Optimal energy storage sizing using equivalent circuit modelling for prosumer applications (Part II)

An optimal system design indirectly implies efficient use of available resources, i.e., minimum investment to achieve the desired outcome. An increased demand of energy storages highlights the importance of efficient use and optimal storage sizing. However, the variety of available and newly developed storage technologies complicates decision-making in choosing the appropriate technology to the compatible application. The characterization of storage types extends to the inherent dynamic behavior and technical limitations, which is imperative for storage system design. This paper proposes a brute-force method of optimal storage system sizing based on the equivalent circuit modeling while considering storage's operation constraints. The sizing routine is applied to a set of different energy storage technologies (lead-acid, Li-ion, vanadium-redox flow battery, double-layer capacitor, flywheel) to balance the energy demand of a single-family building supported by a 3.36 kW(peak) photovoltaic system. This case focuses on the energy management application of energy storages. Additionally, a suitability index is introduced to determine the applicability of the investigated storages in reference to an ideal case.