Evaluation and perspectives of storage technologies for PV electricity

In order to increase the use of renewable energies, the topic of RE storage is a critical issue. Within the European thematic network INVESTIRE, nine different technologies are evaluated for the storage of renewable energy, either in stand-alone or in grid-connected applications. In this paper, the strains put by a PV application on a storage function are defined with reference to existing systems. Furthermore, the way different storage technologies can answer these needs is evaluated. The technologies assessed are lead/acid, lithium systems, double-layer capacitors, nickel systems, electrolyser/hydrogen storage/fuel-cell associations, flywheels, redox flow batteries, compressed air and metal-air systems. The analysis will allow the assessment of hybridising possibilities and of future RTD goals.