Is there an inevitable connection between energy storage and photovoltaics?

Anke Ruimei Meng Xinyuan 18721502664

There is a close connection between energy storage technology and photovoltaic power generation. They complement each other and together form a more efficient and sustainable energy system. This article will give you an in-depth understanding of the connection and difference between energy storage and photovoltaic power generation.

The connection between photovoltaics and energy storage

01Electric Energy Storage and Utilization

▲The photovoltaic system converts solar energy into electrical energy through solar panels, while the energy storage system is responsible for storing this electrical energy for use when there is no sunlight.

▲Energy storage devices can be a battery, supercapacitor or other form of energy storage device, which can release stored energy when electricity demand peaks, thereby balancing the load on the power grid.

02Enhance grid stability

▲The photovoltaic energy storage system can serve as a buffer for the power grid. By quickly responding to changes in grid demand, it can provide frequency regulation, peak regulation, emergency backup and other services, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the power grid.

▲When electricity demand peaks, the energy storage system releases electricity, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and thus improving the stability of the power grid.

03Improve energy efficiency

▲By storing electricity when there is sufficient sunshine and releasing it for use at night or on rainy days, the photovoltaic energy storage system achieves balanced utilization of electricity and improves energy utilization efficiency.

▲The energy storage system can also help reduce energy waste caused by insufficient grid regulation capabilities and improve the utilization efficiency of the entire energy system.

04Promote the consumption of new energy

▲As the proportion of renewable energy power generation increases, photovoltaic energy storage systems can store renewable energy power generation, reduce the phenomenon of wind and solar power abandonment caused by insufficient grid regulation capacity, and promote the effective use of renewable energy.

05Support the construction of smart grid

▲As an important component of the smart grid, the photovoltaic energy storage system can realize the intelligent management and dispatch of electric energy and improve the intelligence level of the power grid.

06Promote the development of distributed energy

▲The photovoltaic energy storage system is particularly suitable for distributed energy systems, such as household rooftop photovoltaics, industrial park photovoltaics, etc. These systems can generate electricity and use electricity nearby, reduce power transmission losses, and improve energy utilization efficiency.

07Achieving carbon neutrality goals

▲As a clean and low-carbon way of energy utilization, photovoltaic energy storage systems help reduce the use of fossil energy and reduce carbon emissions, which is of great significance for achieving global carbon neutrality goals.

In summary, the combination of photovoltaic and energy storage systems not only improves energy utilization efficiency, but also enhances grid stability, promotes the consumption of new energy and the construction of smart grids, and is of great significance for achieving sustainable energy supply and responding to climate change.

The difference between energy storage and photovoltaics

01Energy sources and conversion methods

▲Photovoltaic power stations convert sunlight energy directly into electrical energy through solar panels. This process does not involve mechanical movement but is achieved through the photoelectric effect of semiconductor materials.

▲Energy storage power stations do not generate electricity directly, but store electricity through batteries or other energy storage devices. This electricity can come from the power grid or from other forms of power generation, such as photovoltaic power stations.

02System Composition

▲Photovoltaic power stations are mainly composed of solar panels, inverters, support systems, monitoring systems, etc. The inverter is responsible for converting direct current into alternating current.

▲The composition of the energy storage power station is more complex. In addition to some components of the photovoltaic power station, it also includes energy storage batteries, battery management system (BMS), converter (PCS), energy management system (EMS), etc.

03Application Scenario

▲Photovoltaic power stations are suitable for areas with sufficient sunshine. They can be used as independent power generation facilities or connected to the power grid. They are widely used in homes, commercial buildings, industrial areas and remote areas.

▲The application scenarios of energy storage power stations are more extensive. In addition to being used in conjunction with photovoltaic power stations, they can also be used for frequency regulation, peak regulation, emergency backup power supply, electric vehicle charging stations, etc. of the power grid. By storing and releasing electrical energy, it improves energy utilization efficiency and the stability of the power grid.

04Economic Benefits

▲The economic benefits of photovoltaic power stations mainly depend on sunshine conditions, equipment costs, maintenance costs, and government subsidies. With the advancement of technology and the reduction of costs, the economic efficiency of photovoltaic power stations is gradually improving.

▲The economic benefits of energy storage power stations are related to factors such as the scale of the energy storage system, battery cost, charging and discharging efficiency, and operating strategy. Energy storage power stations can obtain additional benefits and improve economic benefits through mechanisms such as peak-valley electricity price differences and demand response.

05Photovoltaic Energy Storage Management Platform

Acrel-2000ES can connect the equipment inside the energy storage cabinet or energy storage container to the system through direct purchase or communication management or serial port server. The system structure is as follows:

5.1 Access Device

Acrel-2000ES has multiple interfaces and the ability to connect to multiple protocols, and supports the access of multiple devices.

5.2 System Functions

5.2.1 Real-time monitoring

The system has a friendly human-machine interface, which can display the operating status of the energy storage cabinet, monitor PCS, BMS and environmental parameter information in real time, such as electrical parameters, temperature, humidity, etc. It can also display relevant information such as faults, alarms, and benefits in real time.

5.2.2 Equipment Monitoring

The system can monitor the operating status and operation mode of PCS, BMS, electric meters, air conditioners, fire protection, dehumidifiers and other equipment in real time.

PCS monitoring: meet the parameter and limit settings of the energy storage converter; set the operation mode; collect and display the voltage, current, power and charge and discharge parameters of the AC and DC sides of the energy storage converter; and monitor the PCS communication status, start and stop status, switch status, abnormal alarm and other status.

BMS monitoring: meet the parameters and limit settings of the battery management system; realize the temperature of the battery cells and battery clusters of energy storage batteries,

Monitoring of voltage and current; alarming of battery charging and discharging status, voltage, current and abnormal temperature.

Air conditioning monitoring: To meet the needs of ambient temperature monitoring, the air conditioning temperature can be adjusted in linkage according to the set threshold, and the operating status and temperature and humidity data of the air conditioner can be monitored in real time and displayed in the form of a curve.

UPS monitoring: Meet the requirements of UPS operating status and related electrical parameter monitoring.

5.2.3 Curve Report

The system can query and display PCS charging and discharging power curves, SOC conversion curves, and historical curves such as voltage, current, and temperature.