Energy Storage terms
Core Basic Terms
1.Energy Storage (ES) - Storage
Through specific technologies and equipment, converting energy forms such as electrical energy and thermal energy for storage, and releasing them when needed. This is a core technology for addressing energy supply-demand imbalances and enhancing energy utilization efficiency.
2.Grid Energy Storage (GES) - Grid Energy Storage
This is an energy storage system that is integrated into the power grid, used to stabilize the grid load, adjust frequency and peak power, and ensure the stable operation of the grid. It is a key support for the upgrade of the power grid.
3.Energy Storage System (ESS
A complete device composed of energy storage media, energy storage converters, control systems, etc., which can achieve energy storage, conversion and release. It is divided into centralized and distributed types.
4.Energy Storage Capacity
The maximum amount of energy that an energy storage system can store, usually measured in units of kWh (kilowatt-hours) or MWh (megawatt-hours), is the key metric for evaluating the size of the energy storage system.
5.State of Charge (SOC) - Charging Status
The percentage of the current stored electricity in the energy storage battery relative to its rated capacity, directly reflecting the available electricity of the energy storage system. It is a core parameter for operation and control.
Terms Related to Energy Storage Technology
1.Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage (LIBES)
This is an energy storage technology that uses lithium-ion batteries as the storage medium. It has advantages such as high energy density, high charging and discharging efficiency, and fast response speed. It is currently the mainstream technology in the energy storage market.
2.Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) Energy Storage
A liquid flow battery storage technology using vanadium ion solution as the electrolyte. It features long cycle life, high safety, and flexible capacity expansion, making it suitable for large-scale long-term energy storage.
3.Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) - Pumped Hydro Energy Storage
This method utilizes the potential energy of water for energy storage. By creating a water level difference between the upper and lower reservoirs, water is pumped during off-peak hours for storage and released during peak hours to generate electricity. It is currently the most technologically mature and largest-scale energy storage method.
4.Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
By compressing air and storing it in underground caverns or other spaces, it can be released to drive turbines for power generation when needed. This method is suitable for large-scale and long-duration energy storage, is environmentally friendly and has a relatively low cost.
5.Solar Energy Storage
The energy storage device that accompanies the photovoltaic power generation system, used to store the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels, addressing the volatility and intermittency issues of photovoltaic power generation and enhancing the utilization rate of photovoltaic energy.
6.Wind Energy Storage
The energy storage device that is integrated with the wind power generation system. It can smooth out the fluctuations in wind power output, ensure the stable grid connection of wind power, and facilitate the large-scale utilization of wind power.
7.Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Thermal Energy Storage
A technology for storing thermal energy and releasing it when needed. It is classified into sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and chemical storage, and is widely used in scenarios such as building heating and industrial waste heat recovery.
8.Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Battery Energy Storage System
An energy storage system centered around various types of batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and flow batteries, is the main form of distributed energy storage and grid-side energy storage.
Terms Related to Equipment and Components
1.Energy Storage Inverter (ESI)
This device converts the direct current from the energy storage battery into alternating current (in the charging process, the reverse occurs), enabling the bidirectional flow of energy. It is also the core component responsible for controlling the charging and discharging of the energy storage system.
2.Battery Management System (BMS) Battery Management System
This is a control system that monitors parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and SOC of the energy storage batteries. It prevents overcharging and overdischarging of the batteries, extends their lifespan, and ensures safe operation of the batteries.
3.Energy Storage Cabinet
An integrated energy storage device consisting of battery modules, BMS, inverters, etc. It features a small size, easy installation, and modular expansion capabilities, making it suitable for distributed scenarios.
4.Power Conditioning System (PCS) Power Conditioning System
This system is used to regulate the output power, voltage, and frequency of the energy storage system, enabling the system to match with the power grid or loads, and ensuring the quality of electrical energy. It is a core device that is highly correlated with the energy storage inverter.
Application and Operation-related Terms
1.Peak Shaving and Valley Filling
The energy storage system releases electricity during peak usage periods (peak segments) to alleviate the pressure on the power grid; it charges during off-peak periods (valley segments) to store excess electricity and achieve the balance and regulation of the power grid load.
2.Frequency Regulation (Frequency Regulation)
The energy storage system responds rapidly to changes in the grid frequency. It adjusts the output power through charging and discharging to maintain the stability of the grid frequency, which is an important component of grid auxiliary services.
3.Backup Power Supply
The energy storage system provides temporary power supply to the load during power outages or faults in the grid, ensuring the normal operation of critical equipment (such as hospitals, data centers), and enhancing power reliability.
4.Microgrid Energy Storage
The energy storage devices for the microgrid (a small power system independent of the main grid) enable self-sufficiency of energy within the microgrid and ensure the stable operation of the microgrid.
5.Energy Storage Maintenance
Conducting regular inspections, maintenance, and calibrations of equipment such as batteries, inverters, and BMS in the energy storage system to ensure the long-term stable and efficient operation of the system.
Policy and Industry-related Terms
1.Energy Storage Policy
Policy documents issued by the national and local governments regarding the development of the energy storage industry, subsidies, grid connection, safety, etc., to guide the standardized development of the energy storage sector.
2.Grid-connected Energy Storage
An energy storage system that is connected to the public power grid for operation. It can participate in auxiliary services such as peak load regulation and frequency regulation of the power grid, and enjoy the policy support for grid connection.