Energy Storage Systems that You should Know!

Introduction

With the growing use of electricity and electronics, there is also the growing concern for Energy Storages. Here in this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common energy storage devices. 

Most of the storage systems here are used for storing in huge quantities. They’re basically used in power grids. You can only use some of them for your personal use.

Don’t worry. We’ll mention which ones you can use at home. This will save you a lot of trouble.

So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive directly into these storage systems-

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries are hands down the most common battery storage system today. Anywhere you look, you’ll see the use of these batteries. Around 90% of all electrical appliances are powered by Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Your phones, cars, laptops, generators, and even power grids use these batteries. The reason behind this wide range of use is the efficiency. These batteries tend to have an 85-95% efficiency rate.

If you compare them with other batteries, you’ll find them lightweight with higher energy density. Modifications have been made to these batteries over the past few decades to increase their capacity. 

These batteries are nowadays used in a lot of households to store solar power. But, when Lithium-Ion Batteries were invented, they were used on small appliances like cellphones.

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)

In compressed air energy storage, you have to pump underground. And then when there’s a need for energy, let the compressed air come back up. Once it’s back up inside the facility, it’s heated.

This heating causes the air to expand and this expansion in turn powers the generator. Natural gases are usually used to conduct this heating process. But, this also releases carbon which is harmful.

But, if you use CAES, then you’ll be able to amplify the energy output by almost three times. If you can retain the heat, then you’ll be able to hit efficiency of 70%. But, if you’re unable to retain the heat, then the efficiency can get down to 45%. 

Lead Acid Battery

Lead Acid Batteries are not actually in the trend anymore. When they were first invented, they were used on almost everything. 

But, with newer inventions day by day, these batteries are only proving to be backdated. Compared to all the newer alternatives, lead-acid batteries have a lower energy density. 

These batteries also tend to have a shorter calendar life. Although these were the go-to batteries before, now they’re replaced by Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

These types of fuel cells generate power through the combination of oxygen and hydrogen. The energy density is very high. Also, you’ll see that they don’t emit any sort of harmful byproduct. The only byproduct they produce is water.

By reversing the process it’s possible to use them as storage for energy. You can try producing hydrogen when your electricity is cheap. And then use that hydrogen to produce electricity when you need it.

Usually, the location where hydrogen is produced is different from where it’s used to produce electricity. You can also reform ethanol, biogas, or hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen. You can even try a cheaper method but that method will cause carbon pollution.

Hydrogen fuel cells are very expensive. That’s why you won’t find it just about anywhere. Scientists are now planning on using these fuel cells on rockets for all its advantages.

Pumped Storage Hydropower

Pumped storage hydropower is produced in facilities with storing huge amounts of energy in mind. In this system, you have to pump water to a higher surface when the cost of electricity is low. And then when electricity cost becomes high again, release the water to the lower surface. 

The turbines generate electricity by utilizing the speed at which waterfalls down due to gravity. 

This energy storage system is quite cheaper compared to other systems. But, there’s one problem with pumped storage hydro though. You’ll have to make long-term plans to get the best result out of this system.

The construction of these facilities can sometimes take up to 5 years. You’ll scare away short-term investors with this plan. 

Another advantage you’ll get is, these facilities are able to produce 10 hours of clean energy. Whereas Lithium-Ion Batteries are only able to produce 6 hours of energy.

Flow Batteries

If you’re looking for an alternative to Lithium-Ion batteries, then flow batteries are the thing that you’re looking for. While the energy density of these batteries is comparatively low, their life cyc;e is long. 

These batteries are not as popular as Lithium-Ion batteries though. Their usage in the marketplace is less than 5%. 

Flow batteries are the most efficient when required for long-term use. They can supply continuous power for a long period of time. Their efficiency level can be maxed out to 85% when used right.

So, if you’re project requires an energy storage that can supply energy for a very long time. Then Flow battery is just the thing that you’re looking for.

Conclusion

These are some of the energy storage systems that are the most common in the market. All these batteries are used in huge facilities all around the world.

If you’re looking for something for personal use, then you can go for Lithium-Ion batteries and Lead Acid Batteries. None of the other storage systems can be used at home.

Most of them require years to build. Some of them are perfect for long-term use and some are ideal for short-term use.

You know what type you’re looking for. So, choose your pick and get on with it.

If you have any more questions, let us know in the comments.

Good Luck!