Novel Whole System Modelling for Energy Storage Systems
Challenge
Energy storage systems play a vital role in the process of grid balancing, ensuring that networks can provide a stable and continuous supply of electricity. Energy can be captured during periods of high production and low demand to be released during subsequent spells of low production and high demand. This is particularly important for the transition to renewable energy, due to the intermittent nature of wind and solar.
We were approached by a customer with a novel energy storage system design, looking to carry out early-stage physics-based modelling of their concept. This would provide a viable envelope of performance and provide insights into the potential impacts of design choices when specifying the system.
Solution
We utilised an in-house system modelling tool to build a first order physics-based model of the novel energy storage system. By striking an appropriate balance between fidelity and execution speed, we were able to run thousands of simulations in a short space of time. Through the quantification of variability in performance across a range of realistic input parameters, a picture could be built of the system’s operating window as well as identifying which parameters were key drivers of performance.
The model was validated by comparing simulation results with scientific literature containing results for ‘most-similar’ existing systems and small-scale laboratory experiments.
Impact
Providing the customer with a whole-system physics-based model of their energy storage system concept has increased their understanding of the system’s fundamental behaviour and likely performance envelope. Equipped with a model of their system, the customer can ask and swiftly answer a range of ‘what-if’ questions that help shape their design as the concept moves towards realisation. The model provides a valuable resource when determining resource allocation, such as which aspects of the design could provide the most impact on performance through further refinement.
