Electrochemical Cells and Storage Technologies to Increase Renewable Energy Share in Cold Climate Conditions—A Critical Assessment

Yao Ahoutou, Adrian Ilinca and Mohamad Issa
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Yao Ahoutou: Wind Energy Research Laboratory, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
Adrian Ilinca: Wind Energy Research Laboratory, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
Mohamad Issa: Wind Energy Research Laboratory, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300, Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-30

Abstract: The energy efficiency of a renewable energy system is inextricably linked to the energy storage technologies used in conjunction with it. The most extensively utilized energy storage technology for all purposes is electrochemical storage batteries, which have grown more popular over time because of their extended life, high working voltage, and low self-discharge rate. However, these batteries cannot withstand the very low temperatures encountered in cold regions, even with these very promising technical characteristics. The cold northern temperatures affect the batteries’ electromotive force and thus decrease their storage capacity. In addition, they affect the conductivity of the electrolyte and the kinetics of electrochemical reactions, thus influencing the capacity and speed of electrons in the electrolyte. In this article, which is intended as a literature review, we first describe the technical characteristics of charge–discharge rate of different electrochemical storage techniques and their variations with temperature. Then, new approaches used to adapt these electrochemical storage techniques to cold climates are presented. We also conduct a comparative study between the different electrochemical storage techniques regarding their performance in the harsh climatic conditions of the Canadian North.

Keywords: renewable energy; energy storage systems; batteries; cold northern temperatures; storage capacity; kinetics; adaptation method; containerized solutions for batteries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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