-grid applications, with energy input from large wind and solar energy parks. “The standards focus on the proper characterization of the battery performance, whether it is used to power a vaccine storage fridge in the tropics or prevent blackouts in power grids nationwide. These standards are largely chemistry agnostic. They enable utility planners or end-customers to compare apples with apples, even when different battery chemistries are involved,” TC 21 expert Herbert Giess describes.
IEC TC 120 was set up specifically to publish standards in the field of grid integrated electrical energy storage (EES) systems in order to support grid requirements. An EES system is an integrated system with components, which can be batteries that are already standardized. The TC is working on a new standard, IEC ‑5‑4, which will specify safety test methods and procedures for li-ion battery-based systems for energy storage.
IECEE (IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components) is one of the four conformity assessment systems administered by the IEC. It runs a scheme which tests the safety, performance component interoperability, energy efficiency, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and hazardous substance of batteries.
However, the disadvantages of using li-ion batteries for energy storage are multiple and quite well documented. The performance of li-ion cells degrades over time, limiting their storage capability. Issues and concerns have also been raised over the recycling of the batteries, once they no longer can fulfil their storage capability, as well as over the sourcing of lithium and cobalt required. Cobalt, especially, is often mined informally, including by children. One of the most important producers of cobalt is the Democratic Republic of Congo. The challenge of energy storage is also taken up through projects in the IEC Global Impact Fund. Recycling li‑ion is one of the aspects that is being considered.
Lastly, li-ion is flammable and a sizeable number of plants storing energy with li‑ion batteries in South Korea went up in flames from to . While causes have been identified, notably poor installation practices, there was a lack of awareness of the risks associated with li-ion, including thermal runaway.
IEC TC 120 has recently published a new standard which looks at how battery-based energy storage systems can use recycled batteries. IEC ‑4‑4, aims to “review the possible impacts to the environment resulting from reused batteries and to define the appropriate requirements”.
Other battery technologies are emerging, including solid state batteries or SSBs. According to B‑to‑B consultancy IDTechEx, these are becoming the front runners in the race for next-generation battery technology. Solid-state batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolyte with a solid-state electrolyte (SSE), which offers inherent safety benefits. SSEs also open the door to using different cathode and anode materials, expanding the possibilities of battery design. Although some SSBs are based on li‑ion chemistry, not all follow this path. The problem is that true SSBs, with no liquid at all, are very far from market launch, even if they look like a promising alternative at some point in the future.
According to IDTechEx, “The adoption of SSBs faces challenges, including high capital expenditure, comparable operational costs and premium pricing. Clear value propositions must be presented to gain public acceptance. The market may embrace SSBs, even if they contain small amounts of liquid or gel polymers, as long as they deliver the desired features. Hybrid semi-solid batteries could provide a transition route, offering improved performance. In the short term, hybrid SSBs, containing a small amount of gel or liquid, may become more common.”
The race is on for the next generation of batteries. While there are yet no standards for these new batteries, they are expected to emerge, when the market will require them.
Battery energy storage is a technology that enables the storage of electrical energy in batteries for later use. By converting electrical energy into chemical energy during charging, these systems allow users to store excess energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. When energy is needed, it is converted back to electrical energy. Battery energy storage systems are crucial for enhancing energy independence, reducing reliance on the grid, lowering electricity costs, and providing backup power during outages. They play a significant role in stabilising energy supply and integrating renewable energy into the overall energy landscape.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) function by storing electrical energy in chemical form within batteries for later use. The process involves several key stages, from charging to discharging, facilitated by various components that work together to ensure efficient energy management. Here’s a breakdown of how battery energy storage works:
When energy is generated—often from renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines—it can be used to charge the battery system. During this phase:
Once charged, the battery holds the stored energy in a chemical form. The capacity of a battery determines how much energy it can store, which varies by battery type. Common types include:
When there is a demand for electricity, the battery system discharges stored energy back into the grid or for direct use. This process involves:
To optimise performance, battery energy storage systems often incorporate advanced energy management systems (EMS). These systems monitor and control:
Battery storage systems can be integrated with various energy sources and devices, including:
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Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have gained significant attention due to their ability to support renewable energy integration, enhance energy efficiency, and provide backup power. However, like any technology, they come with both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a detailed examination of the key benefits and challenges associated with battery energy storage.
Battery storage allows users to generate and store their own energy, reducing reliance on the grid. This independence is especially valuable for homeowners with solar panels, enabling them to utilise stored energy during peak hours or power outages.
By storing energy during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower and using it during peak hours when rates are higher, users can significantly reduce their electricity bills. Additionally, businesses can benefit from demand charge management, lowering costs associated with high energy consumption during peak times.
Large-scale battery systems help stabilise the grid by providing frequency regulation, voltage support, and load balancing. This contributes to a more resilient energy infrastructure, particularly as more intermittent renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid.
Battery storage facilitates the use of renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. By storing excess renewable energy, these systems contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
In the event of power outages, battery systems provide reliable backup power, ensuring continuity for homes and critical facilities. This is particularly important for businesses and healthcare facilities that require uninterrupted power.
Battery systems can be easily scaled to meet specific energy needs, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications. This flexibility allows users to start small and expand their capacity as demand increases.
As the adoption of electric vehicles rises, battery energy storage can play a crucial role in providing the necessary infrastructure for EV charging, particularly in managing charging loads and maximising the use of renewable energy.
The upfront investment required for battery storage systems can be significant. Although prices have been decreasing, the initial costs can still deter some users, especially in residential applications.
Most batteries have a finite lifespan, with performance degradation over time. Lithium-ion batteries typically last between 5 to 15 years, depending on usage patterns, charging cycles, and environmental conditions, leading to potential replacement costs.
While battery technology has advanced, energy density—the amount of energy stored relative to size—can still be a limitation. This can affect the space requirements for battery installations, particularly in urban settings.
The production and disposal of batteries raise environmental concerns. Mining for raw materials, such as lithium and cobalt, can have detrimental environmental impacts, and improper disposal of batteries can lead to pollution and hazardous waste issues.
Battery performance can be affected by temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. Extreme temperatures can impact charging efficiency and overall capacity, which can be a concern in certain climates.
Setting up a battery energy storage system can be complex, requiring professional installation and ongoing maintenance. Users may need to engage with specialists to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulations.
As technology evolves, newer and more efficient battery technologies may emerge. This can lead to concerns about existing systems becoming outdated or less competitive over time.
Battery energy storage systems offer several compelling advantages. They provide energy independence by allowing users to generate and store their own electricity, thus reducing reliance on the grid. This leads to significant cost savings, as users can store energy during off-peak hours when rates are lower and consume it during peak times when electricity is more expensive. Additionally, battery systems facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, they provide backup power during outages, ensuring continuity for essential services and household needs.
Despite their benefits, battery energy storage systems have notable disadvantages. The initial investment for purchasing and installing these systems can be quite high, particularly for larger or more advanced configurations. Additionally, most batteries, especially lithium-ion types, have a limited lifespan, typically lasting between 5 to 15 years before requiring replacement, which adds to the overall long-term costs. Environmental concerns also arise from the production and disposal of batteries, as the extraction of raw materials can lead to ecological degradation. Moreover, battery performance may be impacted by extreme temperatures, potentially affecting their efficiency in hot or cold climates.
Battery energy storage plays a crucial role in reducing energy costs by enabling users to implement load-shifting strategies. By storing excess energy generated during off-peak hours or when renewable sources are abundant, users can utilize this stored energy during peak demand times when electricity prices are highest. This practice helps mitigate the need to purchase energy at inflated rates, leading to lower monthly electricity bills. For commercial users, battery storage can also assist in avoiding hefty demand charges that utilities impose during peak consumption periods, further enhancing cost savings.
The environmental impact of battery energy storage is a mixed bag. On one hand, these systems promote the use of renewable energy sources, thereby helping to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the environmental concerns associated with battery production, such as the mining of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, can result in ecosystem disruption, water pollution, and significant carbon footprints. Additionally, improper disposal of used batteries can lead to hazardous waste issues. Nevertheless, the industry is making strides in developing more sustainable production processes and recycling technologies to mitigate these environmental challenges.
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