Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):
Technologies
I. Technologies Used in BESS
Battery Energy Storage Systems are broadly categorized based on the battery chemistry and
supporting system components. Here's an overview of the main technologies:
1. Battery Technologies
A. Lithium-ion Batteries (Li-ion)
- Most widely used in BESS due to high energy density, fast charging, and falling costs.
- Variants:
• LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) – high thermal stability, safer, lower energy density.
• NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) – higher energy density, widely used in EVs and grid
applications.
- Use Cases: Residential, commercial, grid-scale.
B. Sodium-ion Batteries
- Emerging alternative to Li-ion; better availability of raw materials.
- Lower energy density but promising for stationary energy storage.
C. Lead-Acid Batteries
- Low cost but shorter cycle life and lower depth of discharge.
- Still used in UPS and smaller off-grid setups.
D. Flow Batteries (Vanadium Redox Flow, Zinc-Bromine)
- Separate energy and power scaling via electrolyte volume and stack size.
- Longer life, suited for long-duration storage (4–12+ hours).
- Lower energy density and higher CAPEX.
E. Solid-State Batteries (Future Tech)
- Replace liquid electrolyte with solid; higher energy density and safety.
- Currently in R&D and pilot phases.
F. Others (Less Common)
- Nickel-Cadmium, Zinc-Air, Molten Salt, etc., for niche or legacy applications.
