Day: 20 June 2024

What Are the Ways of Energy Storage in the Renewable Energy Sector?

Posted on by tomasz

Different methods of energy storage in the renewable energy sector provide a balance between energy production and its utilization. They ensure a constant supply of energy to consumers and increase the flexibility of energy systems. In today’s article, we will present the methods of energy storage and what you should know about them.

Methods of Energy Storage

Among the methods of energy storage, we distinguish:

  • Chemical
  • Electrical
  • Thermal
  • Mechanical

Sposoby magazynowania energii na farmach fotowoltaicznych i wiatrowych.

Chemical Energy Storage

The electrochemical storage method involves using batteries to store energy in chemical form. The conversion of electrical energy into chemical compounds is the basis of one of the most popular energy storage technologies. Chemical energy storages mainly include batteries:

  • Low-temperature – lead-acid or lithium-ion
  • High-temperature mainly sodium-sulfur (so-called systems with internal storage – their energy level and output power are independent)
  • Systems with external energy storage – hydrogen/methane and flow batteries (redox-flow batteries).

Types of Energy Storages

Battery Storages

Electrochemical energy storages use chemical processes to store electrical energy. They are otherwise simply called batteries or accumulators. The most popular batteries for storing energy from renewable sources are:

  • Lithium-ion batteries for energy storage – characterized by high energy density, low weight, cycle stability, and long life. Due to their ability to quickly charge and discharge, they are ideal for managing peak loads. Lithium-ion energy storage can perfectly serve as a backup source in the industry and in photovoltaic and wind systems.

Lithium-ion energy storage on RES farms

Lithium-ion batteries are popular in storing electrical energy in renewable energy installations. On photovoltaic farms, batteries are usually placed in specially designed containers (so-called container energy storages) or buildings near photovoltaic panels.

kontenerowe magazyny energii do fotowoltaiki

Lithium iron phosphate batteries

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are considered one of the safest types of lithium-ion batteries. They have high tolerance to high temperatures, reducing the risk of safety issues such as overheating or ignition.

Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most widespread. These energy storages are characterized by useful power and energy densities with low self-discharge, making them suitable as starter batteries or UPS emergency power supplies, for example in telecommunications. It is worth mentioning that the energy storage system can provide the possibility of compensating for short- and medium-term load changes.

High-temperature batteries

Popular types of high-temperature storages include those based on sodium sulfide (NaS) and sodium chloride and nickel (so-called ZEBRA batteries). Here, the active material is liquid electrolyte, which distinguishes the storages from low-temperature ones. They also require operation at a temperature of about 300°C, a large number of charge/discharge cycles, and high efficiency.

Flow batteries

Flow storages store energy in the form of electrolyte in tanks. They are more scalable than traditional batteries and can store larger amounts of energy, making them suitable for large-scale electricity storage.

Redox-flow batteries

They belong to the group of external chemical storages. Their features include an active material based on salts dissolved in a liquid electrolyte in a separate tank. Another type of flow battery is the vanadium redox-flow battery, a type of energy storage that stores energy in chemical form in electrolyte solutions.

It should be noted that vanadium resources are limited, which affects the economic exploitation. The advantage over internal chemical storage systems is the independence of selecting the power and capacity of the battery.

Hydrogen/Methane

Another way of energy storage is hydrogen, which can be compressed to a significant degree in salt caverns, determining low reservoir costs and high energy storage capacity.

Typy magazynów energii

  • Fuel cells – Convert chemical energy contained in fuel (e.g., hydrogen) directly into electrical energy through chemical reactions. They are efficient and clean since their only byproduct is water.
  • Hydrogen or methane creation – These processes can be used to store electrical energy in chemical form. For example, hydrogenation involves using excess electrical energy to electrolyze water, resulting in hydrogen. It can later be used to power fuel cells or to produce methane, which is easy to store and transport.

Green Hydrogen on Photovoltaic and Wind Farms

When planning systems to compensate for the power fluctuations of photovoltaic farms, the flammability of hydrogen should be considered. Therefore, green hydrogen is methanated by supplying CO2 (Fischer-Tropsch process). As a result, clean methane is obtained, which is easy to operate and control for safety. The costs of energy storages based on methane are lower.

Electrical Energy Storage Systems

Electrical energy storage technologies usually do not require secondary material for its storage. Storage often occurs in an electrostatic field or a constant magnetic field. These systems can quickly charge and discharge. Two examples are worth discussing here: supercapacitors and superconducting coils.

Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors can be used for short-term energy storage, for example, to balance temporary changes in the production of energy from photovoltaic or wind farms. Due to their ability to quickly charge and discharge, they can deliver energy in short cycles.

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)

Stores energy in the form of a magnetic field generated by direct current flowing through a coil. For lossless energy storage, cooling the coil with liquid helium is required.

Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal storage focuses on heat accumulation that can be used later, for example, to heat buildings or in industrial processes. Energy storage technologies, such as thermal accumulators, use various media like water, stones, or salts to effectively store heat.

These power storage systems are particularly efficient when combined with solar energy, allowing the use of excess heat during periods when solar collectors do not generate energy.

Mechanical Energy Storages

Mechanical energy storage methods, such as hydroelectric power plants or flywheels, store energy through physical processes.

For example, pumped-storage hydroelectric plants store energy by pumping water to a higher-level reservoir, later using it to generate energy through turbines. Flywheels store kinetic energy in a rotating disk, which can quickly release the stored energy to stabilize the grid and respond to sudden changes in demand.

Bateryjny magazyn energii

Pumped-Storage Power Plant

The kinetic energy of water flowing from the upper reservoir to the lower one is converted into electrical energy in a generator. This is a widespread energy storage system, accounting for 99% of global energy storage systems in power grids. Unlike battery systems, the possible locations of such units depend on geographical conditions and are usually located far from energy consumption centers. Economically, pumped-storage power plants are one of the most cost-effective options for electrical energy storage.

Flywheel Energy Storages

Energy storage is also possible by using kinetic energy in rotational motion. Suspended in a vacuum on magnetic bearings, the flywheel stores energy. This type of energy storage is characterized by high durability and high power density. Units focus mainly on reducing short-term voltage and frequency fluctuations to improve energy quality.

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)

Another type of energy storage – compressed air energy storage (CAES) – uses compressed air as an energy carrier stored, for example, in salt caverns. The development of adiabatic compressed air energy storage systems has progressed with the increase in the use of energy from renewable sources. The principle of operation of a storage system based on compressed air is analogous to that of a pumped-storage power plant. The choice of installation location depends primarily on the availability of underground reservoirs where compressed air can be stored.

Magnetic Energy Storage

Uses a magnetic field to store energy in the form of the potential energy of magnets. Magnetic storages are highly efficient, quickly charge and discharge, and have a long lifespan.

Energy Storage from Photovoltaic Panels

magazynowanie energii na farmach fotowoltaicznych

Various energy storage technologies allow them to be adapted to the needs of each renewable energy investment. Below we present the most popular solutions used to store solar energy:

  • Energy storage batteries – The most common way to store electrical energy produced by photovoltaic panels is batteries. Typical types of batteries used to store energy from photovoltaics are lithium-ion batteries, which are efficient, have a long lifespan, and are easy to manage.
  • Hybrid systems – Storing energy from photovoltaic panels can include the use of hybrid systems. They combine photovoltaic panels with other energy sources such as wind or water turbines. Integrated hybrid systems can offer greater energy independence and can be more efficient in areas where weather conditions dynamically change.
  • Flow technologies – Flow storages are another technology used to store energy from PV panels. Flow storages are scalable and can store larger amounts of energy compared to traditional batteries.
  • Energy management and smart grids – With the development of energy management technologies and smart grids, storing energy from photovoltaic panels is becoming more advanced. Intelligent energy management systems can optimize the charging and discharging time of batteries depending on weather conditions, energy prices, and individual user needs.

Read also: How does a photovoltaic installation with energy storage work?

Energy Storage from Wind Power

magazyn energii

  • Lithium-ion batteries – Are widely used to store excess energy during periods when the wind blows strongly, and energy production is high. They can later release the stored energy when the wind weakens or during periods of increased demand.
  • Flow storages – Also known as flow batteries, store energy in the form of electrolyte, allowing easy adjustment of storage capacity to the requirements of wind energy production.
  • Thermal storages – Wind energy can be used to generate heat stored in thermal substances such as water or stones. This can be used to heat buildings or to produce electricity through a steam turbine.
  • Hydrogen electrolysis – Wind can be used for water electrolysis, producing hydrogen, which is then stored and used to power fuel cells or produce synthetic fuels.

Energy Storage Method – How to Choose the Best One?

Different types of energy storages provide a wide range of uses. The choice of the most optimal storage method depends on factors such as the characteristics of renewable energy production, energy consumption profile, financial requirements, as well as local environmental conditions. When considering different options, it is crucial to understand that each has its unique properties, which may better address specific challenges and needs of a given area or project.

Electrum magazyny energii

At Electrum, we offer solutions tailored to the specific conditions of each renewable energy installation. Our goal is always to manage energy resources efficiently and economically.

Contact us

Hybrid Installation and Energy Storages

A pioneering project by Electrum, implemented under the MESH4U initiative, is the development of a hybrid energy storage system that combines various technologies – from electrochemical to thermal and mechanical.

This multifunctional storage hub not only provides flexibility in managing energy resources for industry and households but also enables technical and economic optimization. Through a holistic approach, the system increases the efficiency of renewable energy utilization and supports the transition towards a low-emission economy.

Read also: Electrum launched the first hybrid energy-informatics system in Poland, integrating RES and energy storages

The Future of Energy Storage

Modern energy storages, called the energy storages of the future, are in an intensive development phase. If you want to know more about this topic, read: How Energy Storages Are Revolutionizing the Renewable Energy Market?

Energy Storage and Monitoring

EMACS Centrum kontroli Electrum

In effective energy storage, it is essential not only how we store the energy but also how we monitor the process. Our innovative EMACS (Everything Monitoring and Control System) solution combines the advantages of the classical SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system with advanced business analysis functions, creating the first and only such multifunctional platform on the Polish market.

Key benefits of implementing the EMACS system include:

  • Significant reduction in operational costs through continuous monitoring of the facility’s infrastructure
  • Immediate response to malfunctions, often allowing remote resolution
  • Improvement of technological processes through automation and utilization of the installation’s maximum capabilities at any given moment
  • Effective monitoring of energy production, consumption, storage, and distribution, allowing precise determination of the energy balance of industrial installations.

Types of Energy Storages – Summary

In this article, we presented various methods of energy storage and types of storages that are an indispensable element of the effective utilization of renewable energy sources. From electrochemical systems, through thermal, to mechanical – each of these technologies has its place in the energy ecosystem, offering specific benefits and opportunities.

Can Music Be Green? How the Electrum Up To Date Festival 2024 Brings Ecology to the Music Scene

Posted on by tomasz

Can Music Be Green? How the Electrum Up To Date Festival 2024 Brings Ecology to the Music Scene

The first edition of the Electrum Up To Date Festival is behind us. It’s not the first Up To Date in general, but the first one where we are the title sponsor. We decided to strengthen the cooperation that has been ongoing for two years with this significant event, not only in our opinion. Just as it plays the role of an active creator of culture in Białystok, with our help, it could fulfill the role of a model in the area of sustainable event organization.

Together with the organizers, we designed a series of actions through which this well-known event in Poland and Europe sets a great example of how to show respect and help our planet. From a conference where reflection went hand in hand with active exchange of ideas, to abandoning the production of new festival clothing, to using the services and work of local suppliers.

Together we can do more. But this motto only works if we truly collaborate. In the case of Electrum and the Up To Date Festival, it resulted in cooperation we are proud of. See what we’ve done:

Ecological Awareness as the Foundation of a Sustainable Future

The first stop on the road to a more sustainable future is the awareness of how to act in a way that contributes as little as possible to the deterioration of the planet’s condition. The best are, of course, zero or positive impact. However, producing an event is not easy to achieve. This doesn’t mean we don’t try! And when we try, we are transparent and honest in our communication. This year, the Electrum Up To Date social media profiles and the event’s website were even better than last year in providing current information about actions, motivations, and important ideas. We are growing.

We promoted respect for the planet, respect for others, and respect for oneself. These are inseparable components in the discussion about a healthy approach to participating in the world.

To strengthen this discussion, we organized the second edition of the “Do We Really Care?” conference. It included four festival discussion panels addressing topics we managed to signal last year: pro-ecological action in the cultural sector, mental health, the condition of the electronic music scene, and actions for culture in the wartime reality. Together with a series of guests invited to the panels, we asked questions about effective joint creation of changes and outlined the challenges ahead of us.

At Electrum, we particularly know that real change is preceded by conversations where the exchange of ideas and mutual inspiration play a key role. This was also the essence of our cooperation and the introduction of effective actions for a green future.

Reducing Carbon Emissions by Choosing Local Suppliers and Emphasizing Low-Emission Transport

Regarding the gastronomic offer available at the festival, we focused on local producers and suppliers, thereby reducing the transport costs of individual products and the people behind their preparation and service. We chose subcontractors from our region, even in the face of more attractive prices from other regions. In doing so, we want not only to reduce our emissions but also to promote local offers and local cooperation.

We know that cheaper offers often tempt event organizers (and not only them) with limited budgets. There is nothing strange about that; however, when funds are available, we believe it is worth spending them on local cooperation. At the Electrum Up To Date Festival, our role as the title sponsor played a significant role. We invested funds to help a local event, knowing they would be used well and in line with our shared values.

We want to set an example for other entities with greater capabilities and emphasize that investment in local independent culture is much more than just the promotion behind the name change on the posters.

To reduce emissions, though not necessarily the cost of transport for individual artists, we focused on artists on tour, those from nearby European countries, and local names. Many of them used trains to come to Białystok.

We tried to limit air travel to the necessary minimum (e.g., a flight from the UK). Even in the case of choosing a flight, we combined it with arriving in Warsaw and then traveling by train or a special bus to Białystok. Choosing public transport over a flight is an important element of the sustainable chain that helped build this year’s edition of the festival. Festival participants were also encouraged to use public transport, as well as to come to the festival in groups (we had group tickets for sale). This built not only an ecological spirit but also a community.

Additionally, we provided more places for cyclists who chose this mode of transport to get to the festival, the most ecological of all. As for cars, we strongly encouraged drivers to travel in larger groups.

Reducing Waste by Abandoning New Festival Clothing, Emphasizing Reusable Products, and Building Festival Scenery Based on the Circular Economy

Knowing that we want to introduce as little waste into the world as possible, we once again decided to abandon new festival clothing, so-called merch. For the team behind the festival, this was not an easy decision from the beginning – mainly due to the promotion of the brand and high revenue from the sale of such clothing. But the alternative has many advantages. This year’s collection of festival clothing was once again based on second-hand clothes, which meant that so-called fashion gems and unique items were available. Additionally, we offered the opportunity to enhance one’s own clothing with festival prints. This is our way of inspiring actions in line with the circular economy.

The same idea guided the process of creating the scenery – we focused on reusing often forgotten objects and materials. Clothes and decorations brought to life in this way carry undeniable uniqueness.

To reduce the environmental impact of our activities, we chose a local producer and supplier of water in returnable glass bottles. Still water was available in dispensers for those with their own reusable bottles. At Electrum, we encourage the daily choice of such bottles. This year, you could enter any festival area with them. Water available at the bar was for sale at an attractive price of 5 PLN (a little over 1 euro). We know that affordable prices of basic goods are a necessity to create a safe space.

For many suppliers from the gastronomic and bar area, we managed to rely on reusable cups or biodegradable or paper packaging (cups, bowls, plates, cutlery).

Not all partners agreed to such solutions, but we are on the right path to achieving 100% packaging without single-use plastic in the future. Change doesn’t happen suddenly. It’s a whole path, sometimes a labyrinth of actions that need to be consistently implemented to achieve the goal.

Last but Not Least: Promoting Locality and the Region

We already mentioned cooperation with local suppliers and artists, but focusing on locality is a key element in the discussion about the planet’s better condition, so we want to emphasize it again at the end. Using local goods and staying in your region or country as often as possible, including traveling by public transport, is the most effective form of helping the planet. However, we know that for such a form to be possible, among other things, the availability and attractiveness of local products, services, and culture are necessary.

From the beginning, the festival aimed to promote Podlasie as a region worth exploring. Its charms were discovered not only by visitors but also by so-called locals, people who have lived in Białystok for years. This year’s Electrum Up To Date Festival took place at the Białystok Puppet Theater, Arsenal Gallery, Branicki Palace’s power plant, and in an industrial outdoor area forgotten by the local community. The initially heavily devastated city-owned area provided an urban charm to the festival experience and worked well with the festival’s artistic program. This is an example of how available areas within our local reach can be used when organizing events.

Can Music Be Green?

Overall, the Electrum Up To Date Festival is an admirable example of how to reduce the negative environmental impact while organizing a music event. We can proudly say that this year’s first edition of the festival with Electrum as the title sponsor, but already the 15th anniversary edition overall, proved that music and ecology can go hand in hand. Thanks to the joint efforts of Electrum and the festival team, we have created an event that not only provides world-class musical experiences but also serves as a model of ecological responsibility. Our actions for awareness, emission reduction, waste limitation, and promoting locality show that in the world of entertainment, we can and must strive for sustainable development. We believe that such initiatives can inspire others to take similar steps, leading us all toward a better, greener future.

_____________________

More about the Electrum Group can be found on our social media channels at LinkedIn, Facebooku and Instagramie.

Press contact

Jan Roguz

Electrum Adapt

jroguz@electrum.pl

tel. +48 539 732 610

 Magdalena Myczko

Havas PR

magdalena.myczko@havas.com

tel. +48 508 012 198
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