How to test new outdoor energy storage equipment

What are energy storage systems?

Energy storage systems (ESSs), and particularly battery energy storage systems, are finding their way into a very wide range of applications for utilities, commercial, industrial, military and residential power. Applications include renewable integration, frequency regulation, critical backup power, peak shaving, load leveling, and more.

What is a major risk of energy storage systems?

Increased deployment of energy storage systems has led to field failures in past years, heightening awareness of the dangers of thermal runaway. As this technology moves closer to our homes and places of work, battery manufacturers need to consider and evaluate the likelihood of fire propagation.

Can energy storage systems lead to fires?

Increased deployment of energy storage systems has led to field failures, raising concerns about the dangers of thermal runaway and fire propagation. As this technology moves closer to our homes and places of work, battery manufacturers need to consider and evaluate the likelihood of these events.

What is DTE Energy CES testing?

The testing is being performed for DTE Energy as part of the US Department of Energy’s Energy Storage Smart Grid Demonstration Program. The CES consists of a power conditioning system, and a battery energy storage unit. Testing may include basic operation, round-trip efficiency, peak shaving, and frequency regulation.

What are the different types of energy storage technologies?

Chemistries range from Li-Ion, NiMH, NaNiCl, NaS, ZnO, Na+, and PbSO4; and technologies range from standard to flow, metal, and super-capacitors. Practical difficulties with testing such a wide range of energy storage technologies include the wide range of applications, measurements, electrical connectivity, and digital communication protocols.

What tests should a single piece of equipment go through?

A single piece of equipment shall go through type tests, production tests, installation evaluation, and commissioning tests as a whole.