Energy Storage Design

We owe it to electric power system for enabling our modern society. The  electricity is divisible, transportable, and can be converted to other energy forms which all makes it the most convenient form of energy. The challenge with electric power system has been that the lack of storage ability. This means that for most part the electricity that we use in our everyday lives is generated instantly as we consume it. Large part of the electrical engineering, design, and effort goes into maintain this intricate balance between the supply and demand.  Energy storage technologies are exciting part of the power engineering as it changes the old status quo. However, the energy storage technologies are cost prohibitively expensive for everyday practical use and limited cases.

Energy storage can be categorized into two types- inverter based resources and generator based resources. Generator based resources have been the traditional energy storage system such as pumped hydro but they have limited availability. The inverter based resources are the battery storage systems, which are more popular systems.

When considering energy storage technologies for grid use, we need to think about four main parameters – i) voltage, ii) real power, iii) reactive power, and iv) energy capacity. The fourth parameter is unique to energy storage as energy storage system only have limited availability and grid planner needs to consider.

For implementing a energy storage, we could conduct a time series loading analysis. With Energy storage, we need consider both charging and discharge situation as well.

Implementing an energy storage project involves steps below:

1. Identifying Need: This involves planning, time series analysis, and power flow modeling to determine where energy storage can be most beneficial.
2. Conceptual Design: Developing an operational and use case procedure, conducting transient and steady-state analyses to design a system that meets the identified needs.
3.  Initial Engineering Design: Includes land assessment, interconnection study, and protection studies to lay the groundwork for the storage system's integration into the grid.
4. Detailed Engineering Design: Focuses on grounding study, equipment study, and harmonic study to ensure the system's technical and safety requirements are met.
5. Community Outreach: Engaging with the community, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring stakeholder support are crucial for successful project implementation.