Batteries play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand on electrical grids by acting as a buffer to store excess energy during periods of low demand and inject it back into the grid when demand is high. This process helps stabilize the grid, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity. Here are the ways batteries contribute to real-time supply and demand balance:
Key Functions of Batteries in Balancing Supply and Demand
- Peak Shaving and Load Shifting:
- Peak Shaving: Batteries store electricity during off-peak hours when it’s cheaper and release it during peak hours, reducing the demand on the grid during high-cost periods.
- Load Shifting: This involves moving electricity usage from high-demand periods to low-demand periods, which helps flatten the demand curve and avoids the need for less efficient power generation.
- Renewable Energy Integration:
- Batteries can store excess energy generated by renewable sources like solar or wind when demand is low. This stored energy is then used during periods of high demand, ensuring a consistent supply of power and maximizing the use of clean energy.
- Frequency Regulation:
- Batteries can rapidly absorb or release power to maintain grid stability by adjusting to frequency fluctuations. This capability helps prevent blackouts and ensures grid reliability during sudden changes in demand or supply.
- Reducing Congestion:
- By providing localized power during peak times, batteries help alleviate stress on transmission and distribution systems, enhancing overall grid reliability.
- Fast Response:
- Batteries, especially lithium-ion, can react quickly—within milliseconds—to sudden changes in grid conditions, making them ideal for real-time support during peak periods.
These capabilities of batteries help maintain a stable supply-demand balance on electrical grids, enhancing efficiency and reliability while supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-batteries-help-balance-supply-and-demand-in-real-time/
