Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) store the energy generated by renewable sources, so that it can be used at a later date.
For example, the energy produced by solar PV systems isn’t consistent so it’s very useful to be able to store electricity generated during the day in a battery so that it can be used later.
There’s also the potential to feed excess electricity back into the national grid.
Where are EESS used?
Research and development in recent years means that battery storage technology has greatly improved, leading to their wider use in domestic settings.
The most popular EESS are Lithium-ion batteries. These make up 90 percent of the global grid battery storage market. Compared to other battery options, lithium-ion batteries have high energy density and are lightweight.
The technology has become more affordable in recent years and this too has led to a growth in the market.
The capacity of a typical home battery storage system is around 16kWh, but there are ‘stackable’ bespoke systems, which can increase capacity if required.
To give you an idea of the capacity, a 16KW battery stores enough electricity to boil a kettle 148 times!
What are the benefits of EESS?
EESS offer households a range of cost-cutting and other energy efficiency benefits:
- They make renewable energy more effective by ensuring that energy generated by renewable sources is available 24/7.
- EESS can make the home totally independent from the public supply.
- Because they don’t rely on the public supply, EISS ensure the consistent supply of energy during national grid power outages.
- If your home is connected to the grid, an electricity battery will help you make the most of your renewable electricity, meaning your electricity bills will be cheaper and your carbon emissions will be lower.
What’s the code of practice for EESS installers?
The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) has written a code of practice for installers of EESS. The document is in its second edition and provides up to date information on how to safely and effectively specify, design, install, commission, operate and maintain EESS systems.
The scope of this Code of Practice covers the installation of EESS units in:
- individual dwellings;
- commercial applications, including multi-occupancy buildings and multi-occupancy residential buildings;
- industrial applications
it covers:
- electrochemical energy storage systems in electrical installations;
- integration into low voltage (LV) power systems (AC and DC) and
- systems aligned with existing standards, regulations and guidance.
The IET’s Code of Practice provides guidance to help support the growth of the electrical energy storage market and has been updated to take account of recent developments in the industry and standardization. It also addresses emerging technical challenges such as arc flash risk assessments.
The IET’s Code of Practice is available to purchase here
What are the training options for EESS installers?
At the moment, GTEC is the only training centre in the UK offering LCL Awards’ level 3 qualification aimed at practicing electricians, electrical technicians and engineers with experience of Electrical installations.
It provides detailed theory and practical knowledge enabling you to apply the relevant regulations and guidance involved in the specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance of battery storage systems, in accordance with the IET Code of Practice.
If you’re interested in becoming a forerunner in this new field of work, please get in touch with us. For more information on training, please click here
