Energy Storage

In this chapter, the importance, fundamental mechanisms and benefits of energy storage techniques and applications of the different storage methods are represented in detail. It is expected to make the energy ready to use whenever and wherever it is requested. Energy storage is defined as the accumulation of energy for further usage when the demand arises. Energy can be stored one of the following forms mechanical, chemical, electrical, electrochemical or thermal. Energy storage is an advanced energy technology application that provides a significant potential for not only securing the reliability of the energy supply but also the operation of the energy transportation systems and their components more effectively, efficiently and economically. While underground storage of natural gas can provide the reliability of the energy supply, the storage of high-pressure hydrogen can help to put in practice new generation clean transportation options. The sensible and/or latent heat thermal energy storage applications are used to store the solar energy in space heating/cooling and hot water supply systems. The battery technology and electric to heat/heat to electric storage techniques are used to resolve the intermittency of the wind farms and maintain sustainable energy production. Supplying reliable energy to the end-users throughout a year is a complex mission that includes the management of the seasonal variations in energy supply, daily fluctuations in energy production and the demand. On the other hand, it is critical to guarantee a continuous power supply without any interruption for industrial and household usage. That is the storage of energy has an essential and critical role in maintaining a balance between the demand and the supply.