Empowering Grids: The Vital Role of Energy Storage in Evolving Power Systems

Energy Storage: Classification and Types

Energy storage refers to the process of storing electrical energy through media or devices and releasing it when needed. Based on the form of energy storage and conversion, it can be classified into physical energy storage and chemical energy storage. Physical energy storage includes methods such as pumped hydro storage, gravitational energy storage, compressed air energy storage, and flywheel energy storage. Chemical energy storage involves technologies like lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and lead-acid batteries, as evidenced by FPR's battery cell pack module.

Grid Optimization through Energy Storage

In recent years, the rapid growth of distributed photovoltaic (PV) installations has presented challenges to the quality and balance of electrical energy on the grid due to the random and fluctuating nature of solar power. Energy storage, by enabling on-demand charging and discharging, serves to smooth the output of renewable energy, increase the integration of photovoltaic power, respond to grid demands, and optimize peak shaving and valley filling to enhance overall profitability. As a result, energy storage has become an essential component of virtual power plants, smart microgrids, and innovative power systems including stationary storage battery systems.

Integrating PV and Energy Storage

The construction of distributed PV and energy storage on the load side allows the creation of small-scale microgrid systems. In cases of power supply anomalies such as blackouts or brownouts, these energy storage systems can be switched to off-grid mode, ensuring the continuity of critical or essential load requirements. The co-installation of distributed PV and energy storage on the load side is advantageous in mitigating energy storage system construction costs, helping users save energy costs, and reducing the investment costs of other power equipment.