Energy Storage

Large scale storage of energy, which can be quickly

converted to electrical form, can help fast changing loads. Could help to ease operation and make overall system economical because large capacity need not be kept on line that could cause short duration load surges. But because storing electricity is difficult, it has to be constantly generated, transmitted and utilize.

Options for storing energy

Pumped Storage
Compressed Air Storage Heat Storage

Hydrogen Gas Storage

Batteries

Options for storing energy

Pumped Storage For insufficient hydrogeneration areas. Consists of upper and lower reservoir and reversible turbine-generator sets. Acts as a conventional hydroelectric plant during the peak load periods. Overall efficiency is normally as high as 60-70%

Options for storing energy

Compressed Air Storage Can be stored in natural underground caverns or old mines. Energy stored equals the volume of air multiplied by pressure. This air can be mixed with gas fuel to run gas turbine. Gas fuel combustion efficiency is doubled compared to normal operation. Disadvantage of the scheme is that much of the energy used in compressing air appears in the form of heat and get wasted.

Options for storing energy

Heat Storage In generating station, boilers can be kept ready on full steam for the turbine to pick up fast rising load. Boiler steam can heat feed-water for boilers in the station. No large scale storage of heat has been found to be feasible.

Options for storing energy

Hydrogen Gas Storage Hydrogen can be used as a medium for energy transmission and storage. Energy transmission capacity of gas pipeline is high compared to electric energy transmission thru high voltage lines, 1m diameter pipe carrying hydrogen gas is equivalent to 4-400kV, 3-phase transmission lines.

Options for storing energy

Batteries (fuel cells) Converts chemical energy to electrical form by electrochemical reaction with no intermediate combustion cycle. Conversion efficiencies of practical cell is about 80% Not widely used because of high cost.