The response time of Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) systems, particularly in their newer hybrid configurations, is competitive with that of battery energy storage systems. Traditional LAES systems were not known for instant response, but recent developments have aimed at significantly improving this characteristic.
Highview Power Storage, a leading developer of LAES technology, has developed a hybrid LAES system that incorporates supercapacitors and flywheels alongside the standard liquid air storage. This hybrid system enables response times of less than a second, making it suitable for grid services that require rapid frequency response, such as the UK’s Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR) and Firm Frequency Response (FFR) markets.
Compared to other energy storage technologies, this sub-second response effectively brings LAES closer to the fast response capabilities of batteries, which are typically valued for their near-instantaneous reaction to grid demands. While batteries are often the benchmark for fast response, the new hybrid LAES system combines this rapid onset with the benefits of long-duration, large-scale energy storage that is not geographically constrained like pumped hydro.
In summary:
- Response time for new hybrid LAES: less than 1 second, competitive with batteries.
- Traditional LAES: slower response, but recent hybridization improves speed significantly.
- Batteries: near-instantaneous response, typically the fastest storage option.
- Pumped hydro: generally slower and geographically limited.
Therefore, with the integration of fast-acting components such as supercapacitors and flywheels, LAES can now achieve response times comparable to batteries, expanding its role in grid frequency and stability services while also providing long-duration storage capabilities.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-response-time-of-laes-compare-to-other-energy-storage-systems/
