In the sustainable energy industry, battery energy storage systems are one of the rapidly growing technologies. There has been a growing acceptance of energy storage systems as a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and often unreliable utility providers. Solar energy can be captured with a battery energy storage system. In a variety of industries, energy storage systems are becoming increasingly popular.
Batteries are used in all energy storage systems, but not all batteries are the same. Battery storage systems use many different types of batteries, and new types of batteries are constantly being introduced into the market.
Battery energy storage systems use the following types of batteries:
Lithium-ion batteries: The most frequently used batteries in energy storage systems are lithium-ion batteries. Ninety percent of the global grid battery storage market is made up of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the most familiar type of battery. Cell phones and laptops use lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and tend to be more expensive than other options. In U.S. Energy Storage Technology and Cost Characterization Report 2019, lithium-ion batteries are the best option when considering cost, performance, calendar life, and maturity of technology for a 4-hour energy storage system.
Sodium-sulfur batteries: Sodium-sulfur batteries must be kept hot, between 572 and 662 degrees Fahrenheit to operate, which can present a challenge, especially in a business setting. In the range of 90 percent, the round-trip efficiency is high.
A sodium-sulfur battery consists of molten sulfur and molten sodium, with the sulfur being positive and the sodium being negative. Since sodium is abundant in the earth’s crust, sodium-based batteries are more sustainable than lithium-ion batteries.
Japan and Abu Dhabi are currently using this technology, according to the Energy Storage Association.
Lead-acid batteries: In energy storage systems for decades, lead-acid batteries have been the most widely used rechargeable battery technology. Lead-acid batteries are the most common batteries for vehicles. Despite having a shorter lifespan, they are the least expensive option.
Most lead-acid batteries are recycled and have a well-established recycling system. As per the Energy Storage Association, lead-acid batteries are extremely eco-friendly; more than 90 percent of their material is recovered, and the average lead battery contains more than 80 percent recycled materials.
Lead-acid batteries have high levels of technology and manufacturing readiness, but their cycle life is less than three years.
