Trystan Casey
Wind turbines are an important source of renewable energy, but the wind doesn't blow all the time, so how do we store the electricity they generate for later use? When wind speeds are high, turbines often produce more electricity than is immediately consumed. This excess energy can be stored in batteries or through pumped storage, compressed air storage, or hydrogen fuel cells. These storage systems enable higher levels of renewable energy penetration in the grid, allowing for a better alignment between energy supply and demand.
How does a wind turbine store electricity?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy Storage Methods | Battery Storage, Compressed Air Storage, Pumped Storage, Hydrogen Fuel Cells |
| Energy Storage Systems | Flywheel, Capacitor Bank, Geological Systems |
| Energy Usage | Energy is stored for later use or pumped into the grid as it's produced |
| Energy Benefits | No wasted electricity, grid stability, cost reduction, improved grid flexibility |
| Energy Challenges | Mismatches between wind power generation and electricity demand |
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What You'll Learn
Battery storage systems
The energy storage system operates by utilizing surplus electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir, effectively storing energy. When there is a demand for energy, the stored water is released, flowing through turbines and generating electricity. This process allows for the time-shifting of energy generation, storing excess energy during periods of high wind production and releasing it when demand is high or wind conditions are unfavorable. This alignment between energy supply and demand optimizes the utilization of wind energy resources and maximizes the economic value of generated electricity.
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Compressed air energy storage
When wind turbines generate more electricity than is immediately consumed, energy storage systems enable the storage and later release of this excess energy. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is one such system. CAES uses excess power to compress air, which is then stored in underground caverns, above-ground tanks, or underwater storage "accumulators". When there is a demand for electricity, the compressed air is released, propelling turbines and generating power.
CAES systems have been gaining momentum due to the increasing capacity of wind energy globally and the growing interest in renewable energy integration. However, the slow progress of CAES adoption is hindered by the cost of suitable storage vessels and the environmental impact of the compression process, which often relies on fossil fuels.
To address the challenge of finding suitable storage vessels, large CAES schemes have utilised disused underground caverns, which provide a large volume and quantity of energy storage with only a small pressure change. Underground walls assist in containing the pressure, and the cavern space can be insulated to improve efficiency. However, these caverns may not be readily available or located near a market for electrical energy.
As an alternative to underground caverns, European electrical utility company E.ON has provided funding to develop undersea air storage bags. Hydrostor in Canada is also working on a commercial system of underwater storage "accumulators" for CAES, with a capacity of 1 to 4 MW. These underwater storage options aim to provide similar thermodynamic properties to large cavern storage while offering more flexibility in location.
Overall, CAES plays a crucial role in stabilising the power grid by storing excess energy when wind conditions are favourable and releasing it when demand is high or wind conditions are unfavourable. This time-shifting of energy generation improves the alignment between energy supply and demand, maximising the economic value of generated electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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Pumped storage solutions
Pumped storage systems function by using the energy produced when water is released from a higher to a lower reservoir, flowing through turbines that generate electricity. This process can be reversed, with water pumped back to the higher reservoir for storage until electricity needs to be generated again. This cycle can be repeated as required.
The use of pumped storage systems offers several benefits. Firstly, they provide grid stability by acting as a cushion, storing extra energy when there is excess wind power and releasing it when more power is needed or when wind conditions are unfavourable. This results in a steady and reliable electricity supply, keeping the power grid running smoothly. Additionally, pumped storage systems can help reduce costs by optimising wind energy utilisation, decreasing the need for energy imports and avoiding peak-time electricity rates.
Furthermore, pumped storage units can address spinning reserve concerns in power grids with high wind penetration. They can serve as high-quality reserve providers, reducing wind power curtailment and enabling wind farms to operate at their maximum available power. The adjustable-speed pumped storage unit (ASU) is an advanced version of the fixed-speed pumped storage unit (FSU), offering benefits such as adjustable power in pumping mode and a larger output range.
Overall, pumped storage solutions play a crucial role in wind turbine energy storage, helping to optimise wind energy utilisation, enhance grid stability, and reduce costs.
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Grid stability
Energy storage systems also enhance grid flexibility by providing rapid response times and the ability to adjust the energy supply in real-time. They can quickly ramp up and provide extra power during sudden spikes in wind power generation or unexpected changes in electricity demand. This flexibility is vital for maintaining grid stability and reducing the reliance on traditional power plants to compensate for fluctuations.
Battery storage systems are a popular and versatile solution for storing excess energy generated by wind turbines. These systems efficiently store surplus electricity in batteries for future use and can be easily scaled to meet the energy demands of residential and commercial applications. With fast response times, high round-trip efficiency, and the capability to discharge energy on demand, battery storage systems ensure a reliable and consistent power supply.
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems are another form of energy storage for wind turbines. CAES systems store energy by compressing air and storing it in underground caverns or above-ground tanks. When more electricity is needed, the compressed air is released, causing turbines to move and generate power.
In addition to energy storage systems, wind turbines themselves can also contribute to grid stability. For example, in a demonstration by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a GE-NREL team utilised a 2.5-MW type-3 wind turbine to provide primary frequency and voltage support, restabilising the surrounding grid by adjusting its power output in response to momentary electrical variances. This demonstrated that wind turbines can provide fundamental stability to the bulk power grid, serving as a source of stability in the absence of conventional sources, such as coal or natural-gas-fired generators.
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Cost reduction
The cost of wind energy storage systems has been declining in recent years, making them more financially viable for wind turbine installations. This decline in cost is due to the decreasing prices of battery technologies and other storage components. As a result, wind energy storage systems offer a cost-effective solution for storing excess energy generated by wind turbines.
Battery storage systems, in particular, have become a popular choice for wind turbine energy storage due to their high efficiency, fast response times, scalability, compact size, durability, and long lifespan. These systems can be easily scaled to meet the energy demands of both residential and commercial applications. Additionally, they offer high round-trip efficiency, ensuring minimal energy loss, and can be customized to specific energy needs.
The cost of wind energy storage can vary depending on factors such as system capacity, storage technology, and installation requirements. For example, larger wind turbines are often more cost-effective when grouped together into wind plants, providing bulk power to the electrical grid. Offshore wind turbines, which are typically massive in size, benefit from reduced transportation challenges as their large components can be shipped instead of transported on roads.
As technology continues to improve and scale up, costs are expected to further decrease. Between 2010 and 2020, the global weighted-average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of onshore wind fell by 56%, while the LCOE of newly commissioned offshore wind projects decreased by approximately 48%. This trend of falling costs is expected to continue, making wind energy storage an increasingly attractive option for renewable energy.
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Frequently asked questions
Wind turbines consist of a rotor or blade, a generator system, tower, and supporting electrical-mechanical systems. The blade is aerodynamically engineered to produce a slight difference in pressure on one side, like an airplane wing. The wind turns the blades, connected to a shaft, which rotates and produces electricity via a generator.
There are several options for storing wind energy: battery storage, pumped storage, compressed air storage, and hydrogen fuel cells.
Battery storage systems store the excess electricity generated by wind turbines in batteries for future use. They are popular due to their versatility, high efficiency, fast response times, and ability to discharge energy on demand.
Pumped storage systems use excess electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir, storing energy. When electricity is needed, the water is released, flowing through turbines and generating electricity.
Compressed air storage systems use excess electricity to compress air and store it in underground caverns or above-ground tanks. When electricity is required, the compressed air is released, propelling turbines and generating power.
