Energy storage: key technology for a sustainable energy future
Energy storage systems are a key component of the energy transition. They enable the efficient use of renewable energies by storing energy from the sun, wind or other sources and making it available again when needed. Energy storage systems offer numerous advantages in both the private and commercial sectors - from increasing the self-consumption rate to ensuring grid stability. With Messe.TV, we have produced numerous articles and videos in recent years that give you exciting insights into the world of energy storage systems, their technologies and applications.
Messe.TV video contributions on the topic of energy storage
The importance of energy storage for the energy transition
Energy storage systems play a crucial role in the integration of renewable energies. Solar and wind energy are volatile, meaning that they are not always available exactly when they are needed. Energy storage systems balance this out by storing surplus energy and making it available when needed. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and makes the energy system more efficient and sustainable. Energy storage systems also contribute to the stability of the electricity grid. They can absorb peak loads, stabilize the grid frequency and thus help to avoid power outages. In the commercial sector, they offer additional benefits such as cost savings through peak load management and the use of cheap night-time electricity.
Types of energy storage systems
Energy storage systems are available in different versions, offering different advantages depending on the application:
The choice of the appropriate storage type depends on the individual requirements, such as the required capacity, discharge time and costs.
Advantages of energy storage systems
Energy storage systems offer numerous advantages for different user groups:
In addition, energy storage systems can be used to bridge power outages, thus maintaining critical applications or processes.
Innovations and trends in energy storage systems
Energy storage technology is continuously developing. The most important innovations and trends include:
These developments are making energy storage more and more efficient and versatile.
Tips for choosing an energy storage system
The following aspects should be considered when purchasing an energy storage system:
Capacity: The right size for your energy requirements
The storage capacity of an energy storage system should be based on your individual electricity consumption. Households with a higher daily consumption or a large photovoltaic system require a larger capacity in order to maximize self-consumption. As a guide, a storage system should cover around 60-80% of average daily consumption. Oversizing can cause unnecessary costs, while a storage system that is too small severely limits the benefits. A close look at the consumption data and the size and output of the PV system helps to determine the right capacity.
Compatibility: Harmonious interaction with your system
Not every storage system is compatible with every PV system or energy source. Before purchasing, you should check whether the storage system works with the inverter of your PV system. Some manufacturers offer systems that have been specially developed for their own systems, while others are universally compatible. The technical interface must also be compatible when combining with other energy sources, such as combined heat and power plants or wind power. Early coordination with the installer prevents problems later on and guarantees smooth integration.
Cycle stability: Longevity as a quality feature
The cycle stability provides information on how often a storage system can be charged and discharged before the capacity decreases noticeably. High-quality lithium-ion storage systems often achieve more than 5,000 charging cycles, which corresponds to a service life of 10 to 15 years. This information is particularly important as it influences the long-term economic efficiency of the storage system. A storage system with a higher cycle stability is generally more expensive, but often offers lower costs per stored kilowatt hour over its entire service life.
Costs: More than just the purchase price
In addition to the pure acquisition costs, the ongoing operating costs should also be taken into account. These include, for example, maintenance, any software updates and the replacement of wearing parts. The efficiency of the storage system also influences the costs: a high level of efficiency means less energy loss and therefore lower operating costs. Subsidy programs or tax breaks, which are available for energy storage systems in many countries, should be taken into account when planning costs.
Future-proof: flexibility for growing demands
A future-proof storage system should have a modular design so that it can be expanded as required. This is particularly important if you are planning to expand your PV system or use the storage system for additional energy sources. Make sure that the system's hardware and software also supports future technologies. Some manufacturers already offer updates or interfaces for intelligent energy management systems that can optimally integrate the storage system into a smart home or smart grid system. A well-founded selection ensures that the energy storage system fits your requirements perfectly.
Practical examples: Energy storage in use
Private households: Independence and cost reduction
Energy storage systems enable private households to significantly increase their self-consumption rate. A typical example is a family with a photovoltaic system: while the sun shines during the day and electricity is generated, consumption is often low as the residents are at work or at school. Without storage, the surplus electricity would be fed into the grid, usually at lower feed-in tariffs. With a battery storage system, the electricity generated can be stored temporarily and used in the evening when demand is higher. This lowers electricity costs and reduces dependence on the grid. In addition, some systems offer an emergency power function that ensures the supply of important appliances in the event of a power failure.
Company: Efficient energy use and cost savings
Energy storage systems offer companies a wide range of applications to reduce operating costs and increase energy efficiency. For example, a medium-sized production company can benefit from peak load management: The storage system is charged during periods of low utilization and discharged during peak loads to avoid expensive power peaks. Companies that use renewable energies can also store surplus electricity and use it when needed, for example to support energy-intensive production processes. This not only reduces energy costs, but also improves the company's sustainability footprint, which is increasingly a competitive advantage.
Municipalities: Security of supply and sustainable energy use
More and more municipalities are turning to energy storage systems to make optimum use of their renewable energy sources. One example is a municipality that operates a solar system on a public building. With a storage system, the electricity generated can be stored during the day and used in the evening or at night, for example for street lighting or municipal facilities such as schools or sports halls. This maximizes self-consumption and reduces dependence on external electricity suppliers. In addition, storage systems make an important contribution to the stability of the local power grid by balancing out fluctuations in energy generation. Particularly in rural regions, which are often affected by fluctuating grids, energy storage systems significantly increase the security of supply.
Other possible applications: Future-oriented solutions
In addition to the areas of application mentioned, energy storage systems are also used in innovative projects, such as electromobility or the coupling of electricity and heating systems. District storage systems, which are shared by several households or companies, are another example. They offer an efficient way of organizing the energy supply within a defined area and saving costs and resources at the same time. Energy storage systems thus open up a wide range of possibilities that pave the way to a sustainable and independent energy supply. These examples illustrate how energy storage systems can help to use energy more efficiently and reduce costs.
Future prospects: The role of energy storage in the energy transition
The future of energy storage systems is promising. With the increasing use of renewable energies, the demand for storage systems will continue to grow. The future prospects include:
Energy storage systems will thus not only promote the use of renewable energies, but also support a sustainable energy future.
