Utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS)
This reference design focuses on an FTM utility-scale battery storage system with a typical storage capacity ranging from around a few megawatt-hours (MWh) to hundreds of MWh.
Flow batteries operate distinctively from “solid” batteries (e.g., lead and lithium) in that a flow battery's energy is stored in the liquid electrolytes that are pumped through the battery system (see image above) while a solid-state battery stores its energy in solid electrodes. There are several components that make up a flow battery system:
Renewable Energy Source Integration: Flow batteries help the grid during periods of low generation, making it easier to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. For example, flow batteries are used at the Sempra Energy and SDG&E plant to store excess solar energy, which is then released during times of high demand.
Among these innovations, flow batteries have emerged as a potential game-changer for large-scale energy storage. Recent advancements in membrane technology, particularly the development of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) membranes, have brought flow batteries closer to widespread adoption.
This technology strategy assessment on flow batteries, released as part of the Long-Duration Storage Shot, contains the findings from the Storage Innovations (SI) 2030 strategic initiative.
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
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