Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a type of electrochemical energy storage system (ESS) that uses various electrochemical reactions to store electrical energy for later use. 
• These systems are crucial for balancing the supply and demand of electricity, especially with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Key Features 

• Electrochemical Reactions: BESS stores energy through chemical reactions in various types of batteries, which can then be converted back into electrical energy when needed.
• Types of Batteries Used in BESS:
• Lead-Acid (PbA) Battery
• Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery
• Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Battery
• Sodium-Sulphur (Na-S) Battery

Major Initiatives to Promote BESS

Feasibility Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme:

• Aimed to develop 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, this initiative helps in financing energy storage projects.
• National Programme for Advanced Chemical Cell Battery Storage:
• Provides incentives linked to production for advancing battery storage technologies in India.

National Framework for Energy Storage Systems:

• Promoted by the Ministry of Power, this framework is designed to accelerate the adoption of energy storage technologies across the country.

Types of Electrical Energy Storage (EES)

Mechanical Storage:

• Pumped Hydro: Uses gravitational potential energy to store energy by pumping water to higher altitudes.
• Flywheel: Stores energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy.
• Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES): Stores energy by compressing air in underground caverns.

Electrochemical Storage:

• Secondary Batteries (Rechargeable):
• Lead-Acid (Pb-Ac) Battery
• Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery
• Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery
• Sodium-Sulphur (Na-S) Battery
• Flow Batteries: Use two chemical components dissolved in liquids and are suitable for large-scale storage applications.

Electrical Storage:

• Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES): Uses superconducting magnets to store energy in a magnetic field.

Thermal Storage:

• Stores energy in the form of heat, which can later be converted back into electricity or used directly.

Hydrogen Storage:

• Uses fuel cells to store energy in the form of hydrogen, which can then be used to generate electricity when needed.

Importance and Benefits of BESS

Grid Stability:

• BESS can help balance supply and demand by storing excess energy generated during low-demand periods and discharging it during peak demand.

Renewable Integration:

• By storing energy from intermittent sources like solar and wind, BESS ensures that renewable energy can be used consistently, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy Security:

• BESS can improve energy security by providing backup power during grid outages or when renewable generation is low.

Cost-Effective:

• Reduces the need for expensive peaking power plants and can lower overall electricity costs by reducing curtailment of renewable energy.

Environmental Benefits:

• BESS promotes cleaner energy usage by enabling higher adoption of renewable sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.