Development of Energy Storage in Distributed Energy and Smart Grids

Abstract

With combination of distributed energy, including power of wind and solar power, modern power systems have increasing challenges in terms of flexibility, stability, and reliability. Traditional centralized power grids are hard to adapt new features brought by renewable energy. Under this background, energy storage has become an important technology for the development of distributed energy system and smart grids. This paper shows technologies concerning energy storage and their applications in distributed energy systems and smart grids. First, varied types of energy storage technologies are introduced and compared based on their main characteristics. The key roles of energy storage in distributed energy systems are then discussed. Furthermore, the applications of energy storage in smart grids are reviewed from the perspectives of smart dispatching systems, demand response, load management, and ancillary services. International and China case studies are introduced to illustrate practice and operational experience. Finally, the paper will analyze the main challenges. Future trends of energy storage in new power systems are discussed. The goals of this review are to provide understanding of the current development status and future potential of energy storage in supporting reliable and sustainable power systems.