Imagine a world where we can power our lives completely with renewable energy. Solar, wind, hydro, and other sources provide clean, abundant energy with the potential to dramatically reduce carbon emissions.
However, while technology has advanced to the point where solar and other types of green energy are contributing significantly more, the inherent unreliability and irregularity of renewable energy remain a problem.
The duck curve is a recently emerging phenomenon driven by the vast difference between energy supply and demand at certain times of the day. This uncertainty surrounding renewables can be solved in part by an effective energy storage solution.
Energy storage is a vital step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Being able to store excess renewable energy during peak times of generation and use it when supply is low is crucial in the move towards zero emissions. In this blog, we’ll investigate the types of energy storage solutions available and learn the benefits of storing energy.
What Types of Energy Storage Are There?
Energy storage works by converting excess renewable and other energy and directing it to an energy storage facility for future use.
Battery Storage
Excess direct current (DC) electricity is converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter. The power is directed to and stored within a battery. Lithium-ion batteries are most commonly used due to their high energy density, efficiency and life cycle.
Pumped Hydroelectricity
The power of water is used to store and release energy. Water is passed between two reservoirs to generate kinetic energy that is stored. Hydro storage offers high energy efficiency, large-scale storage capacity, and long-duration storage.
Thermal
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems store and release thermal energy for later use. Excess energy is used to heat a thermal medium such as water, molten salts or phase-changing materials. The stored thermal energy can then be discharged to provide heating or cooling.
Mechanical
Mechanical storage uses systems that store energy power in the form of kinetic or potential energy, such as flywheels. This type of storage converts the potential energy of highly compressed gases, elevated heavy masses or rapidly rotating kinetic equipment. Compressed air energy storage is one type of mechanical storage that can be used in a wind farm, utilising pressurised air to power turbines.
Renewable Energy Storage – The Road to Net Zero
Renewable energy is typically dependent on naturally occurring resources, such as the sun, wind, and water. These resources are irregular, producing different amounts of energy at different times during the day, and the power generated doesn’t always meet demand.
In the case of solar power, the electricity generated during the day doesn’t match power demands in the evening as we charge electric cars, heat pumps and more.
Hydroelectric power is dependent on seasonal river flows, and wind power relies on the consistency of the wind.
Storing excess renewable energy is crucial to reduce reliance on the grid and energy sourced from fossil fuels.
Energy Storage for Commercial Solar Installations
Commercial solar systems generate significant amounts of renewable energy by utilising large warehouse roofs and other spaces. The electricity created can be substantial, but with no means of storage, the energy is wasted if it doesn’t meet peak demand periods. Installing a suitable energy storage system captures excess energy and stores it for later use.
Battery storage is the most common method for commercial solar power storage. It is highly efficient, providing large-scale energy storage with long-duration discharge. With robust new Battery Energy Storage Systems, businesses can create their own energy hub, harnessing power for future use, with the ability to prepare for and manage future energy requirements.
The Benefits of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Improved grid stability through load balancing energy supply and demand.
- Increased reliability, reduced power outages.
- More stable, continuous supply.
- More potential for renewable energy integration.
- Reduced carbon footprint.
- Cost savings through using stored energy when prices are low and discharging it during peak times when prices are high.
- Potential to sell back to the grid.
- Can be housed indoors or outdoors.
- Silent to run.
- Provides reliable back-up power.
The availability of renewable energy is constantly fluctuating, as it is impacted by environmental factors such as the time of day, the season and the direction of the wind.
Although generating renewable energy is a big step forward in achieving net zero, being able to store it to meet the demands of businesses and householders 24/7 is a whole different ball game.
Contact Vital Power for all your energy storage needs.
Anna Eyre
Digital Marketing Lead
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