Storage & Retrieval
As seen in the microgrids section, we have explored basic power grid technology that keeps our lights on. Storing and retrieving this energy – to avoid and prevent outages – is an enormous feat of engineering. Leaders in the industry of battery manufacturing for grid applications must consider a whole host of variables, including efficiency, size, and total lifespan.
According to a report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) titled “Grid-Scale Battery Storage,” consider the basics of round-trip efficiency, storage duration, and rated power capacity when designing a system. Other factors include location, data analysis capabilities, and market/regulatory barriers to ensure a successful deployment.
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) utilizes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as an asset to their diverse power supply. The BESS set a Guinness World Record as the largest battery in December 2003. According to GVEA, the BESS responded to 49 events, preventing about 252,300 outages per meter (Outages Prevented, 2019).
Watch the embedded video below to learn more about how a shift to renewable energy has paved the way for innovations in the energy supply chain.
Source: Vox (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYLzss58CLs)