20806287Special Topics: Energy Storage
Course Information
Description
This course is an orientation to various energy storage systems and emphasizes Lithium-Ion battery technology. Become familiar with how energy storage systems work and how to size a battery energy storage system. Compare and contrast energy storage systems and determine the best system for an application.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze various energy storage systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Research Paper)
    Criteria
    Describe energy storage technologies, including pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels, hydrogen, ultracapacitors, and various types of electrochemical batteries
    Paper includes content related to a specific energy storage technology
    Paper includes at least three outside references
    Paper is organized logically
    Paper identifies areas of future research and innovations for the chosen energy storage technology

  2. Summarize the chemistry inside a battery and describe how circuits work
    Assessment Strategies
    Hands-on Skill Demonstration in Lab, Written Lab Worksheet
    Criteria
    Describe a redox reaction
    Identify the function of various battery components, including anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte, and current collector
    Measure and calculate electric potential and current for batteries wired in series and parallel
    Measure and calculate power, energy, electric potential, and current for energy storage circuits
    Explain the relationship between charge controller, BMS, battery, and solar and how these elements work together as a system
    Series and parallel battery lab performance meets expectations as identified by the instructor
    Battery and charge controller lab performance meets expectations as identified by the instructor

  3. Compare and contrast various battery chemistries
    Assessment Strategies
    Hands-on Skill Demonstration in Lab, Written Lab Worksheet
    Criteria
    Describe the difference between lead-acid, NiMH, and Lithium-Ion batteries
    Differentiate Electric Potential vs. Time graph for the discharge of various battery chemistries at different C-rates and different temperatures
    Differentiate Capacity/State of Charge vs. time graph for the discharge of various battery chemistries at different C- rates and different temperatures
    Explain the effects of discharge rate and temperature on discharge capacity and battery life
    Battery analyzer lab performance meets expectations as identified by the instructor

  4. Calculate the size of a battery bank based on energy use needs
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation
    Criteria
    Determine the purpose of the energy storage system (night-time usage and/or days of autonomy)
    Explain how factors such as temperature and peak power demand affect the sizing of the battery bank
    Describe the function of the BMS and the DC/AC inverter
    Presentation includes a recommended battery bank size and is logically organized
    Presentation tone, volume, and language are appropriate to the audience

  5. Predict the operation of a specified energy storage system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Paper), Presentation
    Criteria
    Specify an energy storage system
    Describe the intended application of the energy storage system
    Calculate the required specifications/parameters for the energy storage system
    Describe the chosen energy storage system components and the rationale for their selection
    Predict the basic operation of the specified energy storage system, including parameters such as peak power, depth of discharge, max/min and average operating temperature, efficiency, expected cycle lifetime, and anticipated cost of operation ($/kWh stored)
    Model the basic operation of the system
    Presentation tone, volume, and language are appropriate to the audience

  6. Install a residential size battery energy storage system
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Demonstrate safe practices for working with energy storage equipment
    Use voltage rated tools and personal protective equipment
    Apply wiring and installation practices to conform with relevant electrical and fire codes
    Apply proper protocols for safe commissioning of an energy storage system
    Use electrical meters to measure and verify electric potentials and current