Lead–acid batteries have been used for energy storage in utility applications for many years but it has only been in recent years that the demand for battery energy storage has increased.
Lead–acid batteries may be flooded or sealed valve-regulated (VRLA) types and the grids may be in the form of flat pasted plates or tubular plates. The various constructions have different technical performance and can be adapted to particular duty cycles. Batteries with tubular plates offer long deep cycle lives.
A lead battery energy storage system was developed by Xtreme Power Inc. An energy storage system of ultrabatteries is installed at Lyon Station Pennsylvania for frequency-regulation applications (Fig. 14 d). This system has a total power capability of 36 MW with a 3 MW power that can be exchanged during input or output.
Improvements to lead battery technology have increased cycle life both in deep and shallow cycle applications. Li-ion and other battery types used for energy storage will be discussed to show that lead batteries are technically and economically effective. The sustainability of lead batteries is superior to other battery types.
Energy storage using batteries is accepted as one of the most important and efficient ways of stabilising electricity networks and there are a variety of different battery chemistries that may be used.
Hua, S.N., Zhou, Q.S., Kong, D.L., et al.: Application of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries for storage of solar electricity in stand-alone photovoltaic systems in the northwest areas of China. J.