Energy storage product explanation video

What is energy storage?

Watch the Stanford course lecture. Find out where to explore beyond our site. Energy storage allows energy to be saved for use at a later time. Energy can be stored in many forms, including chemical (piles of coal or biomass), potential (pumped hydropower), and electrochemical (battery).

How does energy storage work?

The so-called battery “charges” when power is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir. The energy storage system “discharges” power when water, pulled by gravity, is released back to the lower-elevation reservoir and passes through a turbine along the way.

How can energy be stored?

Energy can also be stored by making fuels such as hydrogen, which can be burned when energy is most needed. Pumped hydroelectricity, the most common form of large-scale energy storage, uses excess energy to pump water uphill, then releases the water later to turn a turbine and make electricity.

Why is energy storage important?

Energy storage is a valuable tool for balancing the grid and integrating more renewable energy. When energy demand is low and production of renewables is high, the excess energy can be stored for later use. When demand for energy or power is high and supply is low, the stored energy can be discharged.

What is an example of artificial energy storage & conversion?

The lower power station has four water turbines which can generate a total of 360 MW of electricity for several hours, an example of artificial energy storage and conversion. Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production.

What is thermal energy storage?

Thermal energy storage (TES) can be found at solar-thermal electric power plants that use concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. Such systems use concentrated sunlight to heat fluid, such as water or molten salt. While steam from the fluid can be used to produce electricity immediately, the fluid can also be stored in tanks for later use.