The rising cost of electricity has prompted people to shift towards solar energy. Right? This renewable energy is stored in the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This system enables us to store energy in the batteries and utilize it efficiently later. Interestingly, there are different types of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Each BESS type offers unique value propositions. Some are inexpensive, but their durability and power storage capabilities are somewhat weak. On the flipside, there are premium BESS types, but their cost is very high. In this article, I’ll explain all kinds of BESS and their key specifications. It will help you choose the right battery storage system.
Why Do We Need Battery Storage?
In the previous article, I discussed all the basics of Battery Energy Storage Systems. You must check it for a detailed understanding of this system. Let’s take a quick look at why this storage system is essential.
- First, renewable energy sources such as solar or wind are limited. If there is sun, solar energy will be produced. At night, this energy source is not available. During the daytime, you can store solar energy in batteries. Once the sun sets, you can then use stored energy for the night.
- The battery system is also helpful if you rely entirely on grid stations for your energy needs. In the peak hours, the electricity costs (from grid stations) are high. You can store energy during periods of low demand. You can then utilize this stored energy during peak hours instead of drawing it from the grid station. This will significantly reduce your electricity bill.
- Power outages are a serious issue in many areas. When the grid station cannot meet the electricity demand, it results in outages. However, people use these batteries to store energy. During an electricity outage, they switch to using batteries as a power backup. In this way, they maintain an uninterrupted power supply.
- The grid stations also use large BESSs to meet sudden spikes in demand. The government is also shifting towards renewable energy due to its low cost. So grid stations store this energy and make a profit by selling it to the customers. Remember, conventional sources of energy are very costly.
Types of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Understand why BESS is important and becoming more popular? Let’s move on to our primary topic, which concerns the various types of storage systems. In this section, we will discuss the ins and outs of every kind of BESS. This will help you make an informed decision when selecting a BESS.
1- Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common and reliable options on the market. Their work is based on the movement of lithium ions. These ions move or flow between the electrodes of the batteries during charging and discharging.
These batteries can be used to store both renewable and conventional energy for the long term. What I like about these batteries is their versatility. They are small enough to be used in smartphones and laptops. The larger sizes of these batteries are standard in electric vehicles and other high-end applications.
The energy density of these batteries surpasses that of their counterparts. It means it stores more energy and lasts for many hours of consistent use, depending on its size. However, these batteries can overheat if not appropriately managed.
This drawback can pose safety hazards, increasing the risk to users. However, the modern and high-end lithium-ion comes with sensors and a dedicated BMS. These systems detect the heating of batteries and provide you with updates. The price of lithium-ion batteries is very high, but it is 100% worth it due to their thousands of charge cycles.
2- Lead-Acid Batteries
As I mentioned earlier, lithium-ion batteries are premium and very expensive. Their higher price bracket can be a big issue for many. If you’re one of those, worry not! These lead-acid batteries are an affordable option, offering optimal performance. They come with dedicated lead plates and sulphuric acid.
A chemical reaction occurs between lead and sulfuric acid. This chemical reaction facilitates charging and discharging of these batteries. Interestingly, these batteries are among the oldest and most outdated technologies. Their energy storage efficiency is around 70–80%, which is lower than that of lithium-ion batteries.
Additionally, the large size and bulkiness of these batteries is a big problem. Due to their enormous size, they occupy a considerable amount of space. Generally, large businesses and commercial banks use them. When it comes to domestic usage, lithium batteries have replaced them. The reason is that they are compact and offer excellent energy efficiency.
3- Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries
These batteries are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. They offer thousands of recharge cycles with optimal energy efficiency. Nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium are used as electrodes in these batteries. In the past, this type of battery was used in small and compact devices.
What I like about these nickel-cadmium batteries is their rugged design. Manufacturers use high-quality material in their making. Additionally, these batteries can withstand higher temperatures, which is a significant advantage. Using them in high-temperature conditions won’t affect their performance. They offer a long life cycle, but they have a “memory effect” issue.
It means you’ll have to completely discharge these batteries before recharging. If you charge them without completely discharging, their energy storage capacity will be reduced. Due to such issues, people prefer using lithium-ion batteries over this type of battery. Currently, they are used when high temperature resistance is required.
4- Sodium-Sulfur (NaS) Batteries
These sodium-sulfur batteries are less commonly used in routine applications. Many people may not have seen this type of battery. The reason is that they are only used at a large scale. For example, only power plants and grid stations use them to store and meet energy demands. You may wonder why these types of batteries are less common.
They use sodium and sulfur to store energy. These materials must be in a molten state to store the energy. These batteries require a high temperature (300 to 350°C) to melt the material. Providing such a high temperature is not possible in routine usage. Therefore, they are not preferred for domestic usage.
Additionally, these batteries require regular maintenance and adherence to safety protocols. A small leakage or fire can result in a big explosion. What I love about these batteries is that they have excellent energy density. They can store large amounts of energy efficiently. Additionally, they can last over 10 years without showing any sign of deterioration.
5- Solid-State Batteries
As you are aware, conventional batteries utilize liquid electrodes. The charges move through this liquid and reach the electrode. Right? However, these solid-state batteries differ in that they don’t use a liquid electrolyte. Instead, they use solid materials (such as metal) as electrodes. This material allows the movement of positive and negative charges.
As a result, leakage issues are significantly minimized. Additionally, these batteries don’t catch fire as they don’t have any flammable electrolyte. So you can use them even in very high temperatures. Their energy capacity is optimal, making them an ideal option to be used in EVs. I consider them superior options over lithium or lead-acid batteries.
快速亮點： As mentioned above, these batteries use solid material as electrodes. Such solid-state materials are costly and premium. Due to this, these types of batteries are not suitable for domestic usage. However, they have a bright future and are considered for use in electric vehicles.
6- Zinc-Air Batteries
These are the cheapest batteries that offer optimal energy storage. Their operation is based on zinc metal and oxygen from the air. You can store both renewable and conventional energy in these batteries. The zinc reacts with oxygen to generate electricity during its usage. You might wonder where this oxygen comes from.
These batteries have small holes. The air enters through this hole. As you know, air has oxygen, and it reacts with zinc. As a result of the reaction between zinc and oxygen, electricity is produced. Remember, these batteries are compact, lightweight, and very affordable. Additionally, the zinc material is eco-friendly, making it safe for the environment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Any Type of BESS
As I said earlier, there are different types of battery storage systems. Due to the numerous options, it can be confusing to choose one among them. In the section below, I’ll discuss some key considerations. By following them, you’ll be able to select a reliable BESS.
- The battery type you choose must have a higher energy capacity.
- The battery’s power output is another critical parameter. Choosing a battery with higher power output is recommended. Such batteries offer more power delivery during their usage.
- Select batteries that provide a higher cycle life. Such lithium-ion batteries are the best option. They offer higher cycle life and last longer than any other type.
- The size and weight of the batteries are other important parameters. I recommend choosing a battery that is compact and lightweight. Lithium-ion batteries are more compact without compromising their storage capacity.
- The old-fashioned batteries used to come with no sensors or BMS. Such batteries are risky as they can’t detect their heat problems. I recommend choosing BESS with an optimized Battery Management System (BMS).
- The battery you choose must not require regular maintenance. This will reduce maintenance costs, and upkeep will be affordable. Lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity because they require minimal maintenance.
總結
So, which BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) should you choose? Well, the answer to this question varies depending on the user’s needs and budget. However, I consider lithium-ion batteries to be the best option. First of all, they are safe, energy efficient, and easy to maintain.
Additionally, their compactness is a feature that makes them ideal for tight spaces. However, their prices are generally high, which can be a drawback. In this article, I’ve discussed various options that you can consider. Regardless of the type of battery you choose, ensure it meets the standards I discussed in the conclusion.