Harmonizing Energy Supply And Demand Through Energy Storage Mechanisms A Feasibility Study For The University Of Calgary
Abstract
Today’s energy thirsty society relies heavily upon the energy supply and infrastructure that has evolved over the course of many decades. During this time electricity has emerged as a favoured medium to deliver energy to a wide variety of uses. Energy in electric form is easily transportable and efficiently converted into other forms of energy such as mechanical, light, and heat energy. However, electric energy is by its very nature a perishable good. Once generated it must be consumed or else it goes to waste. Compounding this issue is society’s variable energy demand pattern which causes periods of peak and off-peak demand during the day and night respectively. These peaks force energy producers to have available capacity to satisfy the peak demand level even though it lasts for only a few hours each day. This inefficient system requires a generation capacity that is significantly higher than the average demand level. Together, the perishable nature of electricity and our variable consumption pattern, present a overwhelming challenge to energy providers and system operators. However, through the employment of energy storage mechanisms system operators can effectively store electricity produced in off-peak periods to be use in peak periods. This practice, sometimes referred to as time-shifting or demand-shifting, can have a measured impact in balancing the energy demand pattern to reduce peak consumption levels. At the same time, energy storage systems make better use of base-load electricity generation resources like nuclear and hydro-electric plants which must operate at a consistent rate. This paper examines the issues mentioned above in detail and explores the various energy storage mechanisms available as solutions. Each mechanism is discussed and evaluated based on its; storage efficiency, storage capacity, cost, environmental impact, and adaptability. Later, a case study is presented to explore the implementation of energy storage systems to improve energy use. The University of Calgary was selected as a hypothetical field trial for this case study, in which a battery storage system is proposed as the most suitable means of energy storage based on the metrics listed above in relation to the energy demands of the University. Finally, the results of the case study are extrapolated to ponder energy storage implementation on a larger scale.
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Citation
Gowland, D. (2010). Harmonizing Energy Supply And Demand Through Energy Storage Mechanisms A Feasibility Study For The University Of Calgary (Unpublished report). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.