When we depart for a hike in the mountains, we are full of excitement over the gorgeous views that lie ahead. However, when we return home late in the afternoon our energy is exhausted. Even after a good night’s sleep, we are still not fully ourselves. Our round trip has robbed ourselves of something. This happens with battery storage too. We call this phenomenon the “round trip efficiency”.
Comparing Round Trip Efficiency in Energy Storage
Battery storage saves surplus energy by absorbing it, and releasing it later typically to a power grid. However, the process itself expends some of the power. We call the net ratio of power retention round trip efficiency.
This ratio is critical to the success of energy storage, and by definition renewable energy sources too. We would be on the back foot were we to lose too much potential in the process. Energy Mag advises storage batteries are slightly behind flywheels that have 80 to 90% round trip efficiency. However, batteries are catching up with 75 to 90%, and every month science gains more traction.
Using Battery Storage to Manage Grid Loading
Grid managers face the challenge of matching supply and demand. Previously, they did so by throttling generators or even bringing power stations on and off line. But the dwell time between step changes could take hours – not good for our desk tops at all …
Battery storage has potential to make these adjustments in nano seconds, thereby avoiding power fluctuations that plague electronic equipment. However, domestic consumers are unwilling to accept the additional costs ensuing. Hence, the rate of mass battery storage implementation depends on the cost-efficiency of batteries.
Round trip efficiency in turn depends on battery performance, as do our efforts to reduce global warming. Thus, round trip efficiency is a critical success factor for our overall progress towards a greener future.
Related
Will New Technologies be able to Increase Solar Power Efficiency?
Battery Longevity And How Size Matters
Preview Image: Recharging an Electric Bus in Shanghai
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/-I87Qg24tMk
