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.
Li-ion batteries are improving
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.
Concerns raised over safety and recycling
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&#;.
New battery technology
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.
The use of solar energy for powering homes and businesses is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental and economic benefits.
One of the most important components of a solar energy system is the battery used for energy storage. Solar batteries allow homeowners to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low solar generation.
While solar batteries offer many advantages, they also have some disadvantages that should be considered before deciding to invest in them.
Advantages of Solar Batteries
Reduced Energy Bills: One of the main advantages of solar batteries is that they can help reduce energy bills by allowing homeowners to use stored energy during periods of peak demand. This can significantly reduce electricity costs, especially in areas with high electricity rates.
Increased Energy Independence: Solar batteries also offer increased energy independence by allowing homeowners to generate and store their own electricity. This can be particularly important during power outages or emergencies when the grid may be unavailable.
Environmental Benefits: Solar batteries can also help reduce carbon emissions by storing excess solar energy and reducing the need for fossil fuel-generated electricity. This can help reduce the environmental impact of energy use and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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Long Lifespan: Solar batteries are designed to last for many years, with some models offering up to 10 years or more warranties. This can provide homeowners with long-term savings on energy costs and reduce the need for battery replacement.
Disadvantages of Solar Batteries
High Upfront Cost: One of the main disadvantages of solar batteries is their high upfront cost. The initial investment in a solar battery system can be significant, especially when factoring in installation costs.
Limited Capacity: Solar batteries have a limited storage capacity, which can be a disadvantage for homeowners who require large amounts of energy storage. Larger battery systems can be expensive and may not be cost-effective for some homeowners.
Maintenance Requirements: Solar batteries require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and lifespan. This can include monitoring battery charge levels, performing regular maintenance checks, and replacing batteries as needed.
Safety Concerns: Solar batteries can pose safety concerns if improperly installed or maintained. Batteries can overheat or catch fire if they are damaged, improperly installed, or not properly ventilated.
FranklinWH Energy Management and Storage
In an increasingly complex environment, relying solely on solar batteries is insufficient to fully harness solar energy and satisfy the energy demands of an entire household. What's needed is an intelligent home energy management solution to optimize energy utilization.
FranklinWH energy management and storage system is a whole-home energy solution that manages home energy for higher efficiency and increases solar ROI.
The FranklinWH system contains two primary units: the aGate, an intelligent energy management controller, and the aPower, a battery storage unit.
The aGate is the center of the FranklinWH system that integrates solar, grid, battery, and generator power sources and manages them to optimize consistent energy supply, lower utility costs, and provide rapid backup in case of grid outages.
The aPower is a 13.6 kWh AC-coupled battery with a built-in inverter to automatically transfer between DC and AC. It uses extremely safe LFP cells and can stack up to fifteen aPower batteries per aGate.
Homeowners can use the FranklinWH App to remotely monitor and control the system. There are backup, load shifting, and self-consumption modes to best suit homeowners&#; needs, providing optimized energy and backup power to the home, lowering electricity bills, or living completely off-grid.
Conclusion
Solar batteries offer many advantages for homeowners who want to reduce energy bills, increase energy independence, and contribute to a more sustainable future. However, they also have some disadvantages, including high upfront costs, limited capacity, maintenance requirements, and safety concerns.
Before investing in a solar battery system, homeowners should carefully consider their energy needs and budget and the potential benefits and drawbacks of solar batteries.
Additionally, it is important to work with a qualified and experienced installer to ensure the system is installed safely and properly maintained over its lifespan.
With careful consideration and proper installation, solar batteries can offer many benefits for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact.
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