Quest for advanced energy storage continues

Demand for improved storage integration with smart grids continues to grow, and the latest trends support this demand rather than address it. As utilities and communities move toward renewable energy, microgrids and other improvements, the need for optimized, reliable and expansive energy storage continues to advance.

The microgrid market and energy storage opportunities are expected to grow hand in hand over the next 10 years, according to a study by Navigant Research. Driven by an increase in fossil fuel prices and increased investment into ancillary service markets, wind, solar and smart grids focused on resiliency, energy storage will ensure stability and delivery optimization of power over these new infrastructure changes. This is particularly important in the customer-owned microgrid segment, which is rapidly growing in North America.

"Rapid expansion of the microgrid market over the next 10 years will drive increased demand for energy storage associated with these systems," said Anissa Dehamna, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. "Energy storage systems can also allow participation in deregulated ancillary service markets, further improving the economics of the overall system."

The 2013 Grid Energy Storage report from the U.S. Department of Energy noted that the current U.S. grid storage capacity is around 24.6GW, a mere 2.3 percent of total energy production. This is significantly lower than other nations. The trick is investing in the right storage solutions that match the applications of that energy. The report also notes that storage technologies have to be cost effective, valuable and able to seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure in order to compete with and benefit current markets.

Ultimately, for utilities, energy storage is essential to embracing the future of the power industry and ensuring sustainable, reliable smart grid growth. The key to starting the transition toward this brighter future is deploying the right technology for grid communications and the support of smart meters and other essential components. from serial to Ethernet converters to terminal servers, this hardware represents the building blocks of the smart grid and the foundation for future expansions.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.