What does multi-energy storage system mean

Multi-energy requires the barriers between the different energy networks to be broken down, so that energy efficiency can be improved by: energy storage for use at a later time. In other words, multi-energy means developing a global energy system that is more efficient, more diverse and more local.

Energy storage systems allow energy consumption to be separated in time from the production of energy, whether it be electrical or thermal energy. The storing of electricity typically occurs in chemical (e.g., lead acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries, to name just two of the best known) or mechanical means (e.g., pumped hydro storage).

Multi-energy creates synergies between the different networks, including renewable energies, allowing a reduction in energy wastage by storing lost energy (or unavoidable energy), or by transforming it into a form of energy that is in greater demand or which is more efficient to use.

Arguably, all energy systems are truly “multi-energy” from a physical perspective, in the sense that multiple energy vectors and sectors interact at different levels, from demand to generation, in case facilitated by networks.

In this context, in fact, significantly important and widespread cases of MES are the ones based on multi or polygeneration, which can be defined as the combined production of multiple energy vectors (e.g., electricity, heat, and cooling), from a unique source of fuel.

(1) where is the rated capacity of the energy storage unit, kWh; is the rated output power of the energy storage unit, kW. Considering a complete charging and discharging cycle, the response time of storage is twice the equivalent time, i.e. .