Does energy storage require a power dispatch system

What is a dispatchable energy source?

Dispatchable generation refers to sources of electricity that can be started or brought on-line at the request of power grid operators, according to demand on the grid. Some dispatchable clean energy sources are: hydroelectric, geothermal, nuclear, ocean thermal. Examples of non-dispatchable clean energy sources are wind, solar, and ocean waves.

What is a battery energy storage system?

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges (or collects energy) from the grid or a power plant and then discharges that energy at a later time to provide electricity or other grid services when needed.

What are the different types of energy storage?

All forms of energy storage are designed to dispatch power on command. Examples include lithium batteries, flow batteries, pumped hydro, compressed air, spinning masses, capacitor banks, hydrogen, to name a few. The predominant, legacy dispatchable energy source is the peaker plant (gas turbine).

What is California's most dispatchable energy source?

The predominant, legacy dispatchable energy source is the peaker plant (gas turbine). As recently as 2015 there were hundreds of these plants sprinkled around California. The majority of dispatch power in California continues to be gas-fired. Why is it important?

What is the difference between rated power capacity and storage duration?

Rated power capacity is the total possible instantaneous discharge capability (in kilowatts [kW] or megawatts [MW]) of the BESS, or the maximum rate of discharge that the BESS can achieve, starting from a fully charged state. Storage duration is the amount of time storage can discharge at its power capacity before depleting its energy capacity.

What is the purpose of dispatchable generation?

The primary purpose of dispatchable generation is to provide load-matching and peak-matching capabilities on the grid. Electricity on the grid does not exist statically, it’s dynamic and always in motion.