What is ESS?

When asking ‘what is ESS’, you’re likely also asking the same question about BESS. You may even have seen the terms ESS and BESS used interchangeably. BESS simply stands for battery energy storage system. (I.e. energy stored in batteries.) On the other hand, ESS is just a general term for an energy storage system. Think of it like this.

What does ESS stand for in energy storage?

If you’ve read anything about energy storage, there’s a good chance you’ve come across ESS. But what is ESS, exactly? In short, ESS stands for energy storage system. It generally does what it says on the tin – stores energy which can then be discharged for later use. So, what are the different types of ESS? Is an ESS the same as a BESS?

What are the different types of ESS batteries?

The most common types of batteries you’ll come across are lithium-ion batteries, known for their high energy density and long cycle life. Other ESS batteries include flow batteries, which use liquid electrolytes for electricity storage and can offer a longer lifespan.

How does an ESS work?

Charging: During the charging phase, your ESS takes in electricity from the grid or a renewable source like solar or wind energy and stores it in the battery. Inverters play a crucial role here, converting the supplied AC electricity into DC electricity, which can then be stored in the battery.

How do I measure the battery capacity of my ESS?

Firstly, you should measure the battery capacity of your ESS, which refers to the total amount of energy the system can store and deliver when needed. This is often expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To accurately measure the capacity, you can use energy meters to track the inflow and outflow of energy during charging and discharging cycles.

What are the applications of ESS?

Some key applications for ESS include: Self-consumption: Storing excess energy generated (often by solar panels) for later use in your home or business. Renewable energy generation: Balancing the intermittent nature of renewable power sources, such as solar and wind, ensuring a steady energy supply.