Basics of Small Energy Storage Equipment

Basics of Energy Storage Energy storage refers to resources which can serve as both electrical load by consuming power while charging and electrical generation by releasing power while discharging. Energy storage comes in a variety of forms, including mechanical (e.g., pumped hydro), thermal (e.g., ice/water), and electrochemical (e.g., batteries).

Energy storage comes in a variety of forms, including mechanical (e.g., pumped hydro), thermal (e.g., ice/water), and electrochemical (e.g., batteries). Recent advances in energy storage, particularly in batteries, have overcome previous size and economic barriers preventing wide-scale deployment in commercial buildings.

Each energy storage unit contains several components: one or more battery modules, onboard sensors, control components, and an inverter. In DC-coupled units, a separate inverter is used. In AC-coupled units, the inverter is integrated into the system. These components make energy storage systems more than mere batteries.

Battery energy storage systems are rechargeable battery systems that store energy from either intermittent renewable generators or the electric grid and provide that energy to a home or business. Because they contain advanced technology that regular batteries do not, they can easily perform certain tasks such as peak shaving and load shifting.

The principles of an Own and Operate model give full rights to the owner and to whomever he might want to distribute the stored power – either for his own use or a client purchasing stored power. One of the major drawbacks of owning and operating an energy storage system is its hefty price tag.

Electrical energy storage systems (EESS) for electrical installations are becoming more prevalent. EESS provide storage of electrical energy so that it can be used later. The approach is not new: EESS in the form of battery-backed uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have been used for many years. EESS are starting to be used for other purposes.