How does battery storage work?

Have you ever wondered how energy can be captured and used from renewable sources like solar and wind even when the weather is not favourable? In the UK we are a country of ever changing weather conditions, which means our renewable energy resources such as wind and solar can never be fully used to their capacity. But with the introduction of battery storage technology, such as libbi, myenergi’s brand-new battery storage system, there is now a solution.

By offering an effective and environmentally friendly option to store extra energy for later use, battery storage has changed the energy industry.

Components of a battery storage system

A home battery storage system consists of a number of essential parts that work together to offer the best possible energy storage and use. Take libbi for example, libbi is a lith-ion battery system that works by storing energy from renewable sources such as wind or solar or from the grid.

The battery cells, where the chemical reactions happen, are the system’s beating heart. Battery management systems (BMS) keep an eye on and regulate how well the batteries are working, increasing both their effectiveness and lifespan. Direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and vice versa is done by inverters and converters, allowing for easy interaction with the electrical grid. Real-time data from monitoring and control systems enables exact management of the complete battery storage system.

While some might be fascinated by the technicalities of battery storage, the bottom line is that batteries hold energy to be discharged at a later date and time of your choosing.

Understanding batteries

An electrochemical device at its core, a battery stores electrical energy as chemical energy. An internal chemical process in the battery produces an electric current, which is a flow of electrons when coupled to an external circuit. Although different battery types use unique chemical formulations and manufacturing techniques, they all use the same basic idea of energy storage.

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The role of battery storage in renewable energy

Solar and wind power are examples of renewable energy sources that are intermittent. Depending on the time of day and the weather, they produce varying amounts of energy. When surplus energy is present, battery storage serves as a buffer, storing it until demand for energy exceeds supply. With less reliance on fossil fuels and a move towards a better energy future, this capability offers a more steady and dependable supply of renewable energy.

The role of battery storage without renewable energy systems

libbi has the unique advantage that it still has the ability to save consumers on their energy bills and energy consumption, even if they do not have a renewable energy source; like solar or wind to charge it. libbi plays a crucial role even without renewable energy systems, particularly in optimising grid performance, stabilising energy prices, and ensuring reliability.

Using an Octopus Go energy tariff alongside libbi will dramatically reduce energy consumption due to its unique lower off-peak charges.

Fluctuations in energy demand can cause price volatility. By providing a buffer, battery storage can help level out these fluctuations. For instance, during periods of low demand, excess energy can be stored in a libbi, and during high demand, this stored energy can be released.

This capability smooths the demand-supply curve and can lead to more predictable and stabilised energy prices.

Batteries: the need to know

Charging and discharging process

When electricity from the grid or renewable energy sources enters the battery, the charging process starts. The battery goes through a chemical change during this stage, converting the electrical energy into chemical energy. The process of discharging occurs when the stored energy is required, transforming the chemical energy back into electrical energy that can be used to run electric vehicles, buildings, or other devices.

Different battery storage technologies

Energy storage today uses a variety of battery technologies. In some applications, lead-acid batteries, which have been around for a while, are still employed. However, lithium-ion batteries, like libbi, are renowned for their great energy density and dependability. They are currently the most common and effective technology. For particular use situations, other promising technologies are also being investigated, such as sodium-sulfur batteries and flow batteries.

Applications of battery storage

From grid-scale energy storage projects that stabilise power distribution networks to home battery storage installations that allow homeowners to store extra solar energy for nighttime usage, battery storage finds use across a variety of industries. While the automobile industry embraces battery storage to power electric vehicles, commercial and industrial facilities use battery storage for peak shaving to save energy expenses.

The benefits of battery storage

Beyond just holding extra energy, batteries have many benefits. They contribute significantly to grid stabilisation by offering voltage assistance and frequency management. Furthermore, they enable customers to switch from peak to off-peak energy usage, resulting in significant cost savings. In times of emergency, battery storage devices also provide backup power, strengthening the resilience of vital infrastructure.

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Battery storage and the future of energy

The shift to a future with more sustainable energy sources must include battery storage. Battery storage will be even more crucial for maintaining a balance between supply and demand as renewable energy sources continue to expand. Energy storage will become a crucial component of the world’s energy landscape as a result of ongoing technology improvements and declining costs that will encourage greater implementation.

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The current market and key players

With more renewable energy installations and attention being paid to energy resilience, the market for battery storage is expanding quickly. The advancement and wide-spread use of battery storage technology are being facilitated by a number of businesses. By enabling the efficient integration of renewable energy and offering multiple advantages to people, businesses, and the environment, battery storage technology has completely changed the energy landscape.

With the ability to integrate battery storage systems into existing PV systems and other eco-friendly technologies, businesses and homeowners can now experience more freedom from the grid than ever before. Benefiting from microgeneration, and storing energy for use at their own free will, many Brits are now cutting their energy bills and carbon footprint in half by utilising green, clean, eco friendly products. libbi owners can benefit from a newfound freedom from the grid than ever before, find out more about libbi or order yours today.

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