Energy storage in the industrial field
Energy storage in the industrial field
Energy storage in the industrial field: types and applications
Energy storage is a key element in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. With the increase in renewable energies, knowing how and where to store energy is as important as generating it.
In this article we review the main systems used and delve into thermal storage (point 3), a field with a growing role in the industry where our company provides industrial electric heating solutions.
1. Electrochemical storge
This is the most widespread and well-known system today. Electrochemical storage stores energy in chemical form and returns it as electricity when needed. These are some of the main technologies:
- Lithium batteries (Li-ion, LFP, NMC): high energy density, fast response and great versatility, from electric vehicles to self-consumption systems or large-scale networks.
- Lead-acid batteries: mature and economical technology, widely used in stationary and backup systems, but with a shorter useful life than lithium batteries.
- Flow batteries (vanadium, zinc-bromine): highly scalable and with a long useful life, ideal for large-scale stationary storage.
2. Mechanical storage
Mechanical systems store energy by transforming it into movement or potential energy. The most prominent technologies are:
- Reversible hydroelectric: the most widely used on a large scale; pumping water to a higher level and recovering energy by letting it fall.
- Compressed air (CAES): energy is stored by compressing air in cavities or tanks, which then drives turbines.
- Flywheels: store kinetic energy in a rotor, with very fast response to stabilize the grid.
3. Thermal storage
Thermal storage stores energy in the form of heat or cold for later use in industrial processes, steam generation or HVAC systems. It is especially relevant in industrial environments, where the demand for heat is continuous and high.
Featured technologies
- Hot / cold water: used in heating, cooling and urban thermal networks.
- Molten salts: efficient and mature technology for applications that require heat at medium and high temperatures. Mixtures of sodium and potassium nitrates offer high heat capacity and stability above 500°C. This system allows heat from electrical or solar energy to be stored and preserved for extended periods with reduced losses, ideal for industrial processes or steam generation.
- Phase change materials (PCM): absorb or release large amounts of energy during the change of state, with high thermal density.
Our contribution in this area
Our company actively participates in thermal storage systems through the manufacture of electric heaters for molten salts, a natural evolution of our trajectory that allows us to respond to new needs in the sector and expand the solutions we offer in the energy field.
4. Chemical storage
This type transforms electricity into chemical energy that can be stored for long periods.
- Green hydrogen: produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity; can be stored and reused in fuel cells or industrial processes.
- E-fuels: fuels created with renewable energy that can replace fossil fuels in sectors such as aviation or industry.
5. Direct electrical storage
These technologies store energy directly in electrical form, without intermediate conversion.
- Supercapacitors: ultra-fast charging and discharging, long lifespan, useful for very short energy pulses.
- SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage): stores energy in a magnetic field with very low losses and immediate response.
6. Hybrid systems
Combining technologies can offer better overall performance:
- Batteries + thermal: combined use of heat and electricity.
- Batteries + hydrogen: fast response and long-term storage.
- Solar + storage + grid: flexible and optimized energy management.
There is no single technology that solves all needs: each system has advantages and limitations depending on the application, scale and project requirements. For example, batteries are ideal for short-term uses and high energy density, while systems such as reversible hydroelectricity or hydrogen stand out for large-scale and long-term storage.
At IES SOLER we work with this global vision, analyzing each case individually to help our clients select and integrate the most suitable storage solutions within their industrial and energy processes. Understanding these technologies is key to driving the energy transition, integrating more renewables and ensuring a reliable, efficient and sustainable long-term supply.
