Analysis of a VRB energy storage system for a tidal turbine generator

Application of high efficiency energy storage techniques may stimulate in a near future a larger exploitation of renewable energy sources. Energy storage, in fact, not only can improve the quality of produced power, but also make possible the implementation of sophisticated energy management strategies, fully decoupling the power delivery from power generation. In such a scenario, Vanadium Redox Batteries Energy Storage Systems represent a quite mature technology. In fact, they are able to store large amounts of energy on medium and long periods with competitive costs. The purpose of this paper is to study the introduction of a VRB Energy Storage System in a standalone tidal turbine generator. The generator is tasked to supply a set of residential loads with minimal use of energy delivered from conventional generators burning fossil fuels. Optimization of the VRB storage system and stability analysis are performed by simulation in the time domain under different operating conditions.