However, there are still several issues such as microgrid stability, power and energy management, reliability and power quality that make microgrids implementation challenging. Nevertheless, the energy storage system is proposed as a promising solution to overcome the aforementioned challenges.
Microgrids are small-scale energy systems with distributed energy resources, such as generators and storage systems, and controllable loads forming an electrical entity within defined electrical limits. These systems can be deployed in either low voltage or high voltage and can operate independently of the main grid if necessary .
Microgrids offer greater opportunities for including renewable energy sources (RES) in their generation portfolio to mitigate the energy demand reliably and affordably. However, there are still several issues such as microgrid stability, power and energy management, reliability and power quality that make microgrids implementation challenging.
As discussed in the earlier sections, some features are preferred when deploying energy storage systems in microgrids. These include energy density, power density, lifespan, safety, commercial availability, and financial/ technical feasibility. Lead-acid batteries have lower energy and power densities than other electrochemical devices.
Microgrids are a means of deploying a decentralized and decarbonized grid. One of their key features is the extensive presence of renewable-based generation, which is intermittent by nature. Because of this kind of variability, the application of appropriate energy storage systems is mandatory.
Concerning the storage needs of microgrids, electrochemical technologies seem more adapted to this kind of application. They are competitive and available in the market, as well as having an acceptable degree of cost-effectiveness, good power, and energy densities, and maturity. The modularity of electrochemical technologies is another advantage.