Battery energy storage is storing energy generated by natural resources, such as sun, wind, or tidal, and stored for when needed. Renewable energies are an incredible way to produce power as we transition away from fossil fuels, but they have one crucial problem. Renewable energy can’t be increased, and you cannot request more sun on a cloudy day or more wind on a calm one simply because you need more power at that moment. However, you can create better storage solutions to ensure you capture the power when it is generated and save it until you need it. Battery energy storage is vital in moving away from fossil fuels towards better, greener, renewable energy sources.
What are Battery Energy Storage Systems? (BESS)
Battery energy storage systems, otherwise known as BESS, are ways of storing the power generated by renewable energy sources until such a time as it is needed. Simply put, they are groups of batteries used to store power. These can vary from the household size to commercial set-ups. The fundamentals are the same, and the system is extremely versatile and can be scaled up and down for domestic, commercial and national uses. Setting up battery energy storage systems means bridging the gap between supply and demand and creating a manageable energy system without relying on fossil fuels. Battery energy storage systems are vital in our transition into clean energy.
How Does Battery Energy Storage Work?
Power is generated through a renewable energy system such as a solar panel or a wind turbine. This could vary from a single solar power on the roof of a home to a solar farm. This power is then fed into a battery energy storage system, which stores the energy until needed. Once needed, the energy can then be released. The historic problem with renewable energy was that the power demand didn’t match the times when the power was available. Solar panels on your home produce energy during the day, when most people are out at work, whereas household demand is highest in the evening, often after the sun has gone down. Battery energy storage systems have made the transition to renewable energy possible.
Types of Battery Energy Storage Systems
There are different types of battery energy storage systems. On a commercial scale, there are a few different types. Grid-scale battery systems can store energy to feed into the main power grid. Behind-the-meter batteries (BTM batteries) are smaller than the grid scale and are more commonly used for business sites to help power energy-consuming appliances. Co-located batteries are popular as they can run alongside existing energy projects. On a household level, the most popular type of battery is a lithium-ion battery with a high energy density. This means it can store a large amount of energy in a small space, making it the ideal choice for a household where space is often at a premium.
Applications of Battery Energy Storage
Battery energy storage systems are now being used across different settings and scales. From commercial to household, we are starting to see a huge increase in battery energy storage systems as we work to transition away from fossil fuels. Grid-scale energy systems are being used to send power into the grid, reducing our reliance on traditional power methods. Businesses are starting to build battery energy storage systems on-site to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the green credentials of their businesses. Households enjoy creating self-sufficient green homes, using the powerful combination of solar panels, battery energy storage and electric cars to create carbon-neutral homes.
Advantages of Battery Energy Storage
There are many advantages to battery energy storage systems. Grid stabilisation and integration are extremely important. These energy storage systems enable us to stabilise our energy grid and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels or overseas energy. This makes us more stable and resilient to national and global issues. The ability to store energy creates peak shaving, which means that energy stored during periods of low demand can be released during high-demand periods without needing to increase production during these times. Due to the versatile nature of battery energy storage, individuals and businesses can create their own energy systems, reducing the pressure on the grid. They can even help the grid with energy buyback schemes. If you, as an individual or a business, are not fully reliant on the grid, you also have backup power should the grid go down.
Importance of Battery Energy Storage
Battery energy storage schemes help us move away from fossil fuels. Renewable energy is an incredible resource that is just waiting for us to use. Still, with the ability to store the energy generated, it would work as a reliable solution. Battery energy storage has enabled wholeheartedly embracing renewable energy sources and building a greener future.
Challenges And Limitations of Battery Energy Storage
Engineers, inventors, and designers have worked on battery energy storage systems for years. As the technology has improved, the systems have become more and more cost-effective and usable. Modern batteries now have a longer working life than their older counterparts, though the need to replace batteries still creates limitations. Lithium-ion batteries have a vastly longer working life than the older lead acid batteries. Advances in technology have increased the energy density in batteries so that large-scale projects are now feasible with energy banks.
How can BESS Help the Energy Transition?
Battery energy storage systems are a crucial factor in the energy transition. We have long known that embracing renewable energy sources was key to creating a greener future but needed to be improved by the gap between supply and demand. Battery energy storage systems allow us to save power when it is generated and save it until it is needed. This gives us reliable on-tap power, a practical replacement for fossil fuels. Continuing to grow our energy banks means we can transition away from fossil fuels and into a greener and more stable future.
Create Your Own Battery Energy Storage System With Duracell Energy products
With our knowledge and expertise, we have designed and engineered a home storage battery that will work for you and your home. You can create your own self-sufficient home with solar panels, an electric car, and our home battery. This investment will give you control over your energy. It will save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and reduce your reliance on the grid. With our home battery, you can be confident that you are investing in a high-quality and reliable product that will work for you. With our smart app, you can effortlessly control the power in your house by combining time-of-use tariffs, solar, battery storage and your EV charger, to save you money every day. To take your home into the future, simply get your quote today.