CME364 ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES LTPC

3003

COURSE OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various types of energy storage devices and technologies and them comparison.
2 To learn the techniques of various energy storage devices and their performances.

3 To learn the basics of batteries and hybrid systems for EVs and other mobile applications.

4 To learn about the renewable energy storage systems and management systems.

5 To have an insight into other energy storage devices, hydrogen, and fuel cells.

UNIT – I INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY STORAGE 9

Need for Energy Storage – Types of Energy Storage – Various forms of Energy Storage –
Mechanical– Thermal - Chemical– Electrochemical – Electrical - Other alternative energy
storage technologies – Efficiency and Comparison.

UNIT – II ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS 9

Pumped Air Energy Storage – Compressed Air Energy Storage – Flywheel – Sensible and Latent
Heat Storage – Storage Materials – Performance Evaluation - Thermochemical systems –
Batteries – TypesCharging and Discharging – Battery testing and performance.

UNIT – III MOBILE AND HYBRID ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS 9

Batteries for electric vehicles - Battery specifications for cars, heart pacemakers, computer
standby supplies – V2G and G2V technologies – HESS.

UNIT – IV RENEWABLE ENERGY STORAGE AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT 9

Storage of Renewable Energy Systems –Solar Energy – Wind Energy – Energy Storage in Micro
grid– Smart Grid – Energy Conversion Efficiency - Battery Management Systems – EVBMS –
Energy Audit and Management

UNIT – V OTHER ENERGY DEVICES 9

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES), Supercapacitors – MHD Power generation

– Hydrogen Storage - Fuel Cells – Basic principle and classifications – PEMFC, AMFC, DMFC,
SOFC,MCFC and Biofuel Cells – Biogas Storage.

TOTAL: 45 PERIODS

OUTCOMES: At the end of the course the students would be able to

1. Discuss the need and identify the suitable energy storage devices for applications.

2. Explain the working of various energy storage devices and their importance.
3. Explain the basic characteristics of batteries for mobile and hybrid systems.

4. Discuss the storage of renewable energies and management systems.

5. Explain the need for other energy devices and their scope for applications.

TEXT BOOKS:

1. Rober Huggins, “Energy Storage: Fundamentals, Materials and Applications”, 2 nd Edition,

Springer, 2015.

2. Dell, Ronald M Rand, David A J, “Understanding Batteries”, Royal Society of Chemistry,

2001

REFERENCES:

1. Francisco Díaz-González, Andreas Sumper, Oriol Gomis-Bellmunt,” Energy Storage in

Power Systems” Wiley Publication, 2016.

2. Ibrahim Dincer and Mark A Rosen, “Thermal Energy Storage Systems and Applications”,
John Wiley & amp; Sons, 2002.

3. Lindon David, “Handbook of Batteries”, McGraw Hill, 2002.

4. Aulice Scibioh M. and Viswanathan B, “Fuel Cells – principles and applications’, University
Press(India), 2006

5. Ru-Shiliu, Leizhang, Sueliang Sun, “Electrochemical Technologies for Energy Storage and
Conversion”, Wiley Publications, 2012.

Online Video Links:

1. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=INTRODUCTION+TO+ENERGY+STORAGE
&FORM=HDRSC4.
2. https://www.bing.com/search?q=hENERGY+STORAGE+SYSTEMS&cvid=698ea27dfe
664d49b13ed053f15311dd&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCA
EQABhA0gEHNTI2ajBqNKgCALACAA&FORM=ANAB01&PC=U531.
3. https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=hMOBILE%20AND%20HYBRI
D%20ENERGY%20STORAGE%20S
4. https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=RENEWABLE+ENERGY+STO
RAGE+AND+ENERGY+MANAGEMENT&&mid=B6306D606A178631A35CB6306D
606A178631A35C&&mmscn=stvo&FORM=GVRPTV
UNIT - 1

Energy storage is essential in modern energy systems for several key reasons:

1. Renewable Energy Integration: Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are
intermittent, meaning they produce electricity when the sun is shining or the wind is
blowing. Energy storage allows us to capture and store this energy during periods of
abundance and release it when production is low, ensuring a reliable energy supply.
2. Grid Stability and Reliability: Energy storage helps maintain grid stability by balancing
supply and demand. When demand spikes, stored energy can be released to the grid,
preventing blackouts and ensuring a steady flow of electricity. It also helps smooth out
fluctuations in supply from renewable sources.
3. Energy Independence: With the ability to store energy, regions can become less
dependent on imported fuel sources, which can be subject to price volatility and supply
disruptions. Energy storage can provide a more secure and sustainable local energy
supply.
4. Peak Shaving: Energy storage systems can store electricity during off-peak hours (when
demand and prices are lower) and release it during peak demand periods. This helps
reduce the need for expensive, high-emission backup power plants that are used only
during peak demand.
5. Supporting Electric Vehicles (EVs): As electric vehicles become more common, the
demand for electricity will increase. Energy storage systems can help meet this demand,
enabling more efficient charging networks and reducing the strain on the grid during peak
charging times.
6. Cost Efficiency: By storing energy when electricity prices are low and using it when
prices are high, consumers and utilities can reduce costs, making the energy system more
economically efficient.
7. Backup Power: Energy storage can act as a backup power source during outages or
disruptions, providing an emergency supply of electricity for homes, businesses, or
critical infrastructure.

As renewable energy adoption continues to grow, the need for advanced, scalable, and efficient
energy storage technologies becomes more critical.

Energy storage technologies are diverse and can be classified into several types based on the
method of storing energy. Here are the main types:

1. Battery Energy Storage

Batteries store energy chemically and are one of the most common and versatile methods of
energy storage.

 Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries: These are the most widely used for both grid-scale and
residential storage. They are efficient, have a high energy density, and are commonly
used in electric vehicles.
  Lead-Acid Batteries: One of the oldest types of rechargeable batteries, commonly used
for smaller-scale applications like backup power for homes and businesses.
 Flow Batteries: These store energy in liquid electrolytes that flow through a system,
ideal for large-scale storage due to their scalability and long cycle life.
 Sodium-Ion Batteries: A promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, often cheaper
and using abundant materials, though currently less energy-dense.

2. Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)

Pumped hydro is a well-established form of energy storage, primarily used for large-scale grid
management.

 How it works: Water is pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher one during periods of
low demand. When electricity is needed, the stored water is released to flow downhill
through turbines, generating power.
 Pros: Very large capacity and long discharge durations.
 Cons: Requires suitable geographic locations (e.g., mountainous areas), and the
construction of reservoirs can be expensive and environmentally disruptive.

3. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)

In CAES systems, air is compressed and stored in underground caverns or above-ground vessels
during times of low electricity demand.

 How it works: When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released and heated
before being expanded through turbines to generate power.
 Pros: Can store large amounts of energy for long periods and has potential for large-scale
implementation.
 Cons: Requires suitable geological formations (like salt caverns) for underground
storage, and efficiency can be affected by the need for additional heating.

4. Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal storage systems store energy in the form of heat, which can later be converted back into
electricity or used directly for heating purposes.

 Sensible Heat Storage: This involves heating or cooling a material (such as water,
molten salt, or rocks) to store thermal energy. For example, molten salt is often used in
concentrated solar power (CSP) plants.
 Latent Heat Storage: This stores energy through phase changes, such as when a material
melts or freezes. Phase change materials (PCMs) are commonly used in this type of
system.
 Cryogenic Energy Storage: This involves storing energy by cooling air or other gases to
very low temperatures and then expanding the gas to generate power when needed.
 Pros: Can be used in applications requiring thermal energy directly (e.g., district heating
or industrial processes).
 Cons: Efficiency can vary, and there are losses in conversion between thermal and
electrical energy.
5. Flywheel Energy Storage

A flywheel stores energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy.

 How it works: A rotor (flywheel) spins at very high speeds, and energy is stored as the
rotor's angular momentum. When electricity is needed, the flywheel's rotation is slowed
down, converting the kinetic energy back into electrical energy through a generator.
 Pros: Quick response times, long cycle life, and high power density. It’s ideal for short-
term storage and balancing grid frequency.
 Cons: Lower energy capacity compared to other technologies, and the system is more
effective for short-duration storage.

6. Hydrogen Energy Storage

Hydrogen can be used as an energy carrier and stored for long periods.

 How it works: Electricity is used to produce hydrogen through a process called

electrolysis. The hydrogen can then be stored in tanks or underground caverns and later
used in fuel cells or combusted to generate electricity.
 Pros: Long-term storage capacity and can be used in various applications, including
transportation (fuel cells) and industrial processes.
 Cons: Energy efficiency losses during conversion (from electricity to hydrogen and
back), and current infrastructure for hydrogen storage is still developing.

7. Gravitational Energy Storage

These systems store energy by raising a mass and then releasing it to generate power.

 How it works: Energy is used to lift a heavy weight (often in a vertical shaft) to a high
position. When needed, the weight is allowed to fall, and its gravitational potential energy
is converted into kinetic energy to generate electricity.
 Pros: Potential for large-scale applications and use in areas with limited water resources
(unlike pumped hydro).
 Cons: Requires a specific setup, which can be costly to install.

8. Supercapacitors (Ultra-Capacitors)

Supercapacitors store energy electrostatically and can release it very quickly, making them
suitable for applications needing short bursts of energy.

 How it works: Energy is stored by separating charges on two conductive plates in a

dielectric medium.
 Pros: Very fast charge/discharge times and long cycle life.
 Cons: Lower energy density compared to other storage technologies, making them more
suited for power rather than long-duration energy storage.

9. Electrochemical Capacitors
Similar to supercapacitors, these store energy through electrochemical processes, which allows
for higher energy densities than traditional supercapacitors, though still lower than batteries.

10. Capacitive Energy Storage

In this method, energy is stored as an electric field in capacitors, although this is less commonly
used for large-scale storage.

Electrical Energy Storage

Electrical energy storage is about storing energy in the form of electric power. This can involve
various methods that directly capture and store electricity.

 Capacitors: These store electrical energy in an electric field. Capacitors are used to
smooth out fluctuations in electrical systems, and they can deliver rapid bursts of energy
but have lower overall storage capacity compared to other methods.
 Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES): In this system, energy is stored in
a magnetic field created by the flow of direct current in a superconducting coil. SMES
systems have very high efficiency and can release stored energy almost instantly, making
them ideal for applications requiring rapid response.

Summary of Energy Storage Types:

Energy Storage
Energy Form Stored Common Applications
Type
Kinetic or gravitational Large-scale grid energy storage, rapid
Mechanical
energy response (flywheels, pumped hydro, CAES)
Solar power, heating, industrial processes
Thermal Heat
(molten salt, phase-change materials)
Batteries (lithium-ion, lead-acid), hydrogen
Chemical Chemical energy
storage, fuel cells
Electric charge (via Batteries, supercapacitors, redox flow
Electrochemical
electrochemical reactions) batteries
Electric field or magnetic Power conditioning, rapid discharge
Electrical
field (capacitors, SMES)

Each of these energy storage forms has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suited to
different types of applications.

In addition to the well-established energy storage technologies (like mechanical, thermal,

chemical, and electrochemical), there are several alternative energy storage technologies being
researched or developed to offer solutions with improved efficiency, scalability, and
environmental impact. Here are some promising alternative energy storage technologies, along
with their efficiency and comparison:

1. Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES)

Description: Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) is a form of cryogenic energy storage that
stores energy in the form of liquefied air. Air is cooled and compressed to a liquid state at very
low temperatures. When energy is needed, the liquid air is heated and expanded to drive a
turbine that generates electricity.

 Efficiency: Around 50-70% round-trip efficiency. The efficiency can be improved with
better heat integration and low-temperature processes.
 Advantages:
o Can be located anywhere, does not require specific geological conditions like
pumped hydro.
o Scalable for both small and large-scale applications.
o Long lifespan with minimal degradation over time.
 Challenges: Requires advanced heat management systems to increase efficiency. The
cooling process is energy-intensive.

2. Gravity-Based Energy Storage

Description: Gravity-based storage systems work by using excess energy to lift a mass (like a
heavy weight or a concrete block) to a height. When the energy is needed, the weight is lowered,
and the gravitational potential energy is converted into electrical energy.

 Efficiency: Around 70-80% round-trip efficiency.

 Advantages:
o No need for special materials (e.g., pumped hydro requires water or specific
reservoirs).
o No risk of chemical degradation (like batteries).
o Can be used for both large-scale and grid applications.
 Challenges: Requires significant physical space for the system to be deployed at scale. It
is also location-dependent, as it needs vertical height (e.g., cliffs or tall structures).

3. Flywheel Energy Storage (Advanced Systems)

Description: Flywheels are mechanical devices that store energy as rotational kinetic energy.
Advanced flywheel systems use high-strength composite materials and magnetic bearings to
reduce friction and improve efficiency. Flywheels spin at high speeds, and when energy is
needed, the rotational energy is converted back into electrical energy.

 Efficiency: Around 85-95% round-trip efficiency.

 Advantages:
o High power density, capable of delivering energy very quickly.
o Long lifespan with minimal wear and tear.
 o Can be used for short-term, high-power applications.
 Challenges:
o Energy density is lower compared to other technologies like batteries.
o Expensive components and maintenance issues due to high-speed operation.

4. Hydrogen Storage (Power-to-Gas)

Description: Power-to-Gas technology involves using excess electricity (typically from

renewable sources) to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen is then stored and
can either be used in fuel cells to generate electricity or stored in underground facilities for long-
term storage.

 Efficiency: The overall efficiency is around 35-45% (based on the full cycle of electricity
generation via electrolysis, storage, and reconversion to electricity in fuel cells).
 Advantages:
o Hydrogen can be stored for long periods and used in multiple sectors (electricity,
transportation, industry).
o High energy density.
o Can be integrated into existing natural gas infrastructure.
 Challenges: The low overall efficiency of the entire process (conversion, storage, and
reconversion) reduces its effectiveness compared to other technologies. Also, large-scale
infrastructure is required for widespread use.

5. Zinc-Air Batteries

Description: Zinc-Air batteries use zinc metal and oxygen from the air as the key components
for energy storage. These batteries are promising due to their high energy density, low cost, and
the abundance of zinc.

 Efficiency: Around 50-70% round-trip efficiency.

 Advantages:
o Zinc is abundant and cheaper than lithium, making the technology potentially
more affordable.
o High energy density, which makes them suitable for long-duration storage.
o Environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
 Challenges:
o Zinc-air batteries have limited cycle life and poor charge/discharge rates.
o Efficiency and performance drop in high-power demands.

6. Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES)

Description: SMES stores energy in a magnetic field created by the flow of direct current in a
superconducting coil, which is kept at very low temperatures. This technology is used primarily
for short-duration, high-power applications.

 Efficiency: Around 95-98% round-trip efficiency.

 Advantages:
o Extremely high efficiency and fast response times.
 o Ideal for grid stabilization, power quality control, and short-duration energy
storage.
 Challenges: Requires expensive and complex cooling systems (due to the need to
maintain superconductivity), and is expensive compared to other storage solutions.

7. Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCS)

Description: Thermochemical storage involves using reversible chemical reactions to store

energy in the form of chemical bonds. Energy can be stored and released by altering the
chemical composition of a material. For example, calcium oxide can absorb heat and react to
form calcium hydroxide.

 Efficiency: Around 40-60% round-trip efficiency (depending on the specific system and
materials used).
 Advantages:
o Potential for long-term storage with minimal energy loss over time.
o Can be used for large-scale energy storage in various applications.
 Challenges: The technology is still in the early stages of development, with challenges
around optimizing the materials for higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

8. Solid-State Batteries (Next-Gen Technology)

Description: Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel electrolytes,
which can improve efficiency, energy density, and safety. They are considered a potential
successor to lithium-ion batteries due to their superior characteristics.

 Efficiency: Estimated to be 90-95% round-trip efficiency.

 Advantages:
o High energy density and longer cycle life compared to conventional lithium-ion
batteries.
o Increased safety (due to the absence of flammable liquids).
 Challenges:
o High manufacturing cost and limited scalability at the moment.
o Ongoing research is needed to solve challenges with electrolyte materials and the
manufacturing process.

Comparison of Energy Storage Technologies

Technology Efficiency Applications Advantages Challenges

Scalable, no
High cooling energy
Liquid Air Energy Large-scale, grid geological
50-70% costs, efficiency
Storage storage constraints, long
improvements needed
lifespan
Grid balancing, Simple, scalable, no Needs vertical height
Gravity-Based
70-80% renewable degradation, no (space), location-
Storage
integration chemicals required dependent
Technology Efficiency Applications Advantages Challenges
Short-term energy High power density,
Flywheel Energy Low energy density,
85-95% storage, grid fast response, long
Storage expensive components
stabilization lifespan
Long-term
Can be used across Low overall efficiency,
Hydrogen Storage storage, industrial
35-45% sectors (electricity, expensive
(Power-to-Gas) use,
transport, industry) infrastructure
transportation
Low cost, abundant
Long-duration
materials, Limited cycle life, poor
Zinc-Air Batteries 50-70% storage, portable
environmentally charge/discharge rates
devices
friendly
Grid stabilization, Extremely high Expensive, requires
SMES 95-98% high power, efficiency, fast cooling, limited energy
short-term response time storage capacity
Early-stage
Industrial heating, Long-term storage,
Thermochemical development, materials
40-60% large-scale minimal energy loss
Storage and efficiency
storage over time
optimization needed
Expensive,
EVs, consumer High energy density,
Solid-State manufacturing
90-95% electronics, grid long cycle life, safer
Batteries challenges, still in
storage than lithium-ion
R&D stage

UNIT -2

Pumped Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a method of storing energy in the form of compressed
air, which is typically stored in underground caverns or large containers. The process works by
using surplus electrical energy (often from renewable sources) to compress air and store it under
pressure. When there is a need for electricity, the compressed air is released and expanded
through turbines to generate power. This method is similar in concept to pumped hydro storage,
except that air is used instead of water.

Key Steps in Pumped Air Energy Storage (CAES):

1. Compression Stage (Energy Storage):

o When there is excess electricity on the grid (e.g., during periods of high
renewable energy generation), this electricity is used to power large compressors.
o These compressors pressurize ambient air and store it in underground caverns or
above-ground containers. The air is typically compressed to high pressures of 40–
100 bar.
o The compression process generates heat, so some systems include a cooling
mechanism to reduce the temperature of the air.
2. Storage Stage:
o The compressed air is stored in large underground reservoirs or pressure vessels.
Underground caverns (such as salt caverns) are commonly used because they are
both large and stable.