Energy storage systems in modern grids—Matrix of technologies and applications

Abstract Energy storage technologies are used in modern grids for a variety of applications and with different techniques. The range of applications and technologies is very broad, and finding the right storage solution for the job at hand can be difficult. In order to simplify the selection, this paper presents a matrix of the available technologies and applications. Along with proposing the matrix, the technologies and applications of Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) are described thoroughly and are compared on the basis of many different parameters, such as capacity, storage power, response time, discharge time, and life time. Moreover, the structure of energy storage, which is constituted of different steps and parts, is investigated. Since the implementing of an ESS is expensive, this paper also analyzes the possibility of integrating different types of ESSs and presents a comprehensive diagram to show the ESS technologies that can be integrated together in order to provide the needed performance in a cost-optimal way. Finally, the key results of this comprehensive study are summarized in a number of tables.