Energy Storage Systems - Term Paper Example

Energy Storage Systems Name Course Instructor Date Table of Contents 1.0.Introduction 3 2.0.Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Storage Systems 3 2.1.Lithium-ion battery 3 2.2.The advanced lead-acid battery 4 2.3.Bromide batteries 4 2.4.Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries 4 3.0.Commercial Availability of Energy Storage Systems 5 4.0.Environmental Impacts of Using Energy Systems 6 4.1.Supercapacitors 6 4.2.Nickel products 6 4.3.Pumped hydroelectric 6 4.4.Compressed Air Energy Systems 7 4.5.Flywheels 7 4.6.The Superconducting Magnet Energy Storage 7 5.0.Energy Storage Preference for Solar-PV and Wind-Turbine Systems 8 5.1.Management 8 5.2.Storage 9 5.3.Generation 9 5.4.Solar PV 10 6.0.Conclusion 11 7.0.Recommendations 11 Bibliography 12 ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS 1.0. Introduction Researches on energy storage systems have been multifaceted. However, there have been issues discussed regarding such storage systems including devices which store electric energy and release it only at the time in which it is required. Patterns of energy use and reuse have been a matter of great interest to many researchers. Lead acid batteries, which have been used for a long time, provides energy storage and release it when needed in a variety of conditions. An example is during adverse temperatures. Previous studies have recognized that storage systems have been used in a number of scenarios [JBG15]. The aim of this study is to stretch tis understanding by looking at energy storage systems, their advantages and disadvantages. 2.0. Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Storage Systems The users have experienced a lot of features as they use energy provided by the storage devices. Some of the experiences are of great benefit to the users. However, there are a considerable number of disadvantages that energy storage systems present to the users. Energy storage system has both advantages and disadvantages unique to each storage technology. 2.1. Lithium-ion battery There are positive aspects including its high cell voltage, high power density, lack of memory effect, support for a large majority of applications and devices, low self-discharge rate and a high precise energy density[LeB15]. The negative aspects consist of their unsafely in fire and runaways, low value after recycling and the fact that they are expensive 2.2. The advanced lead-acid battery The device has positive aspects such as low prices, reduced self-discharge, high rates of response and desirable energy storage technology when recycled. The negative aspects are an energy specific density that is low, charged state required during storage, pollution to the environment and incompatibility with high temperatures [Lee14]. 2.3. Bromide batteries Fast response, easy scaling, possibility in replacing parts, extended life cycle, and tolerance to extreme discharge and overcharge are the positive aspects [Jun16]. They have several negative aspects: still undergoing development, very expensive, uneasy understanding due to numerous parts, the necessity of an external power supply, low electrolyte stability and a limited energy density. 2.4. Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries The device has positive aspects that include the ability to work in adverse temperatures, responds fast, has an increased life cycle, supports electric vehicles and is more available in the market. Their high cost, utilization of toxic materials, difficulties in constructing and requirement of an inbuilt power source that can maintain production of 300 °C are all negative aspects [Opi16]. 3.0. Commercial Availability of Energy Storage Systems For the use of energy storage systems in the present and the future times, the technology must be flexible and integrate more knowledge into its use. To ensure this occurs as planned, researchers must ensure that these energy storage systems produce high energy and also have a system balancing system [Wil11]. There are different technologies used in the storage of energy. These technologies include electrical, mechanical, electrochemical, chemical and thermal. Electrical storage is composed of superconducting magnetic energy storage, ultra-capacitors, and capacitors. For mechanical storage, compressed air energy storage pumped hydro and flywheels. Electro-chemical storage is composed of batteries generally. Chemical storage is composed of electrolyser and other groups of chemicals [Mar17]. Thermal energy storage system is gradually thriving with hot water, molten salt, ceramics, ice, and steam as the main sources used. The main potential buyers of such technology systems will be more in the transport industry (marine, train, car) and stationary for small scale industries. There are a lot of limitations that face energy systems that are renewable. These are highly attributed to unpredictable weather and location of use. When the two conditions become unfavorable, the severity increases even more. Demand for energy is increasing worldwide. There are threats that rise often due to insatiable prices and some have even led to war and insecurity in some regions. This calls for more renewable energy sources and storage of energy. This is to be done while taking into account other factors such as laws, cost effectiveness and incentives [Mar17]. This is because the world is also rapidly changing in many perspectives. Natural resources such as tides, sun and the wind cannot be manipulated to provide energy when it is needed or to be continuous [Zha16]. They can, therefore, be stored in devices so that they can be used only when they are required. There is a large variety of energy storage systems available in the market today. Much more are also seeking their way into the market as they are in the design phase or clearing phase. 4.0. Environmental Impacts of Using Energy Systems 4.1. Supercapacitors They have emission costs and benefits. These emissions result in regenerative braking system after its automotive performances. This is, therefore, considered an advantage of emitting products from capacitors and supercapacitors into the environment. However, its negative effects are caused by some of the products that are used in constructing them and as they function. 4.2. Nickel products They are used in energy storage have a main negative impact on the environmental safety; this is the presence of Cadmium which has very high toxic levels. It is very toxic despite the fact that it can be recycled and used for the same product. Nickel can, however, be retrieved from these energy storage technologies owing to its easy nature of retrieval from scrap [Liu15]. It is then used to make some of the alloys that are resistant to corrosion, for example, stainless steel. 4.3. Pumped hydroelectric It has very little harmful and damaging effects on the environment. The damages to the environment only occur at the point whereby construction occurs. Environmental risks also depend on the location of the scheme. It is, therefore, advisable to make use of mineshafts and coastal areas. 4.4. Compressed Air Energy Systems They are mostly stored underground. This form of storage comes with multiple environmental risks that can lead to numerous environmental unpleasantly. These risks have seen regulations that limit this underground storage to specific locations that will ensure that the harmful effects do not affect the populations directly [Hua15]. However, in some countries, the risk gets higher and higher since some storage sites are all put into use. In the near future, lack of proper regulations and supervision may witness a change in storage pattern leading to serious environmental issues. 4.5. Flywheels They are mechanical storage system technologies that have no chemical components. In this case, disposal is not an issue of focus and the environmental effects have nothing to do with management and disposal of chemicals. Apart from the disposal of this device when it develops functional problems, it is regarded as a safe technology and it will affect the members of the local area of use in any way. 4.6. The Superconducting Magnet Energy Storage It is a technology that stores electrical by the use of magnets. They are very safe considering their functional environmental requirements. For instance, they require very low temperatures to function hence their placement far away from human life. This technology can produce strong magnetic radiations that when exposed to bodily components and cells, is able to trigger serious long-term effects such as mutations that cause cancer, deformities and organ failures. 5.0. Energy Storage Preference for Solar-PV and Wind-Turbine Systems Wind turbines can be integrated with compressed air energy storage. A model of the hybrid power plant has been developed to demonstrate how effective this technology can be. This technology can be used so that wind power and compressed air energy systems can be used together to produce energy with even better qualities than separate use energy storage. The tests that have been conducted for this proposal have shown synergy and admirable environmental friendliness like no other. 5.1. Management However desirable this is, it will require more funds for establishment due to the merge of two energy storage techniques. The uncertainty of the ability to renew energy at different stages increases since each technology comes with its own limitations. Since CAES can operate at any level of power ranging between 10 MW and 110 MW, compressions are made adjustable, manageable and energy produced can be easily manipulated at different levels to suit user demands [Zak15]. Sometimes, the energy produced in this technology may not be satisfactory to the user since the strength of the wind and eventual rotation of wind turbines is always unpredictable. 5.2. Storage The unpredictable wind strengths and those that are not predictable are very difficult to store. It may rather be recommended to work on wind power alone if it is too strong to perform the required performance. The Wind in some regions can rotate turbines of all sizes. The compressors themselves are also partially driven by wind farm and then if mandatory, electric power provided is by power grid. 5.3. Generation A number steps in each day aid the management of the system to provide enough energy to be stored. This will help in the achievement of daily expectations, weekly storage and so on. Nonlinear optimization technique ensures the energy saved remains in the high values (maximum). These entirely depend on the pressure present inside the carven, the different in its final and initial pressure and temperature inside the carven as well as the difference in these values inside the recuperator. CAES is able to mitigate the effect of unpredictable energy generation by the wind turbines and this increases the demand for wind power. The generated power on wind turbines is therefore preferably stored in CAES using a scaled electric utility. Wind speed forecasting is advisably incorporated in this system so that the benefits derived from its use are elevated. As shown, the project is likely to produce more power than that produced by any other system or energy storage technology and that is not a meager achievement. Its efficiency is also very high. The application of this technology will see the savings rising by about 20% each year. 5.4. Solar PV It is a special kind of photovoltaic inverter that is used to light energy from the sun in an electric form. The solar energy that is not put to use during the day is saved and then used later (probably during the night) when required. The main advantage of this setup is that it allows full self-sufficiency and the energy produced can serve in performing many roles. The energy that is produced can be controlled by the user and can drive a variety of devices even if the user is away from home. The ace for this is that it gradually adapts to the user’s consumption requirements. Energy storage can be modified so that storage increases by up to 3 kWh. This system has a built-in battery that uses the Lithium-ion technology. Choosing integrated solution invert and a battery increases the speed of conversion of energy. The only little energy that is not converted is lost and, therefore, battery life is always very high. It is able to function in all weather, temperature and other adverse conditions. The solar energy tapped by a photovoltaic energy inverter is always many folds more than what a conventional inverter can do. In so doing, increased light intensity during the day increases the rate of independence and the user may eventually rely on its power alone hence independence. Its flexibility is also much astonishing as one can add more battery units to maximize the energy stored for later use [Soa13]. Through its programmable relays, one can control how its device operates basing the settings on the energy being provided/ availability. Auxiliary output also exists to make it possible to run other minor activities like lighting only in case of shortage [Luo15]. The inverter’s ease of use is a key area of interest in the industry. The production rates and consumption rate are almost equal since it is preferred by many; the ease of use renders it safe and environmentally friendly. Photovoltaic energy inverter might be a long-term solution towards fully relying on hydro-electric power. In some countries, the power supply is unpredictable and unstable. As long as sunlight is strong enough during the day, sufficient energy can be produced to perform a variety of domestic roles. 6.0. Conclusion From the assessment above, there are two essential issues to be noted. Firstly, the device needs no proper training to manipulate. A manual always accompanies the device and the end users can install and use the device according to their choosing. However, maintenance is better done by experts instead of having users do it on their own. It has also been noticed that this storage technology is reliable. Secondly, the product discussed above may have serious environmental effects ranging from the toxicity of animal life to change of environmental patterns. 7.0. Recommendations Based on the analysis above, we recognise that modification of laws and regulations can see a productive change in the rate of disposal of these toxic and dangerous energy storage devices. We found that CAES have the ability to operate at any level of power ranging between 10 MW and 110 MW. This means that there is need to assess the extent to which compressions can me made adjustable to such changes. Bibliography JBG15: , (Goodenough, 2015), LeB15: , (Le and Andrews, 2015), Lee14: , (Lee, 2014), Jun16: , (Jung, Jeong and Kim, 2016), Opi16: , (Opiyo, 2016), Wil11: , (Williamson, 2011), Mar17: , (Martin, Rentsch, Höck and Bertau, 2017), Zha16: , (Zhang, Yuan and Yuan, 2016), Liu15: , (Liu, Kopold and Yu , 2015), Hua15: , (Huang and Dong, 2015), Zak15: , (Zakeri and Syri, 2015), Soa13: , (Soares, Costa, Gaspar and Santos, 2013), Luo15: , (Luo, Wang, Dooner and Clarke, 2015), Read More