Siemens has developed an energy-storage system that can act as a buffer in electrical power grids. The aim is to provide a buffer against short-term fluctuations in output from renewable energy sources. Such fluctuations can last for seconds or several minutes long.
The Siestorage battery is based on lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology and fits into a normal shipping container. It stores 500 kWh of electricity, which is about the average daily power consumption of 50 households.
The Italian power company Enel recently switched on the first Siestorage installation, which has a capacity of 1 MW. Enel is using the installation, which is connected to its primary distribution network, to study how voltage can be stabilized.