Peak-shifting electricity storage

How does energy storage facilitate peak shaving and load shifting?

Energy storage can facilitate both peak shaving and load shifting. For example, a battery energy storage system (BESS) can store energy generated throughout off-peak times and then discharge it during peak times, aiding in both peak shaving (by supplying stored energy at peak periods) and load shifting (by charging at off-peak periods).

What is peak shifting and how does it work?

Peak shifting is a concept that can help address the issue of high energy demand during peak hours with a different approach: generation shifting. This means that Energy Storage Systems (ESS) not only help end users reduce their costs, but also enable generators to access a higher value of dispatchable generation.

Can energy storage be used during peak PV generation?

During peak PV generation, excess energy can be stored for later use. This allows for the distribution of this energy when the PV system is not generating adequate power, or not generating at all. Energy storage is also used for peak smoothing with renewable generation.

How can energy storage systems reduce peak demand?

Energy storage systems can help reduce peak demand by charging during off hours and discharging during operational hours. This can result in lower peak demand charges from the utility.

Can energy storage be used for peak smoothing?

Energy storage can be used for peak smoothing with renewable generation, which is similar to peak shifting but with a significantly shorter period and higher frequency. During a low irradiance situation, such as a cloudy day, a PV array will generate power sporadically with dips and spikes. This can be addressed by using energy storage.

How has energy storage changed over time?

Subsequently, as the cumulative power capacity of energy storage has increased, an increasing number of energy storage technologies have been used for peak-shaving and valley-filling, and the new power capacity of energy storage has decreased. Fig. 7. Optimal new power capacity and investment for energy storage (2021–2035).