Comparing Large Scale Storage Technologies Tom Konrad, Ph.D. Presented at Solar 2009 Buffalo, NY May 15, 2009
Outline Characteristics of Energy Storage Technologies Technology Options Technology Comparisons References
Characteristics of Energy Storage Capital Cost –Per stored kWh (Energy) –Per kW capacity (Power) Round-trip efficiency Standby losses Response time Cycle life Site-specific Constraints Commercialization Energy Density
Pumped Hydro (PHES) StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Commercial Response time Long life Good cost of energy Limited locations Costs vary w/ location Energy Arbitrage, Load following, Peak Shaving
Compressed Air Energy Storage Image Credit: CAES Development Company
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Commercial Response time Long life Cost of energy Cost of power Limited locations Requires fuel Energy arbitrage, load following, Peak shaving
Flow Batteries - VRB Diagram for VRB flow battery Credit: Wash University of St. Louis
Flow Batteries – Hydrogen Electrolyzer/Fuel Cell Image Credit: North Coast Weekly Journal
Flow Batteries (VRB, ZnBr, PSB, Hydrogen) StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Can be used anywhere, fast response time Some toxic, generally immobile Energy arbitrage, Load following, Voltage support, Frequency regulation Peak Shaving
Conventional Batteries (NaS, PbA, Li-Ion, NiMH) StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Commercial Modular Can be used anywhere Can be moved Cost, Short Cycle life, Standby losses T&D deferral, Peak shaving
Thermal Energy Storage Molten salt storage. Image Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory Ice Storage: Image Source: Ice Energy
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Commercial Round-Trip Efficiency Low Cost of Power Only with Thermal Generation (CSP) or Demand (HVAC) Peak shaving Energy Arbitrage Load Following (CSP only)
Long Distance Transmission StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Fully Commercial Very Inexpensive (relatively) Environmental NIMBY Regulatory Peak shaving Energy Arbitrage Load Following
Demand-Response
Smart Grid Image source: US Department of Energy
Demand Response & Smart Grid StrengthsWeaknessesApplications Commercial (DR) Power (Both) Energy (SG) No Standards (SG) Energy arbitrage, Peak shaving, Load Following, RE Integration
kWh vs. Efficiency
kW vs. Efficiency
Energy vs. Power
General References EPRI-DOE Handbook of Energy Storage for Transmission and Distribution Applications, 12/2003 EPRI-DOE Handbook Supplement of Energy Storage for Grid Connected Wind Generation Applications, 12/2004 An investigation into the energy storage technologies available, for the integration of alternative generation techniques, David Connolly, U. of Limerick, 11/2007 Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems – Energy Storage, Dan Ton, Sandia, 7/2008.
Technology Specific References Wind Integrated CAES in Colorado, B. Kelley + D. Kearney NREL 2004 PHES Utilizing Current Infrastructure in Colorado, Levine+Barnes 2007 Solar-Thermal based TES - Greg Glatzmaier, NREL, interview, 4/2009 VRB Power, website 800 kV HVDC – Alternative Scenarios for long distance bulk power transmission, Gunnar Asplund, ABB, 10/2008.
Thank You Tom Konrad, Ph.D