Energy Storage Technologies

Since the discovery of electricity, we have sought effective methods to store that energy1. Energy is the potential of a physical system to perform work. (A common unit of work is foot-pound—the amount of energy needed to lift one pound up a distance of one foot.) Energy exists in several forms such as electromagnetic radiation ... for use on demand1. The rate at which electricAn adjective meaning “needing electricity to operate” such as electric motor or wire. IEEE: Containing, producing , arising from, actuated by or carrying electricity. energy is delivered to or by a system or part of a system, generally expressed in kilowatts or megawatts, at a given instant or averaged over any designated interval of time. 2. The rate at which energy is being used by.... Over the last century, the energy storage industry has continued to evolve and adapt to changing energy requirements and advances in technology.

Energy storage systems provide a wide array of technological approaches to managing our powerThe rate at which energy is generated, converted, transmitted, distributed or delivered. supply in order to create a more resilient energy infrastructure and bring cost savings to utilities and consumers. To help understand the diverse approaches currently being deployed around the world, we have divided them into six main categories:

  • Solid State Batteries - a range of electrochemical storage solutions, including advanced chemistry batteries and capacitors
  • Flow Batteries - batteries where the energy is stored directly in the electrolyteFor electrochemical batteries; A chemical compound which, when fused or dissolved in certain solvents, usually water, will conduct an electric current. All electrolytes in the fused state or in solution give rise to ions which conduct the electric... solution for longer cycleOne sequence of storage charging and discharging. Also known as charge-discharge cycle. life, and quick response times
  • Flywheels - mechanical devices that harness rotational energy to deliver instantaneous electricity
  • Compressed Air Energy Storage - utilizing compressed air to create a potent energy reserve
  • Thermal - capturing heat and cold to create energy on demand
  • Pumped Hydro-Power - creating large-scale reservoirs of energy with water

You can learn more about each of these technologies by using our navigation on the right hand side of this page, and each category includes real-world examples of how these approaches being deployed in the field.