Elements in Grid Energy Storage – serie

Energy storage systems (ESS) exist in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and technologies. An energy storage system's technology, i.e. the fundamental energy storage mechanism, naturally affects its important characteristics including cost, safety, performance, reliability, and longevity. However, while the underlying technology is important, a successful energy storage project relies on a thorough and thoughtful implementation of the technology to meet the project's goals. A successful implementation depends on how well the energy storage system is architected and assembled. The system's architecture can determine its performance and reliability, in concert with or even despite the technology it employs. It is possible for an energy storage system with a good storage technology to perform poorly when implemented with a suboptimal architecture, while other energy storage systems with mediocre storage technologies can perform well when implemented with superior architectures.

The application of energy storage within transmission and distribution grids as non-wire alternative solutions (NWS) is hindered by the lack of readily available analysis tools, standardized planning processes, and practical know-how. This Element provides a theoretical basis along with examples and real-world case studies to guide grid planners in the siting, sizing, and lifetime techno-economic evaluation of storage systems. Many applications are illustrated including feeder peak shaving, feeder reliability improvements, transmission reliability, transmission congestion relief, and renewable integration. Three case studies, based on the author's consulting experience, illustrate the versatility of the analysis methods and provide a guide to grid planners while tackling real world problems.