Classification and Application of Energy Storage System

With the move towards renewable energy and dependable back-up power, it is crucial to become familiar with the various forms of energy storage systems. The selection of solar battery storage for residential applications, ups battery for critical power applications, large scale smes energy storage for industrial applications can directly affect performance, safety and ROI. JOZOKING (TIANJIN) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. provides complete storage solutions for different applications. Here, we categorize energy storage systems according to chemistry and discuss their application in real life.

Lead-Acid Energy Storage Batteries

Lead-acid technology is still one of the most mature and cost-effective stationary energy storage technologies. There are two predominant types of batteries in this category: AGM and gel batteries.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries: These are spill-proof and vibration resistant batteries that have fiberglass mats absorbing the electrolyte. They provide low internal resistance and are able to handle high charge currents, which makes them appropriate for ups battery backup systems and buffering renewable energy. They are, however, sensitive to deep discharge.

Gel Batteries: These batteries incorporate silica to make the electrolyte gel-like. The design significantly enhances deep cycle performance and thermal stability. The main advantage of gel batteries for solar battery storage applications is that they can be operated at partial state of charge, unlike AGM. Additionally, they exhibit reduced self-discharge characteristics, which makes them a perfect choice for off-grid solar system applications in remote places where access for maintenance is difficult.

In a home energy storage system, AGM and gel lead acid batteries are widely used for budget conscious customers, and in telecom towers and small commercial backup systems.

Lithium Battery Energy Storage Systems

The lithium based storage technology has come to dominate current solar battery storage and smes energy storage applications because of its high energy density, long cycle life and high depth of discharge. There are two sub-types: LiFePO4 and Ternary Lithium.

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate): The preferred chemistry for the home energy storage system and commercial applications is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). It features good thermal stability, high safety margins, and a typical cycle life of 4000–6000 cycles. The main advantage of LiFePO4 is that it offers the most cost-effective solution for a solar system that will be used frequently. JOZOKING's rack-mounted battery and wall-mounted battery are specially designed for residential and smes energy storage.

Ternary Lithium (NMC): Ternary lithium batteries have the advantage of higher voltage and energy density, and are suitable for applications that require weight reduction. But they do not have as high a thermal runaway threshold. For stationary ups battery or solar battery storage applications, LiFePO4 is the more reliable and long-lasting option.

Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion is an emerging technology that offers the potential for cost benefits over lithium since sodium is plentiful and easily available. Sodium-ion batteries are still in the developmental stages, but they offer good low-temperature performance and faster charging. Within the next few years, they will likely be a viable alternative for large-scale smes energy storage and grid level solar system integration. JOZOKING actively follows developments in sodium-ion and adds to its portfolio.

Applications of Energy Storage Systems

Various battery chemistries meet various market demands. The following are the major applications of modern energy storage.

Solar and Wind Energy Integration: Excess renewable energy is stored in a reliable solar battery storage system for use when generation is low. When installed at homes, a solar system combined with a home energy storage system achieves the highest possible level of self consumption and minimizes dependence on the grid. Smes energy storage (superconducting magnetic energy storage) and large lithium banks are used for time of use load shifting and frequency stabilization for utility scale projects.

Home Energy Storage System: HESS is an energy storage system installed at home to store energy from the sun or from the electricity grid at times that are not peak demand. JOZOKING’s wall-mounted and rack-mounted LiFePO4 batteries are ideal for this purpose. They operate together with the inverter and solar panels to maintain refrigeration, lighting and medical equipment in the event of a power outage. Many people also combine the solar battery storage with a ups battery operation for delicate electronics.

Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Energy Storage – SMES Energy Storage: For small factories, retail stores, and office buildings, smes energy storage is used as a back-up power source and for peak shaving. The size of these systems is usually in the range 5kWh – 100kWh. A gel battery or LiFePO4 can be used to maintain critical loads such as security systems, lighting, and servers. JOZOKING provides energy storage packs that can be customized to suit the needs of smes energy storage, with minimal downtime in the event of a change in the grid.

UPS Battery for Hospitals, Factories, and Commercial Backup: The uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems rely on good quality ups battery bank for hospitals, factories and commercial backups. Hospitals demand seamless backup for life support machines, factories need to ensure that production lines don't get halted in case of a sudden power loss and commercial buildings depend on UPS for elevators and IT systems. Here, both gel battery and LiFePO4 technologies are used. Access to power is immediate and standby is extended with a ups battery powered with deep-cycle AGM or lithium.

Other Commercial and Industrial Applications: Beyond the above, energy storage is used for telecom base stations (typically gel battery for high temperatures), marine and RV power (lithium for weight savings), and for agricultural cold storage applications (hybrid solar + battery). With more than 30 years of experience, JOZOKING is able to tailor solutions to meet nearly any need.

Summary

Matching the right solar battery storage, ups battery or home energy storage system to the applications such as smes energy storage or hospital backup requires knowledge of battery classifications: lead-acid (AGM and gel battery), lithium (LiFePO4 and ternary), and emerging sodium-ion. JOZOKING (TIANJIN) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. offers professional and one-stop customized service in all these categories. Call us today to talk about your solar system, ups battery, or home energy storage system requirements.