Energy storage options for enhancing the reliability of Power system in the presence of Renewable Energy Sources

Electricity is being generated from conventional fuel-based power plants. In order to meet out the future electricity demand, conventional fuel-based power plants will play an important role. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, more emphasis on renewable energy resources has been given. As the electricity generation from renewable energy sources is intermittent in nature, Energy storage devices will help to avoid intermittency. This paper focuses on various energy storage technologies including flywheels, batteries, super-capacitor etc. for enhancing the reliability of electricity generation from renewable energy sources. Electrical Energy Storage devices store energy during additional electricity generation and supply during low generation period; it will help to get steady electricity generation from renewables. To deploy the storage facilities in distribution networks, there are two ways. First one is to develop the centralized storage facility at the optimal locations in the distribution networks and another is to develop the distributed storage facilities. Efficient operation of renewable energy sources can be obtained with the deployment of storage technologies in both above approaches. The second approach is more feasible as it includes the electric vehicles available with the consumers. During more electricity generation or off-peak load period, energy will be stored in storage devices and during low electricity generation or peak load hour, energy stored in storage devices will be allowed to supply power into the distribution networks. This approach of energy storage will improve the reliability of the electricity supply.