There is one constraint that even the most fervent proponents of solar panels cannot deny, namely that they can only generate electricity when the sun is shining. As a result of lower solar generation in the evenings, there is a conflict between supply and demand. As it turns out, when the sun is shining, solar panels are often able to supply enough energy to fulfill peak demand at the end of the day even when demand is lower. This implies that homes and businesses alike can benefit from efficient solar energy storage like Invergy ESS (Energy Storage System).

 

Solar Energy Storage Has Several Advantages

 

In order to get the most out of a solar panel system, it’s vital to store this excess energy, which can result in cost savings, more efficient electricity networks, and fewer fossil fuel emissions. There are several advantages to storing solar energy:

 

• Balancing electric loads: Electricity must be used immediately upon generation if it cannot be stored. For peak-time use, excess energy can be stored in an energy storage facility. Solar panels and wind turbines produce sustainable energy, but when the sun sets or there is no wind, excess electricity can be stored and used as needed. The ability to store energy when output is high and demand is low, and then release it as output declines and demand rises, is what energy storage essentially accomplishes.

 

• Filling in the gaps: This allows for an uninterrupted power supply when generators are temporarily unavailable, such as during cloud cover or normal maintenance.

 

• Energy resilience: Everything from wildfires to extreme weather can cause interruptions and outages to the electrical grid. Disruptive occurrences are protected by a bubble of solar energy storage since it decentralizes our energy supply.

 

What Is the Best Way to Store Solar Energy?

 

Thermal, battery and mechanical storage options exist for storing solar energy. Take a short peek at each one.

 

What is thermal storage?

 

The sun’s heat can be stored in a variety of materials, such as water or molten salt. To generate electricity, the heated medium is commonly used to boil water, which is then stored in an insulated tank.

 

What is battery storage?

 

Electrochemical batteries can also store solar energy. A chemical reaction occurs among the battery’s components when solar energy is injected into it. When a battery is depleted, the reaction is reversed, allowing current to flow out of it. New battery technology is advancing rapidly, which promises to bring down the cost of battery storage and increase its scalability for solar applications. It is anticipated that by 2025, the U.S. energy storage market will have grown six fold from 2022 and be valued at $7.3 billion.

 

What Is Mechanical Storage?

 

The potential energy in an object is used to generate electricity using mechanical energy storage. When excess electricity is transformed into mechanical power, it can be used again at a later date. In terms of mechanical energy storage, the following are the three most popular options:

 

• Flywheel: When demand is high, a flywheel generates electricity by spinning a flywheel with extra electricity.

 

• Pumped hydro: A reservoir above the turbines is filled with water that is pumped uphill. Demand for electricity causes water to be released into turbines, which generate energy.

 

• Compressed air: Compressed air is pushed into huge vessels, such as tanks or underground formations, as part of Invergy ESS (Energy Storage System). During times of high demand, the expelled air is used to generate power.

 

Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

 

For future usage, an Invergy ESS (Energy Storage System) can store electricity. During periods of low demand, it stores energy and uses it during periods of high demand by feeding it into the power grid. End-user demand can be used to balance the generation and distribution of electrical energy via ESS, allowing for maximum utilization of generated energy.

 

When it comes to generating and delivering energy, ESS is a game-changer. Emerging markets like this one are essential if we are to build a reliable electrical system.

 

Li-ion batteries for energy storage

 

Recent years have seen a rise in the use of battery Invergy ESS (Energy Storage System)  for grid support in a variety of applications. A wide variety of battery cell technologies and system architectures are available in the market for lithium-ion battery systems. Because of their high energy density, high efficiency, and long cycle life, a lithium-ion battery family is a viable option for usage in the energy storage business.

 

Because of their high energy density and long cycle life, they make excellent long-term power storage batteries. In general, battery capacity decreases with age, making it impossible to fully charge the battery. When compared to other types of common batteries, such as lead-acid or nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion batteries lose only one-fourth of the quantity of charge. There is no memory loss with lithium-ion batteries. Because of this, they are able to attain nearly 100% charge and discharge efficiency, which increases their cycle life.

 

ESS that uses lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate chemistry account for roughly half of all electrochemical ESS currently in use, according to the US DOE. Invergy ESS (Energy Storage System) containers can contain anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries’ storage capacity is likely to improve as this technology develops, boosting their use in energy storage applications.

 

Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries

 

Due to the enormous heat released by lithium-ion batteries, ESS facilities have the potential to catch fire. Due to its potential for violent energy release, holding huge amounts of energy in an enclosed area is a risk in and of itself. An uncontrollable release of energy and an increase in temperature results in a thermal event, such as fire when the temperature of the lithium-ion battery’s cells exceeds a certain threshold. When a battery in an ESS catches fire, other cells in the ESS may overheat and cause thermal runaway processes to spread across the entire system.

 

When a lithium-ion battery fails, it might burst into flames. It is extremely dangerous and difficult to regulate energy released during a thermal runaway event.

 

LHS as a solution for thermal runway

 

The usage of Latent Heat Systems (LHS) materials is a crucial way to mitigate the negative thermal impacts of lithium batteries. The absorption and storage of thermal energy by LHS materials can assist reduce adverse thermal effects in a variety of ways. For power-intensive lithium-ion battery applications that require efficient, simple, and inexpensive thermal control, these materials are becoming increasingly attractive.

 

In battery packs, Thermal Runaway or Propagation is a critical problem that can be reduced or eliminated with LHS Materials. Flame retardant LHS Materials can prevent the risk of battery pack runaway, leading to a significantly more secure product. Passive temperature regulation can be achieved through the use of these materials.

 

In order to limit thermal runaway, maintain uniform temperatures across cells, and reduce battery overheating due to quick charging or discharging, LHS materials have been specifically selected. This results in less battery degradation.