Storage systems

The “Energiewende” is a complex undertaking. Since the wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine, we need technologies to store excess energy at times when there is a lot of wind and sun and to use it as needed. In addition, fast storage systems help to keep production and consumption in line, even in the short term. Storage technologies, new distribution structures, the restructuring of the electricity system and the conversion to electromobility are just as important as the ambitious expansion of renewable energies. ABO Wind engages in storage technologies in a variety of ways.

As in the planning of photovoltaic and wind energy plants, ABO Wind’s approach for storage systems is technology- and manufacturer-agnostic. In this way we always find the right solution for our customers.

We are particularly familiar with the following (electro-)chemical storage technologies:

Lithium ion battery

The lithium ion battery is very widespread, especially in mobile applications, hence this technology is being offered by more and more manufacturers. Its great advantages are the high energy density, efficiency and good cycle stability as well as a resulting long lifetime. These batteries are easy to scale due to the established modular concept and require only minimal maintenance.

Application example

Since this storage technology is versatile and very widespread, we choose it for the majority of our projects. One example of application is the electrification of remote island networks in combination with solar or wind as well as diesel. In one of our projects, the storage facility has to be able to cope with extreme cold and the fluctuating feed-in of wind energy. In another project, the battery has to withstand heat, high humidity and the feed-in of solar energy. The lithium battery is flexible enough to cope with these extreme environmental conditions. We also use this type of storage for our customers’ stand-alone solutions to provide peak shaving.

Lead acid battery

Lead acid batteries are also very widespread, as they have been on the market for a long time and are offered by many manufacturers. Their great advantages are the low specific costs and the high recycling rates. They are easy to install and require little maintenance.

Application example

We plan with this reliable, state-of-the-art technology particularly for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and/or for very remote locations. As there are value chains for this type of storage all over the world and a lot of know-how is available, lead acid batteries are a good choice for these projects.

Sodium sulfur battery

The sodium-sulfur battery is only offered by a few manufacturers. Its advantages are its cycle stability and long lifetime - especially in areas with high ambient temperatures - as well as the favourable procurement of raw materials.

Application example

This high-temperature battery is particularly suitable for our industrial customers in warm latitudes with low power but high energy requirements

Redox flow battery

Only a few manufacturers offer redox flow batteries. They exist in different versions, whereby the vanadium redox flow battery is the most common technology. We are constantly monitoring the development and use of new organic electrolytes. Advantages of the redox flow battery are the very high cycle stability and the independent scalability of energy and performance. In addition, their materials will be cost-effective and reusable in the future. Redox flow batteries are also suitable as medium-term storage and can store energy for several days.

Application example

We have integrated this technology into an existing power supply system in a rented property. The redox flow technology is particularly suitable here, as it can optimally handle low power requirements with high energy demand. Such a storage can thus optimise the electricity supply system in rental buildings.

Hydrogen storage

Hydrogen storage systems are widely discussed and are particularly useful when an electricity system operates with a high proportion of fluctuating energy supply such as wind and sun (> 70 percent). As a chemical base material, hydrogen can be stored seasonally very well. In sunny and windy months, excess renewable energy can be converted into hydrogen by electrolysers and stored long-term. The excellent scalability of electrolysers and storage units allows a wide range of applications, for example in the sector coupling of electricity and heat supply and mobility.

Application example

In our latest project we support the consortium of the hydrogen project "HyWheels" in East Hesse, Germany. The aim of the joint project is a hydrogen region that produces green hydrogen from wind and solar power and makes it available for logistics centres and filling stations.