Distributed energy storage systems mainly consist of two parts: electrical energy storage units and energy storage configuration facilities. They can be built on the user side or the energy supply side, providing energy storage services for multi-energy complementary energy systems.
I. What is distributed energy storage?
Distributed energy storage refers to storing energy from green energy sources such as photovoltaics, wind power, or electricity from the power grid. The stored energy can be electrical, thermal, cold, or potential energy. Distributed energy storage systems offer flexible access locations, primarily connecting medium- and low-voltage distribution networks, microgrids, and users' surplus electricity to the power supply network.
The power grid load fluctuates with the daily electricity consumption, exhibiting peak and valley periods. The continuous increase in wind and solar power generation further exacerbates the pressure on peak shaving. Utilizing energy storage devices to discharge during peak load periods and recharge from the grid during off-peak periods reduces peak load demand, thereby improving load characteristics and participating in the system's peak shaving function.
II. What are the functions of a distributed energy storage system?
A distributed energy storage system is a software system for monitoring and managing distributed energy storage power stations. Simply put, energy storage power stations within the same project may be located in different places, making monitoring and management very difficult. However, relying on a software system greatly improves efficiency. Specific functions of a distributed energy storage system include:
1. Manage cross-regional on-site energy storage systems.
2. Implement different strategy modes for each local energy storage system (e.g., peak-valley mode, demand mode, smoothing mode, etc.).
3. Relevant independent energy storage stations can be centralized into virtual energy storage stations for unified management and centralized allocation.
4. Users are isolated from each other, and each user monitors their own energy storage station within their own permission scope.
5. Supports web browsing and mobile client.
6. Supports local storage and cloud storage.
With the expansion of renewable energy, there is an increasing need to transform the fluctuating and intermittent power output into a more stable and reliable power supply. Distributed energy storage systems (DAS) regulate load, absorb power peaks, and inject power when the power supply suddenly drops. On-site energy storage can mitigate power fluctuations caused by renewable energy production and output. DAS offers flexible access locations and is currently widely used in medium- and low-voltage distribution networks, distributed generation and microgrids, and on the user side.
