What is a Storage Battery? A storage battery is a rechargeable battery that can be fully discharged into a load, and then recharged numerous times. It replaces a primary battery that is supplied fully charged and is discarded after use. In some cases, a Storage Battery may have several uses, including backup power for emergency generators, electric cars, and portable electronics. But how do these batteries work?

Energy storage
Energy storage batteries are widely used in many industries. The US Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has an entire program devoted to energy storage. These researchers are developing long-duration energy storage systems to provide backup power and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. While energy storage technology has many advantages, challenges remain. For example, lithium batteries can be fully discharged without risking a fire. Until now, most energy storage technologies have been limited to small installations.

As a result, many utilities have adopted resource planning strategies using a variety of energy sources. By blending flow and lithium-ion technologies, utilities can minimize the risks associated with their energy storage portfolios. Using these technologies in tandem can reduce risks across the entire portfolio. With such potential benefits, there are many reasons to use energy storage batteries in your business or home.

Applications
While applications of storage batteries are still in their infancy, they have the potential to be a major component of the modern power grid. While the technology is still evolving, it has already spawned several major investment opportunities. Among these is utility-scale storage. In this capacity, energy storage can store surplus energy during low-demand periods while reducing power consumption in high-demand times. This capability is one of the most significant value-adds for the C&I industry.

Because they are rechargeable, storage batteries have multiple uses. They are commonly used as backup batteries in a wide range of industries. Their lifespan ranges from 18 months to two years. Rechargeable storage batteries can also be recharged by adding new electrolyte and electrodes. The size of secondary cells depends on the type of service that the battery is intended for. In some applications, small cells are connected in parallel. And because the capacity of storage batteries is increasing, they need to be properly maintained.