Technological advancements have dramatically sped up energy grid storage capabilities. This shift has opened doors for businesses that make energy grid storage systems with batteries intended for hydroelectric dams, power backup systems, and more. As a result, batteries have become in high demand and the market has rapidly grown in recent years. In a race against the clock, companies strive to keep up with competitors and meet consumer needs.
Battery Testing for Energy Grid Storage
The Net Zero Emissions by 2050 initiative, part of Biden’s administration plan, pushes companies to create more grid-scale battery energy storage systems. Between now and 2030, annual additions must rise to an average of about 120 GW. If achieved, this would place the industry on track to reach Biden’s goal and contribute to cleaner power networks across the globe. The transition could extremely benefit poorer communities that don’t have a secure electric supply, underdeveloped or non-existent grid infrastructure, a lack of resources, and more.
This positive pressure from the U.S. administration has pushed companies to create new, longer-lasting, more environmentally friendly energy grid storage solutions. Apart from holistically helping our planet, batteries for energy grid storage systems can store excess clean power and discharge that power later in specific moments such as in an emergency, helping to keep costs down and electricity moving. Energy grid storage systems powered by batteries could dramatically enhance reliability, accelerate fossil fuel phaseout, and improve public health.
Approaching Challenges With Innovative Solutions
Battery costs have fallen by 80%, making them accessible for large-scale grid storage systems. Several states including California, Texas, and Arizona are turning to batteries to help manage demand and provide a barrier for unexpected disasters. However, even though the government and other social factors are helping to propel the energy grid storage industry forward, challenges continue to arise. As companies rush to expand their efforts and research new battery technologies, they are at risk of a thermal runway and limited resources.
Although lithium-ion batteries have historically been a popular choice for energy grid storage systems, other battery technologies are being explored.
- Compressed air energy storage: Located in large chambers, surplus power is used to compress the air and then store it. When energy is in demand, the compressed air is released and passes through an air turbine to generate electricity.
- Mechanical gravity energy storage: When energy is needed, the system compresses, generating electricity using the pull of gravity.
- Flow batteries: Rechargeable fuel cells, these batteries have chemical energy provided by two chemical components dissolved in liquids contained within the system and separated by a membrane.
Race to the Future With AES
Battery testing for energy grid storage is more important than ever before. The energy storage industry needs testing solutions that can simulate a wide range of environmental factors, such as temperature extremes, humidity, and pressure variations. Companies look to battery testing chambers to sample discharge performance under these various conditions, peak discharge current, internal resistance, endurance cycling, and more. Metrics give a holistic view of the batteries performance under pressure.
At Associated Environmental Systems (AES), we’re here to help you combat challenges that lie ahead. Our cutting-edge battery test chambers, including the SC (temperature-only) and SCH (temperature and humidity) Series, feature the most powerful benchtop chambers in the world. These stackable chambers are designed to work in tandem with our battery test fixtures, such as the ATPHEAVY Adaptable. This revolutionary fixture allows for high-current testing without modifications to the cell. Regardless of your battery form or type, the Adaptable can work with you to support your testing goals.
Let’s work together to race to the future of energy grid storage systems. Browse our battery test chambers to determine which environmental chamber for battery testing fits your needs. We can’t wait to collaborate on your next innovative project.
