Energy storage
Energy Storage
Energy storage (/ˈɛnərdʒi ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/) is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time. A device that stores energy is generally called an accumulator or battery.
Etymology
The term "energy storage" as used in contemporary science and engineering was coined in the 19th century. The concept of "storing energy" originates from the idea of storing potential energy in a system for later use.
Types of Energy Storage
There are several methods for storing energy, which can be categorized into physical, chemical, and biological methods.
- Physical energy storage methods store energy in the form of kinetic or potential energy. Examples include flywheel energy storage, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and compressed air energy storage.
- Chemical energy storage involves the use of chemical reactions to store and release energy. The most common example is the battery, which stores energy in chemical form and converts it back to electrical energy when needed.
- Biological energy storage involves the storage of energy in organic compounds, such as carbohydrates and fats. This is the method used by living organisms to store energy.
Applications
Energy storage has a wide range of applications, from small-scale applications such as powering portable devices to large-scale applications such as grid energy storage. It is also crucial in renewable energy systems, where it can help to balance supply and demand and improve system reliability.
Related Terms
- Energy
- Energy conservation
- Energy transformation
- Renewable energy
- Non-renewable energy
- Potential energy
- Kinetic energy
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