Why is water storage important?

Water storage has always been important in the production of electric energy and most probably will be in future energy power systems. It can help stabilize regional electricity grid systems, storing and regulating capacity and load following, and reduce costs through coordination with thermal plants.

What are the applications of water-based storage systems?

Aside from thermal applications of water-based storages, such systems can also take advantage of its mechanical energy in the form of pumped storage systems which are vastly use for bulk energy storage applications and can be used both as integrated with power grid or standalone and remote communities.

When was the first electricity storage system invented?

The first electrical energy storage systems appeared in the second half of the 19th Century with the realization of the first pumped-storage hydroelectric plants in Europe and the United States. Storing water was the first way to store potential energy that can then be converted into electricity.

How does a mechanical storage system work?

Mechanical storage systems work on the basis of storing available and off-peak excessive electricity in the form of mechanical energy. Once the demand for electricity power overcome the available energy supply, the stored energy would be release to meet with the energy demand.

Why do we need water-based storage systems?

Under these circumstances relying on “water-based” storage systems to compete with fossil fuels dominancy is an efficient solution due to various advantages of water-based systems including high specific heat, non-toxicity, lower costs, chemical stability, availability and high capacity rate during charge and discharge.

What are examples of energy storage systems?

Examples include flywheels, pumped hydro storage, and compressed air energy storage. In these systems, electrical energy is converted into kinetic or potential energy, which is then stored until required.