The Role of Electrical- and Thermal-Energy Storages in Energy Supply Systems

The article considers the role of electrical- and thermal-energy storages in increasing the efficiency of low-power cogeneration plants (CPs), which are the main sources of electrical and thermal energy in energy supply systems for regions with a high utility load. Using storages allow creating an effective utility power infrastructure and favorable conditions for socio-economic development. This is achieved due to an increase in the installed capacity utilization factor and the fuel efficiency ratio of CPs. The magnitude of the effects depends on the composition of consumers of electrical and thermal energy, their daily load profiles, and the structure of the energy supply system. This, in turn, affects the choice of type, number, capacity, and location of storages in the energy supply system. It is proposed to implement pilot projects to introduce electrical- and thermal-energy storages in energy supply systems based on CPs for assessing the actual effects and analyzing and replicating the experience gained.