Latest BESS Technologies
Flywheel Energy Storage Systems – a revolution in energy storage
ERC collaborates with Amber Kinetics to implement Flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) in the hybrid storage system. FESS is a long-duration energy storage that extends the duration and efficiency from minutes to hours, resulting in safe, economical and reliable energy storage.
FESS offers several advantages over lithium battery-based BESS for certain applications. FESS stores energy as rotational kinetic energy in a spinning mass, allowing for rapid charge and discharge cycles without degradation. Compared to lithium batteries, FESS has a longer lifespan, higher power density, and can operate effectively in a wider temperature range. Due to their fast response times, FESS excels at providing short-term power quality improvements and frequency regulation. They are also more environmentally friendly, with lower environmental impact in production and disposal.
This technology attracts government funding and write-offs for developers embarking on this technology in their renewable energy projects.
Nickel-hydrogen Battery Systems
Nickel-hydrogen (NiH2) battery technology is emerging as a promising alternative for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), offering several advantages over current lithium-ion systems. NiH2 batteries boast exceptional durability, capable of up to 30,000 charge/discharge cycles over a 30-year lifespan, significantly outperforming lithium-ion batteries. They can handle multiple daily cycles without significant degradation, making them ideal for grid-scale applications. NiH2 batteries also excel in safety, with no risk of thermal runaway or fire. Additionally, they operate effectively in extreme temperatures and require minimal maintenance. The technology’s flexibility allows for various discharge durations, from 2 to 12 hours, catering to diverse energy storage needs. These attributes position NiH2 as a cost-effective and reliable option for long-duration energy storage projects.
