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Battery storage systems store electrical energy from various sources to be used later. They are typically used with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to drive sustainability and energy efficiency.
From integration of renewable energy sources to reduced energy costs and peak shaving, increased energy efficiency, and improved grid stability and reliability, battery storage provides incredible benefits for homes and businesses. The technology is ever evolving with modern battery storage systems offering higher efficiency, faster charging capabilities, and an increased lifespan.
The lifespan of a battery storage system has a considerable role to play when considering one for your home or business as it has a direct impact on how efficient it will be in terms of energy use and cost savings.
Read on to find out all about the lifespan of modern battery storage systems, factors that influence it, how to maximise the lifespan, and more:
Battery storage systems play a key role in the transition from traditional energy generation and storage using fossil fuels to cleaner renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Their importance in the modern energy landscape has led to an increase in their demand for both residential as well as commercial use.
Due to their significance in energy efficiency, cost savings, and protection of the environment, battery storage systems have been the focus of substantial research and development. From basic energy storage solutions to technologically advanced sophisticated systems, modern battery storage systems boast enhanced energy efficiency, reduced costs, and an improved lifespan.
When it comes to the lifespan of modern battery storage systems, they can be expected to last between 10 and 12 years, with some types and models reaching 15 years or longer with proper use, upkeep, and maintenance.
Other than the number of years, their longevity can also be measured by the total number of charging cycles they can handle before they start to degrade. This is a more accurate measure of their lifespan since it accounts for how much the batteries are used over the years.
A good quality modern battery storage system can shoot for around 6,000 to 10,000 charging and discharging cycles before it starts to deteriorate. Considering the system goes through one charging cycle per day, it should be good for 15 years or more.
A few telltale signs that indicate the battery system reaching the end of its life include consistently longer charge times, a noticeable reduction in the time the system maintains a charge, and visible damage. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to consider replacing your battery storage system as it is most likely beyond its optimal lifespan.
The type of battery and the way it is manufactured has a direct impact on how long it will last. There are several types of batteries available in the market, with some lasting longer than others. Here are a few common types of batteries used for energy storage, along with their expected lifespans:
Lithium-ion batteries are a popular choice for energy storage systems due to their efficiency, performance, and reliability. They are incredibly versatile and can store large amounts of energy in a compact form, making them perfect for applications where space is an issue.
Lithium-ion batteries have a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years and can support between 2,000 to 8,000 charging and discharging cycles. Compared to other types, lithium-ion batteries offer a higher efficiency of about 90-95% which minimises energy loss and a low self-discharge rate that enables them to retain power for longer periods of time.
Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest batteries that have been used for decades in energy storage systems. They are less expensive than other battery types and are incredibly low maintenance. However, they have a lower energy density and a shorter lifespan.
Lead-acid batteries have a typical lifespan of only 3 to 5 years and can support around 200 to 800 charging and discharging cycles. Despite their limited lifespan, lead-acid batteries are still a popular choice due to their affordability and safety (none of their active components are flammable like other battery types). They are also eco-friendly and have a proper recycling system where more than 90% of their raw materials are recovered.
Flow batteries are a relatively new energy storage technology that has a higher upfront cost attached to them since they are still in the early stages of development. However, unlike conventional batteries, they have a liquid-based energy storage medium, making them more long-lasting and less prone to degradation.
Flow batteries have a typical lifespan of around 20 years and can support over 10,000 charging and discharging cycles. Not only do they boast longevity, but they are also highly scalable which makes them a great choice for large-scale commercial applications such as grid storage.
Sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries use molten sodium and sulfur as active materials and operate at high temperatures of around 300 to 350°C. They offer stability and exceptional energy storage efficiency and are well-suited for large-scale applications and extreme temperature environments.
Sodium-sulfur batteries have a typical lifespan of up to 15 years and can support around 2,500 to 4,500 charging and discharging cycles.
The average life expectancy of a battery storage system is a general assumption that is influenced by several factors such as the type of battery, usage, depth of discharge, environmental conditions, and maintenance and care. The same system may last much longer in one scenario than the other depending on how it is used and cared for.
Following are all the factors affecting the lifespan of modern battery storage systems:
As discussed above, the type of battery you use for your energy storage system has a direct impact on its lifespan and longevity. Some battery types are built to be more resilient and last much longer than others.
There are several types of battery energy storage systems to choose from. The most notable difference between them is the type of chemicals they use. Some of the most common types include lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries, both of which are used mainly in domestic settings. Other types include flow batteries, Sodium-Sulfur batteries, Nickel-Cadmium batteries, Zinc-Bromine batteries, and solid-state batteries.
Out of the lot, lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice in current times due to their higher energy density, better performance, and longer lifespan.
The usage trends of the battery storage system have a huge impact on how long it will last. A system that goes through frequent charge and discharge cycles will degrade earlier than one that is not used as frequently. This depends on your energy consumption and the amount of load and strain the battery system is put through.
Since every battery has limited charge and discharge cycles, one that is being charged and used up regularly will reach its limit in a shorter period as compared to one that is not used as extensively. While using the battery infrequently can increase its lifespan, it is also important to note that batteries that have not been used for a certain period can also degrade, like how the battery in your car can lose charge if left unused for a longer time.
Depth of Discharge (DoD) refers to the percentage of the battery’s total capacity before it needs to be recharged. It defines the percentage of the battery’s capacity used relative to its total capacity. Most batteries cannot be completely discharged which leads to long-term damage, which is why they must retain a certain amount of charge. The amount of energy that it discharges is known as the depth of discharge.
A higher DoD means that you can use more of the battery’s stored energy before recharging it, and it directly relates to the longevity of the batteries and their extended lifespan. Most modern battery storage systems have special features that prevent using the battery’s full capacity to avoid early degradation.
The environmental conditions that the battery storage system is kept in are also a contributing factor to its longevity. Exposing it to harsh temperatures and extreme weather conditions can negatively affect its performance and lead to quicker degradation of its components.
For example, lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and do not work well in too hot or too cold environments. Very high temperatures can speed up the internal chemical process of the battery, while extremely low temperatures slow down the electrochemistry. Prolonged exposure to such harsh weather conditions can adversely affect the performance and longevity of the system.
Aside from extreme temperatures, other environmental factors also influence the lifespan of modern battery storage systems. Factors such as heat, moisture, dust, and debris can all cause the system to not perform as expected and show signs of faults and issues.
Regular upkeep and maintenance are two key points to remember if you want to prolong your battery storage system’s life and want it to keep working efficiently throughout. Proper care and preventive maintenance are imperative in ensuring that the systems and their components keep working as they should and continue to provide a reliable energy storage solution.
Not doing so can lead to issues with the system’s performance, efficiency, and reliability. Ill-maintained batteries have a reduced lifespan, are at risk of damage, have performance issues, and are not as reliant as they ought to be.
While battery storage systems do come with a limited lifespan, some longer than others, there are ways you can maximise their potential and lifespan. These systems come at a cost and the last thing you would want is for them to degrade prematurely. Not only would this be highly inconvenient but also lead to a financial loss.
Here are a few best practices to maximise the lifespan of modern battery storage systems:
When investing in a battery storage system, keep in mind your energy needs and requirements and get a system that matches them. If your energy consumption is high, get the right battery system with the adequate size and capacity to accommodate it.
A battery system that is too big may not only be costly but also inefficient. Similarly, a smaller system than you need may require deep discharges which would result in early degradation of the battery. Getting the right battery system is the first step in ensuring it is used efficiently and will last to its full potential.
After determining the right battery storage system for your needs, make sure you have it properly installed and setup. Hiring a professional company for the installation process will ensure all the safety standards are followed and the system is installed keeping peak efficiency in mind.
Battery storage system installation is a professional service that is carried out by experts in the field. The process is generally straightforward and includes a few key steps to make sure the system works efficiently and can integrate seamlessly with your solar panels/wind turbines.
The area where the system is installed also plays a crucial role in how well it will perform over the years. Make sure the battery system is placed in a temperature-controlled environment within the optimal range of 5°C to 25°C and is protected from extreme weather and damage.
Ensure all the wiring, connections, and cables are secured properly and the battery system is in a stable, clean, and dry area. Adequate ventilation is also important to prevent overheating.
Regular maintenance and care of the battery storage system are of utmost importance if you wish to maximise its potential and increase its lifespan. In addition to proper battery use and management, you also need to keep the battery system, and all its components properly maintained.
This includes visual inspections, cleaning, professional maintenance, and minor repairs. The first three are important for identifying any potential issues in the system and rectifying them before they turn into serious problems, while minor repairs contribute to the overall health of the system and add to the battery’s life.
Maintenance also includes battery management in terms of its charging practices and usage. Advanced energy management systems and smart charging can be used to control battery charging and discharging to prevent overcharging and deep discharging. Many modern battery storage systems also offer monitoring features that allow keeping a check on the battery’s health and performance.
Calder Electrical Services provides a wide range of solutions to help you play your part in making the world a more sustainable place.
If you wish to have solar panels installed on your residential or commercial property, our experts can conduct a site visit to determine your requirements and propose the best type of solar system for your needs.
We also offer battery storage installation so that you can minimise any wastage of the energy you create. This will help lower your energy bills and make you more independent from the grid.
We have been providing electrical services to residential, commercial, and industrial properties for over 40 years and are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations, maintenance, and testing.
All our work is fully insured and meets the current regulations and standards set by the NICEIC. Also, all the notifiable work is signed off by the local authorities.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 3001 to get in touch with our professional electricians for more information on the lifespan of modern battery storage systems and ways to maximise their potential.
Photo by Kumpan Electric on Unsplash
