The potential of lithium-ion batteries and vanadium redox flow batteries as distributed stationary energy storage systems for photovoltaics

Abstract

The past decade has seen large-scale penetration of distributed renewable energy. Electrochemical energy storage systems are proving their potential to enable the transition from conventional energy generation to more sustainable forms. This thesis will focus on increasing the rate of self-consumption of on-site generated electricity by the application of electrochemical energy storage systems. In the current study, Lithium-ion Batteries and (Vanadium) Redox Flow Batteries have been identified as technologies with the greatest potential at the capacity range of 40-70kWh. In combination with photovoltaics, both systems have reached grid parity level, with an estimated payback period of 6.3 years in the region of Bavaria, Germany. The results of this study suggest that especially SMEs in agriculture may benefit from such systems and could decrease their annual electricity bill significantly. Further work needs to be done in order to assess the potential of distributed storage systems in urban areas and businesses with unfavorable load curves for wider usage of photovoltaics.