ExxonMobil chemist Stanley Whittingham developed the first lithium-ion battery in the 1970s and Sony and Asahi Kasei created the first commercial product in 1991. The first batteries were used for consumer electronics, for instance in cell phones, and now, building on the success and proven reliability of these lithium-ion batteries, many companies have developed larger-format cells for use in energy-storage applications.
Recurrent Energy has developed and connected 6.4 GWh of battery storage projects across six continents. Our experience spans multiple technologies and markets, enabling us to deliver flexible and reliable energy storage systems that support grid stability and the integration of renewable power worldwide.
Relatively small battery cells, very similar to the small batteries used in consumer electronics, are arranged into modules, which are then arranged into racks. These racks are housed either in purpose-built containers or buildings and are connected to the grid via inverters (turning DC electricity to AC and vice versa). This allows the storage system to charge and discharge stored energy, as needed.
Yes. Advances in technology and materials have greatly increased the reliability, output, and density of modern battery systems, and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the associated cost. Safety is paramount to continued and widespread use of energy storage. In fact, all energy storage projects must incorporate sophisticated battery and energy management systems as well as operations and management protocols to monitor, alert, and report all aspects of the facilities with multiple layers of redundancy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fire prevention and mitigation is of the utmost importance. Independent requirements and certifications for fire safety have undergone rapid development and implementation in recent years.