How Photovoltaic Systems Store Excess Energy for Later Use
Photovoltaic (PV) systems can store excess energy through various methods, primarily categorized into battery, thermal, and mechanical storage.
1. Battery Storage
- Types: The most common types are lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries.
- How It Works: Solar energy is converted into electrical energy by the PV panels and then stored in batteries. This is done through a chemical reaction within the battery components. When needed, the reaction is reversed, and the stored energy is released as electricity.
- Advancements: New battery technologies, like solid-state batteries and lithium iron phosphate (LFP), are improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
2. Thermal Storage
- Types: Uses materials such as water, molten salts, or sand.
- How It Works: Solar energy heats these materials, which are stored in insulated tanks. The stored thermal energy can be used for heating, cooling, or generating electricity by producing steam to drive turbines.
- Examples: Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants use this method extensively. Additionally, solar thermal water heaters store hot water for domestic use.
3. Mechanical Storage
- Types: Though less common for photovoltaic systems, mechanical storage can involve pumped hydro storage or compressed air energy storage.
- How It Works: Energy is stored mechanically by moving water or compressing air during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand.
- Note: Not as frequently used with solar PV systems compared to batteries and thermal storage.
These methods enable photovoltaic systems to store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use during periods of low sunlight or high energy demand.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-photovoltaic-systems-store-excess-energy-for-later-use/
