Energy storage systems are divided into four main types according to their architecture and application scenarios: string, centralized, distributed and
modular. Each type of energy storage method has its own characteristics and applicable scenarios.
1. String energy storage
Features:
Each photovoltaic module or small battery pack is connected to its own inverter (microinverter), and then these inverters are connected to the grid in parallel.
Suitable for small home or commercial solar systems because of its high flexibility and easy expansion.
Example:
Small lithium battery energy storage device used in home rooftop solar power generation system.
Parameters:
Power range: usually a few kilowatts (kW) to tens of kilowatts.
Energy density: relatively low, because each inverter requires a certain amount of space.
Efficiency: high efficiency due to reduced power loss on the DC side.
Scalability: easy to add new components or battery packs, suitable for phased construction.
2. Centralized energy storage
Features:
Use a large central inverter to manage the power conversion of the entire system.
More suitable for large-scale power station applications, such as wind farms or large ground photovoltaic power plants.
Example:
Megawatt-class (MW) energy storage system equipped with large wind power plants.
Parameters:
Power range: from hundreds of kilowatts (kW) to several megawatts (MW) or even higher.
Energy density: High energy density due to the use of large equipment.
Efficiency: There may be higher losses when handling large currents.
Cost-effectiveness: Lower unit cost for large-scale projects.
3. Distributed energy storage
Features:
Distribute multiple smaller energy storage units in different locations, each working independently but can be networked and coordinated.
It is conducive to improving local grid stability, improving power quality, and reducing transmission losses.
Example:
Microgrids within urban communities, composed of small energy storage units in multiple residential and commercial buildings.
Parameters:
Power range: from tens of kilowatts (kW) to hundreds of kilowatts.
Energy density: depends on the specific energy storage technology used, such as lithium-ion batteries or other new batteries.
Flexibility: can quickly respond to local demand changes and enhance grid resilience.
Reliability: even if a single node fails, other nodes can continue to operate.
4. Modular energy storage
Features:
It consists of multiple standardized energy storage modules, which can be flexibly combined into different capacities and configurations as needed.
Support plug-and-play, easy to install, maintain and upgrade.
Example:
Containerized energy storage solutions used in industrial parks or data centers.
Parameters:
Power range: from tens of kilowatts (kW) to more than several megawatts (MW).
Standardized design: good interchangeability and compatibility between modules.
Easy to expand: energy storage capacity can be easily expanded by adding additional modules.
Easy maintenance: if a module fails, it can be replaced directly without shutting down the entire system for repair.
Technical features
| Dimensions | String Energy Storage | Centralized Energy Storage | Distributed Energy Storage | Modular Energy Storage |
| Applicable Scenarios | Small Home or Commercial Solar System | Large utility-scale power plants (such as wind farms, photovoltaic power plants) | Urban community microgrids, local power optimization | Industrial parks, data centers, and other places that require flexible configuration |
| Power Range | Several kilowatts (kW) to tens of kilowatts | From hundreds of kilowatts (kW) to several megawatts (MW) and even higher | Tens of kilowatts to hundreds of kilowatts千瓦 | It can be expanded from tens of kilowatts to several megawatts or more |
| Energy Density | Lower, because each inverter requires a certain amount of space | High, using large equipment | Depends on the specific energy storage technology used | Standardized design, moderate energy density |
| Efficiency | High, reducing DC side power loss | May have higher losses when handling high currents | Quickly respond to local demand changes and enhance grid flexibility | The efficiency of a single module is relatively high, and the overall system efficiency depends on the integration |
| Scalability | Easy to add new components or battery packs, suitable for phased construction | Expansion is relatively complex and the capacity limitation of the central inverter needs to be considered. | Flexible, can work independently or collaboratively | Very easy to expand, just add additional modules |
| Cost | The initial investment is high, but the long-term operating cost is low | Low unit cost, suitable for large-scale projects | Diversification of cost structure, depending on the breadth and depth of distribution | Module costs decrease with economies of scale, and initial deployment is flexible |
| Maintenance | Easy maintenance, a single failure will not affect the entire system | Centralized management simplifies some maintenance work, but key components are important | Wide distribution increases the workload of on-site maintenance | Modular design facilitates replacement and repair, reducing downtime |
| Reliability | High, even if one component fails, the others can still operate normally | Depends on the stability of the central inverter | Improved the stability and independence of local systems | High, redundant design between modules enhances the reliability of the system |
Post time: Dec-18-2024