Quick Answer
Wind energy can be stored for later use through various methods, but it's not as straightforward as storing solar energy. Battery banks and pumped hydro storage are the most common methods used to store excess energy generated by wind turbines.
Storing Excess Energy
To store excess energy generated by a small residential wind turbine, a battery bank is the most suitable option. A typical residential wind turbine can produce around 2-5 kilowatts of power, which can be stored in a battery bank consisting of deep cycle batteries. For example, a 48V, 10kWh battery bank can be used to store excess energy generated by a 2kW wind turbine.
Energy Storage Systems
When selecting an energy storage system for a small residential wind turbine, it’s essential to consider the depth of discharge (DOD), charge/discharge cycles, and the overall capacity required. For a 2kW wind turbine, a battery bank with a DOD of 50% and 3000-4000 charge/discharge cycles can be a suitable option. The cost of a battery bank can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and type of batteries used.
Connection to the Grid
To connect the stored energy to the grid, an inverter is required to convert the DC power from the battery bank to AC power. The inverter should be sized according to the capacity of the battery bank and the wind turbine. For example, a 5kVA inverter can be used to connect a 10kWh battery bank to the grid. The inverter should also have a high efficiency rating to minimize energy losses.
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