Review

challenges and solutions in the integration of RES into existing power

Grids: energy storage requirements
1
Umunna Chimaroke

• Abstract: energy storage systems(ESSs) emerge as critical components in ameliorating the

fluctuation of power generation. By storing excess generated power and providing it on
demand , ESSs plays a pivotal role in enhancing grid stability and reliability. This paper
offers a review of energy storage systems, delving into their primary applications for grid
integration, the various types of storage technology, and the power converters utilized to
operate these energy storage systems effectively. This review aims to serve a valuable guide
for power utilities and researchers in selecting the most suitable and contemporary energy
storage devices, taking into consideration their effectiveness and economic feasibility. By
addressing the challenges associated RES(renewable energy sources) integration and
highlighting potential solutions .

Keywords: renewable energy, overview, Intermittency, energy storage system(ESS), variable

renewable energy sources(vRES)

• INTRODUCTION: Power generation using renewable power sources has minimized the
use of hydrocarbons for power generation and transportations[1]. Power generated from
renewable energy sources can be integrated to the grid Ingrid connected mode or can act as
an independent power island (island mode )[1]. Renewable energy supplies 14.8% of the
total industrial energy demand mainly for low temperature industries .worldwide
population growth , the greenhouse effect and sustainable policies demand an increasing
use of renewable energy around the world . indeed the deployment of wind, solar and
hydropower resources has been remarkable and is still rising [2].However integrating such
massive amounts of variable renewable energy sources (vRES) into power systems poses
several technical and economic challenges. In particular vRES are difficult to predict and
they deliver a highly fluctuating power output [2]. The intermittent nature of renewable
resources hinders the performance of the grid by introducing issues with system stability,
reliability, and power quality. The variability and uncertainty of power output are the two
fundamental issues that hinder the bulk integration of renewable energy sources with the
existing grid. The introduction of ESSs to the grid can address the issue of variability by
decoupling the immediate power supply (generation) from the real-time power demand
within the grid. In addition, the ESS improve the power quality of the grid by providing
ancillary services[1].particularly ESS are widely esteemed as potential solutions for high
shares of vRES. The available ESS technologies differ vastly in terms of investment cost
per power capacity and per energy capacity. Moreover current research concludes that there
is no single ideal or even supreme- ESS technology. Indeed the requirement for ESS depend
on the characteristics of the power system under study and on the characteristics of the
vRES. Consequently, the key question is: what combination of storage technologies is
needed to tackle the challenges of vRES integration?
 Expansion planning is conventionally used to deal with this kind of questions. When the
focus is put on investment we refer to it as storage expansion planning(SEP). in practice
,generation, transmission, and storage can also be planned jointly [2].
This review will provide an overview of the various challenges in energy Storage for
RES grid integration, the solutions for effective Energy Storage Integration, a case study
for Best practices and conclusion and recommendations.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ESS(ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS)

ESS can be categorised into short-term and long-term systems based on storage
capacity. Technologies like flywheels, capacitors, battery energy storage systems, molten
salts, and compressed air energy systems are examples of short-term systems, which have
energy capacities ranging from seconds to days. Long-term systems include gas or
hydrogen storage, water reservoirs, and energy capacities ranging from weeks to seasons.
Heat storage and pumped hydro storage have both immediate and long-term uses.

The spatial distribution of ESS allows for additional classification. Large-scale battery
installations and pumped hydro storage are two examples of centralised energy storage
systems (ESS) that are site-specific. Others are dispersed and can be incorporated into
different areas of the power system, like homes or businesses.

Moreover, ESS can be categorised according to how mobile they are. Certain energy
storage systems (ESS), such as flywheels and batteries in electric cars, are movable and can
give the power system flexibility by transferring energy between locations. Certain energy
storage systems (ESS), such as gas storage or water reservoirs, are fixed and offer storage
at a specific place.

Different energy sectors interact in a variety of ways in addition to these kinds of ESS.
For instance, fuel cell or battery-powered electric vehicles can be used to connect the power
and transportation sectors. Gas and electricity networks can also be operated in tandem
thanks to innovations like Power-to-Gas (P2G), which enables the production of hydrogen
using electrolysers for use in a variety of industries.

Challenges in energy storage for RES grid integration

• Intermittency and variability[6]: The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources

(RESs), such wind and solar electricity, has a significant impact on power system stability
and dependability. Because these energy sources are dependent on weather, they are
unpredictable, which presents grid operators with several difficulties. The main source of
these difficulties is the unpredictability and fluctuation of power generation, which can give
rise to problems with system efficiency, reliability, and grid stability [4]. The impact is
evident in a few areas, as will be covered below:
 • Variations in Voltage and Frequency: Because renewable energy sources are
intermittent, there may be variations in the grid'svoltage and frequency.
Frequency variations caused by abrupt changes in power generation have the
potential to jeopardise the grid's stability [5].
• Grid balancing and load management: It can be difficult for grid operators to
match the fluctuating demand for electricity with the intermittent power supply
from renewable sources. Because renewable energy sources (RESs) are
unpredictable, it can be difficult to match generation with demand in real-time.
This calls for advanced grid control mechanisms and effective load management
techniques [4].

• Reserve Capacity and Backup Power: Systems for reserve capacity and
backup power must be in place to offset variations in the production of
renewable energy to maintain grid stability. Because RESs are intermittent,
there might need to be additional backup power sources—like conventional
power plants or energy storage systems—to supply steady, dependable
electricity at times when renewable energy output isn't as high [5].

• Planning and Integration of the System: The intermittent nature of renewable

energy sources presents additional difficulties for power systems throughout the
planning and integration stages [5]. To maintain a stable and balanced electricity
supply, grid operators must take the fluctuation of RESs into consideration
while planning for the long term of the system. This frequently entails designing
the system with cutting-edge forecasting methods, adaptable grid architecture,
and efficient energy storage options.

• Technological limitations and cost concerns : In order to effectively integrate clean

energy into the grid and mitigate the erratic and intermittent nature of renewable energy
sources (RES), energy storage solutions are essential. Still, these technologies have some
limits in terms of cost-effectiveness and scalability, despite their importance. Analysing the
existing limitations identifies a few significant obstacles:

• Scalability and Storage Capacity: Scalability and storage capacity are two
aspects of energy storage technologies that are inherently limited. Examples of
these technologies are compressed air energy storage, pumped hydro storage, and
lithium-ion batteries. It can be difficult to scale up these technologies to fulfil the
increasing energy demands of large-scale power systems because of limitations on
available resources, physical space, and environmental impact.
• Cycle Life and Degradation: Energy storage systems' cycle life and degradation
continue to be major issues, particularly for technologies like batteries and
capacitors. Short cycle life and deterioration over time can lower energy storage
systems' lifespan and overall efficiency, requiring regular maintenance and
replacements that can dramatically raise the system's overall costs.
 The challenge associated with the deployment of large scale energy storage systems

To address the issues raised by the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RES)
and guarantee grid stability and reliability, large-scale energy storage system deployment
is essential for grid integration. This project is not without difficulties, though. The
following are some of the main challenges facing the implementation of large-scale energy
storage systems for grid integration:

• Exorbitant Capital Costs: The initial outlay necessary for the installation of large-
scale energy storage devices may be unaffordable. This covers the price of the
storage units as well as the related infrastructure, which includes grid connections,
control systems, and power converters. The extensive implementation of energy
storage systems may be hindered by high capital costs, especially in areas with
restricted financial resources.

• Grid infrastructure Compatibility : Integrating energy storage systems (ESS) with

existing grid infrastructures presents a range of challenges that must be carefully addressed
to ensure the seamless incorporation of these systems. Several key challenges related to the
integration of ESS with grid infrastructures are:

• Compatibility and Interoperability: Ensuring the compatibility and

interoperability of energy storage systems with diverse grid infrastructures is a
critical challenge. Existing grid infrastructures may vary in terms of voltage levels,
load capacities, and technical specifications. Adapting ESS to different grid
configurations and ensuring seamless communication and coordination between
storage systems and grid components are essential to prevent operational issues and
grid instability.
• Infrastructure and Retrofitting Challenges: It can be expensive and complex to
upgrade the current grid infrastructure to allow for the integration of energy storage
systems. It takes careful planning and exact execution to retrofit old grid
components, install new control systems, and build reliable communication
networks between ESS and the grid infrastructure. The integration process may be
made more difficult by issues with system design, grid modernization initiatives,
and space limitations.
• Data management and cybersecurity: When energy storage systems are
integrated, new risks pertaining to data management and cybersecurity are
introduced. To secure grid operations and stop potential security breaches, it is
essential to protect ESS from cyberattacks, ensure data privacy, and establish strong
cybersecurity protocols. The cybersecurity risks connected with ESS integration
can be reduced by putting in place access controls, real-time monitoring systems,
and sophisticated encryption techniques.
 Solutions for effective energy storage integration

Advancement in energy storage technologies: the advancement in various energy

storage technologies provides valuable insights into the ongoing developments within the
field. Some key advancements to take note of are:
• Battery Storage: Modern battery storage systems offer a promising way to
handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources because they can
store energy for brief periods of time and react quickly. They can be used for
grid-level applications as well as residential ones because of their scalability
and versatility, which makes it easier to integrate variable energy generation into
the system.
• Pumped hydro storage: This dependable and effective long-term energy
storage solution is still available even in the face of geographic limitations.
Pumped hydro facilities reduce power output fluctuations from intermittent
renewable sources by storing excess energy during peak generation times and
releasing it during periods of high demand. This enhances grid stability and
dependability.
• Hydrogen Storage: Technologies utilising hydrogen can serve as a bridge for
the integration of variable renewable energy sources and offer a possible means
of long-term energy storage. By utilising excess renewable energy to produce
green hydrogen, energy can be stored and transported for longer periods of time,
lessening the effect of sporadic power generation on the grid.

Other Emerging Energy Storage Technologies: Cutting-edge energy storage

solutions with special ability to balance the erratic nature of renewable power
generation include flywheel energy storage systems, compressed air energy storage,
and thermal energy storage. The efficient management of variable energy resources is
facilitated by their ability to store energy for extended periods of time and offer
adaptable dispatch options.

Grid flexibility and demand response : Demand-side management is essential for

improving grid stability and making the most use of energy storage, especially when
integrating renewable energy sources (RES). This is a detailed examination of its
importance:

• Peak Demand Management and Load Shifting: Demand-side management

techniques allow energy consumption to be moved to off-peak hours, coordinating
energy use with times when renewable energy is most readily available. Utilities
can optimise the use of energy storage systems by reducing peak demand,
enhancing grid stability, and encouraging consumers to modify their patterns of
energy consumption.
• Demand Response Programmes: By putting demand response programmes into
place, customers can adjust how much energy they use in response to price signals
and grid conditions. Demand response programmes encourage load reduction
during times of high demand or low renewable energy availability. This helps to
 deploy energy storage resources efficiently and maintains a balance between
supply and demand in the grid.

Conclusion
Due to their intermittent nature, renewable energy sources (RES) present several challenges
when integrating them into current grids. Energy storage systems (ESS) are essential for
reducing these difficulties and guaranteeing the stability and dependability of the grid. To
successfully integrate ESS for RES grid integration, a number of important issues and their
solutions must be taken into account:
• Ideal Technology Selection: It's critical to select the right energy storage
technology. ESS technology selection requires careful consideration of various
factors, including energy density, cycle life, and efficiency. This ensures both
optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Intermittency Management: Grid stability is challenged by the erratic nature of
renewable energy generation. ESS effectively manage intermittency, ensuring a
stable power supply, by storing excess energy during peak generation and
discharging it during periods of low generation.
• Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness: Two major issues facing ESS technologies are
scalability and cost-effectiveness. Successful RES grid integration depends on the
deployment of scalable energy storage solutions that can effectively handle large
energy capacities at a reasonable cost.
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