Energy storage devices for power supply systems

The most traditional of all energy storage devices for power systems is electro chemical energy storage (EES), which can be classified into three categories: primary batteries, secondary batteries and fuel cells. The common feature of these devices is primarily that stored chemical energy is converted to electrical energy.

For this application, high-power energy storage devices with sophisticated power electronics interfaces—such as SMES, supercapacitors, flywheels, and high-power batteries—have become competitive options. These storage devices can sense disturbances, react at full power in 20 ms, and inject or absorb oscillatory power for a maximum of 20 cycles.

Zito, Ralph. Energy Storage: A New Approach. 2nd ed., Wiley-Scrivener, 2019. Energy Storage Technologies encompass a range of systems designed to store energy for later use, playing a crucial role in ensuring a stable energy supply for both portable devices and electrical grids.

These high-power storage technologies have practical applications in power systems dealing with critical and pulse loads, transportation systems, and power grids. The ongoing endeavors in this domain mark a significant leap forward in refining the capabilities and adaptability of energy storage solutions.

As a consequence, the electrical grid sees much higher power variability than in the past, challenging its frequency and voltage regulation. Energy storage systems will be fundamental for ensuring the energy supply and the voltage power quality to customers.

An energy storage unit can be connected to the transmission, subtransmission or distribution system in a manner similar to customer-owned conventional or renewable generation facilities such as gas or wind turbines. These dispersed sources are able to change the character of a typical electricity power system completely.