Energy storage is the process of transforming energy into a relatively stable form of existence under natural conditions, and then storing energy through media or devices for release when needed. The supply and demand of energy are frequently different in terms of quantity, morphology, distribution, and time during the processes of energy development, conversion, transportation, and utilization.
These variations can be compensated for by using energy storage technologies to store and release energy, thereby balancing supply and demand for energy and increasing the effectiveness of energy use. Energy can be classified into various forms, such as nuclear energy, mechanical energy, thermal energy, chemical energy, radiation (light) energy, electromagnetic energy, and other types. All types of energy can be stored in conventional energy forms in addition to radiation energy.
While chemical and nuclear energy are pure forms of energy storage, mechanical energy is stored as kinetic energy or potential energy, electrical energy is stored as induction field energy or electrostatic field energy, and heat energy is stored as latent heat or heat. There are many different ways to store energy, such as through the use of batteries, compressed air, flywheels, pumped energy storage, thermal energy storage, hydrogen energy storage, and other techniques.
These days, storage batteries are widely used in micro grids for energy storage due to their mature technology and operating experience. The energy storage battery pack, battery management system (BMS), boost transformer, energy storage two-way variable current device (PCS), energy storage monitoring system, etc. are the main components of the battery energy storage system.
The energy storage system can switch from grid-connected to off-grid operation in the event of a power grid failure. In addition to providing uninterrupted backup power for the entire microgrid system, the energy storage system supports the microgrid’s voltage and current when it is off the grid.
Lead carbon battery
The lead-carbon battery is a novel energy storage technology that is created by combining carbon materials with capacitive properties into the lead anode of conventional lead-acid batteries through a process known as “internal mixing” or “internal merger.” Lead-carbon batteries combine the qualities of supercapacitors and conventional lead-acid batteries, which can significantly enhance the former’s overall performance.
Their benefits in terms of technology are: High charging magnification; 4-5 times longer cycle life compared to regular lead-acid batteries; Excellent safety; A high percentage of recycling (up to 97%), significantly higher than that of other chemical batteries; An abundance of raw materials at a low cost, roughly 1.5 times that of conventional lead-acid batteries.
While lead-carbon batteries have significantly outperformed conventional lead-acid batteries in terms of performance, the precise mechanism by which key carbon materials enhance lead-carbon battery performance remains unclear. Moreover, the addition of carbon materials can easily have unfavorable effects, such as making the battery more susceptible to water loss and hydrogen analysis. It is important to pay attention to the issue of battery exhaust. and the possible risks to one’s safety. Furthermore, lead must be recycled because it is a non-environmentally friendly substance.
Lithium-ion batteries
Positive electrodes are compounds that contain lithium and are used in lithium-ion batteries. There is no lithium metal and lithium-ion battery during the charging and discharging process.
Lithium cobaltate (LiCoO2), lithium manganate (LiMn2O4), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and other binary or ternary materials are used as positive electrodes in lithium-ion batteries; lithium-carbon interlayer compounds, primarily graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, lithium titanate, etc., are used as negative electrodes.
Lithium-ion batteries offer several benefits, such as:
(1) high power density and energy storage density;
(2) high efficiency;
(3) broad application range;
(4) high attention, rapid technological advancement, and significant development potential.
The primary drawback is significant safety risks associated with the use of organic electrolytes, and safety must be improved.
Conclusion
The lead-carbon batteries have a cycle life that is too short and will leak hydrogen, posing a risk to public safety. In contrast, lithium iron phosphate batteries have a suitable working temperature range, a high cycle life, and high energy conversion efficiency and density. For this reason, in the majority of energy storage projects, lithium iron phosphate energy storage batteries are advised.