The Utilisation of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Substations

Nowadays, most transmission and distribution substations are equipped with batteries. These batteries are used as an emergency power supply for critical loads and therefore play a crucial role in substation availability. At present vented lead-acid batteries are deeply entrenched in the market but are big, heavy, and require regular maintenance. These disadvantages inhibit substation development in areas which have limited space and also need more emergency capability due to having more DC motors and actuators connected. With technology development and cost reduction, relative to lead-acid, lithium-ion batteries now offer an attractive combination of ldquogreenerrdquo materials, compact, light, maintenance free, long life and high power and energy density. This paper presents the lithium-ion battery characteristics and the integration of lithium-ion batteries into substations. Simulation and experimental results are also presented and discussed.