
Energy storage + microgrid technology: Leading the way to the future of energy transformation
2023-01-06
1. Basic concepts of energy storage and microgrid
Before understanding the synergy of energy storage + microgrid, let us first clarify the basic concepts of the two.
Energy storage: the “battery” of energy
Energy storage technology, as the name suggests, is to store energy for release when needed.This technology can not only balance the supply and demand of energy, but also improve the stability and reliability of energy supply.Common energy storage methods include battery energy storage, supercapacitor energy storage, flywheel energy storage, etc.
* Battery energy storage: It mainly refers to the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy storage and the release of electrical energy through chemical reactions.Lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used energy storage methods.
· Supercapacitor energy storage: It stores electrical energy through capacitors, which have the characteristics of fast response speed and high power output, and are suitable for occasions with instantaneous high power requirements.
*Flywheel energy storage: The use of mechanical kinetic energy to store electrical energy, and the rotating flywheel releases energy when needed, which is suitable for large-scale energy storage.
Microgrid: Small energy system
A microgrid is a small power distribution system composed of distributed energy, energy storage equipment, energy conversion devices, related loads, and monitoring and protection devices.The microgrid can realize independent operation or grid-connected operation, and can automatically switch to island mode when power is cut off to ensure stable power supply in local areas.Microgrid technology provides great potential for decentralized renewable energy applications, especially in remote areas that cannot be covered by the power grid.
2. The synergistic effect of energy storage + microgrid
The combination of energy storage and microgrid can give full play to their respective advantages, bring synergistic effects, and solve the problems of energy fluctuations and instability.
1. Flexible energy storage and release
The energy storage system provides a powerful energy storage and release capacity for the microgrid.When the power demand is low, the energy storage system can store excess electrical energy; when the power demand is peak or the renewable energy generation is insufficient, the energy storage system will release the stored electrical energy to ensure the stable operation of the power grid.
2. Smooth distributed energy output
Distributed energy sources in microgrids, such as wind and solar energy, are usually intermittent and random.The addition of energy storage systems can effectively smooth the output of these energy sources, reduce volatility, and improve the power quality and reliability of the microgrid.
3. Enhance the ability of power grid regulation
The combination of energy storage and microgrid makes the power grid have stronger regulation capabilities.In the event of a sudden power failure, the energy storage system can immediately provide backup power to ensure the power supply of critical loads and enhance the emergency response capabilities of the power grid.
3. Application scenarios of energy storage + microgrid
Energy storage + microgrid technology is not only widely used in remote areas, but also can play a huge value in urban areas and special environments.
1. Remote areas: Solutions for energy silos
In some remote areas, power grid coverage is difficult and energy supply is often unstable.The combination of energy storage and microgrid can use local renewable energy sources (such as wind energy, solar energy, etc.) to provide users with a stable power supply.Residents in these places can independently enjoy green and clean electricity without relying on traditional power systems.
2. Urban areas: improve the efficiency and quality of power services
In urban areas, energy storage + microgrid technology can better regulate and manage power demand and ensure the safety and stability of the power grid.It can not only increase the capacity of the main network, but also provide flexible and efficient power services through distributed energy and energy storage equipment to meet the growing urban power demand.
3. Special areas: customized power services
In some special environments, such as military bases, islands, ships, etc., power requirements have their particularities.Energy storage + microgrid technology can provide customized power solutions according to specific circumstances, not only to ensure the stability of power supply, but also to meet the challenges of special environments.