Capacity and capability determine the scale of a battery storage system. However, there are several other characteristics that are important for calculating the marketability and return potential of aBattery Energy Storage System (BESS). Here are the most important metrics for BESS.
Keyfigures for battery storage systems provideimportantinformation about the technical properties of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). They allow for the comparison of different models and offer important clues for potentialutilisationand marketing options. Investors can use them to estimate potential returns.
The capability of a battery is the rate at which it can release stored energy. As with capacity, the respective maximum is specified. The common unit of measurement is watts (W), again, with unit prefixes like kilo (1 kW = 1000 W) or mega (1 MW = 1,000,000 W).
As a specification of a battery, the C-rate usually indicates the maximum C-rate, meaning that the higher this key figure, the faster the battery can be charged and discharged. However, charging and discharging at maximum power can reduce the battery''s service life. Choosing a below-maximum C-rate can protect the battery cells.
The maximum C-rate largely depends on the technology used. Lithium-ion batteries typically can provide higher C-rates than lead-acid batteries. Redox flow batteries can be constructed with very low and very high C rates.
Usually, this key figure indicates the percentage of usable energy still available in the desired form after one or more conversion steps. Unless otherwise stated, forbatteriesthis always refers to the electrical efficiency. (In the case of combined heat and power plants, the thermal efficiency is also relevant in addition to the electrical efficiency).
For example, if a lithium-ion battery has an energy efficiency of 96%it can provide 960 watt-hours of electricity for every kilowatt-hourof electricityabsorbed.Thisis also referredto as round-trip efficiency. Whether a BESS achieves its optimum efficiency depends, among others, on the Battery Management System (BMS).
Energy conversion efficiency and overall energy efficiency differ for many technical devices. For example, the energy efficiency of an electric car depends not only on the conversion efficiency of its technical components (battery, motor, etc.) but also on factors such as drag coefficient, tyres and driving style. Self-discharge (see below) can reduce the energy efficiency of a battery. An oversized BESS whose capacity and performance are rarely or never fully utilised is inefficient in several respects.
A distinction is also made between energy conversion efficiency and round-trip efficiency. Energy conversion efficiency refers to the efficiency of each step, such as current conversion processes. Round-trip efficiency, on the other hand, represents the percentage of energy taken from the grid that is fed back into the grid after storage.
According to a common industry standard, a BESS is considered to have reached the end of its service life when its actual charging capacity falls below 80% of the original nominal capacity. The degradation of a BESS depends on two main factors:
Charged batteries lose energy over time, even when they are not used. The self-discharge rate measures the percentage of energy lost within a certain period (usually 1 month) and under certain conditions (usually 20 degrees Celsius). Factors such as temperature and charge level can influence the self-discharge rate, but it mainly depends on the technology: Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, have a lower self-discharge rate compared to lead-acid batteries. A low self-discharge rate ensures higher round-trip efficiency.
The optimum operating temperature for most BESS is around 20 degrees Celsius. However, they tolerate temperatures between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius. Some technologies are more tolerant of temperature variations than others. Depending on the climate, this factor can be crucial for the right choice.
There are two types of energy density: The volumetric energy density indicates the ratio of storage capacity to the volume of the battery; so possible measures are kilowatt-hours per litre (kWh/L) or megawatt-hours per cubic metre (MWh/m³). The gravimetric energy density indicates the capacityin relation tothe weight, for example in kilowatt-hours per kilogramme (kWh/kg).
Both key figures are often of secondary importance for stationary batteries. However, they can play a role in domestic BESS or BESS large storage systems in urban areas if space is limited and the statics of buildings are to be taken into account.
In contrast, energy density is crucial in e-mobility. The low gravimetric energy density of available battery technologies, compared to fossil fuels, has so far prevented air transport from being electrified.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are rapidly transforming the way we produce, store, and use energy. These systems are designed to store electrical energy in batteries, which can then be deployed during peak demand times or when renewable energy sources aren’t generating power, such as at night or on cloudy days. The flexibility, reliability, and sustainability offered by BESS make it a key solution to many modern energy challenges, especially as the world transitions toward cleaner, renewable energy sources.
Battery Energy Storage Systems function by capturing and storing energy produced from various sources, whether it''s a traditional power grid, a solar power array, or a wind turbine. The energy is stored in batteries and can later be released, offering a buffer that helps balance demand and supply. At its core, a BESS involves several key components:
Lithium-Ion Batteries: The most common choice, these batteries offer high energy density and are relatively light, making them suitable for a range of applications from small-scale residential setups to large utility-scale systems.
Renewable Energy Integration: Wind and solar energy, both intermittent sources, are effectively stabilized with BESS, enabling continuous power even when conditions aren’t optimal for generation.
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