A BESS is simply an energy storage system (ESS). It collects energy from various sources, stores it in rechargeable batteries, and then uses it later. If necessary, the battery's electrochemical energy is released and distributed to households, electric vehicles, industrial and commercial establishments.

The BESS system receives energy from the grid or renewable energy sources like wind, solar and stores it in batteries. That energy is then discharged and released as needed, primarily during high demand, power cuts, and other scenarios.

BESS can also contain a variety of safety systems, including a fire control system, a temperature control system, a smoke detector, cooling, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. However, it depends on its functioning and operating conditions.

A BESS battery energy storage system is a hybrid system that includes hardware and low-level and high-level software as well. The primary BESS parts are a battery system, a battery management system (BMS), an inverter or a power conversion system (PCS), and an energy management system (EMS).

Different Types Of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

BESS systems are accessible as small-sized residential devices to huge-scale designs utilized in industrial applications, with a wide variety of power and storage capacity. As of now, massive-scale BESS systems are in use across the world.

The electrochemistry or battery technology employed by BESS differs. Here we have included various BESS battery types and the possibilities for battery storage solutions they provide.

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries

According to an EIA report from 2020, lithium-ion batteries powered over 90% of large-scale battery energy storage systems in the United States. Electric cars, gadgets, or consumer portables, like cellphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras use this rechargeable battery.

Lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) are some types of Li-ion batteries. The benefits of a Li-ion battery make it one of the most popular energy storage technologies. It is small and light, has a massive capacity and energy density, requires little maintenance, and has a long lifespan.

Lithium-ion batteries have the potential to charge quickly and easily. In addition to that, they have a relatively less self-discharge probability. However, some drawbacks of this battery technology are its expensive price, no tolerance to severe temperatures, inflammability, over-discharge, and overcharge.

Lead-Acid (PbA) Batteries

A lead-acid battery is ancient battery technology and one of the most affordable as well. It is a widely available option for automotive and industrial uses along with power storage systems. PbA batteries are relatively recyclable and work well in low and high environments.

Due to the longer lifespan, higher capacity, and ease of maintenance, the valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are ideal for power storage solutions than their ancient counterparts (flooded lead-acid batteries). This battery technology has a few limitations, including passive charging, hefty weight, and low energy density.

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Until Li-ion batteries came along, Nickel-Cadmium batteries dominated the wearable electronics market. Ni-Cd batteries come in a variety of designs. They are affordable, simple to transport and store, and have excellent low-temperature resistance.

In terms of self-discharge rate, energy density, and recycling, this technology lags behind its counterparts. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries employ a similar nickel oxide hydroxide component as Ni-Cd batteries. But, the Ni-MH battery chemistry has superior properties, like greater capacity and energy density.

Sodium-Sulfur (Na-S) Batteries

A sodium-sulfur battery is a low-cost molten salt-based technology. Massive energy and power density, lengthy lifespan, and reliable operation under harsh environmental conditions are some benefits of Na-S batteries. You can contact a decent valve supplier to acquire different types of valves.

Due to high working temperatures (not less than 300oC) and corrosion susceptibility, this battery technology has a narrowed application area. Besides that, sodium is also a dangerous component because it is explosive and relatively flammable. Sodium-sulfur batteries are highly ideal for standalone energy storage systems that use renewable energy sources.

Flow Batteries

Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolyte solutions, different from traditional rechargeable batteries that store in solid electrode substances. The vanadium redox battery is the most prevalent flow battery type (VRB). Zinc-iron, zinc-bromine, and iron-chromium chemistry are other kinds.

They have less charge or discharge rate and low energy capacity. However, flow batteries have numerous primary benefits that enable them to carry a huge market share in on-grid and off-grid energy storage systems. These advantages include a long lifetime (about 30 years), great scalability, quick response time, and a low danger of fires due to the non-flammable electrolytes used in flow batteries.

Conclusion

Based on the battery technology, the BESS systems are classified into different types, such as Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries, Lead-Acid (PbA) Batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries, Sodium-Sulfur (Na-S) Batteries, and Flow Batteries. Get in touch with a molecular sieve manufacturer to acquire the best molecular sieve battery.