The following are some common energy storage methods and their operations:
1、Mechanical energy storage：Utilizing mechanical energy such as potential energy, gravitational potential energy, and kinetic energy for energy storage. For example, hydroelectric power uses water flow to generate electricity, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy; Pumped storage power stations use electricity from low load periods to pump water to the mountaintop, and then release water to generate electricity during peak load periods; There is also liquid flow energy storage, which uses electricity to pump liquid into high-level storage, and then drives a turbine to generate electricity through the liquid flow when needed. Liquid flow energy storage is suitable for large-scale energy storage and long-term power supply needs.
2、Battery energy storage: Battery energy storage is the process of converting electrical energy into chemical energy for storage and converting it back into electrical energy supply when needed. Common battery energy storage technologies include lithium-ion batteries, lead-carbon batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, etc.
3、Supercapacitor energy storage: Supercapacitors are energy storage devices with high energy density and power density, which can quickly charge and discharge, and are suitable for applications with short-term high power output, such as frequent charging and discharging scenarios.
4、Magnetic energy storage: Magnetic energy storage uses electricity to store a magnetic field in a magnet, and then works on the current through the magnetic field to convert the stored magnetic energy into electrical energy. This energy storage method is suitable for applications with high power demand and long-term stable power supply.
5、Thermal energy storage: Utilizing thermal energy for energy storage, including sensible heat storage, chemical heat storage, and adsorption storage. For example, geothermal energy storage is the storage of geothermal energy for future use; There is also the use of substances to absorb heat in chemical reactions and then release it at another point in time.
6、Potential energy storage: Utilizing the height difference of an object or other types of potential energy for energy storage, such as gravitational energy storage and compressed air energy storage. Gravity energy storage is the use of gravitational potential energy generated by height differences; Compressed air energy storage involves compressing and storing air underground, and then releasing it when needed to drive a turbine to generate electricity.
7、Biomass energy storage: The use of organic materials for energy storage, such as wood, crop waste, and other biomass. These substances can generate heat or electricity through fermentation or direct combustion.
8、Hydraulic energy storage: Utilizing the gravitational potential and kinetic energy of water for energy storage. For example, pumped storage power stations use electricity from low power loads to pump water to the mountaintop, and then release water to generate electricity during peak power loads; There are also tidal power stations that utilize the kinetic energy of tides to generate electricity.
9、Wind energy storage: Utilizing wind power to convert wind energy into electrical energy. Wind power generation has the advantages of renewable and pollution-free, and is a clean energy source.
10、Solar energy storage: Utilizing solar power to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Solar power generation includes two methods: photovoltaic power generation and photothermal power generation.
These energy storage methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and are suitable for different application scenarios. In practical applications, it is often necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as energy density, power density, efficiency, lifespan, and cost to select appropriate energy storage technologies. At the same time, the combination and integration of multiple energy storage technologies can also improve the performance and flexibility of energy storage systems.