Modern power conversion for complementary energy storage

Similar to the classical solution of hydraulic pump-turbine plants, new means for accumulation of electrical energy are given for lower but respectable quantities by the so called BESS (battery energy storage systems) and SMES (superconducting magnet energy storage). Another energy accumulator is given by using the mechanical kinetic energy of a flywheel. Each system has advantages and disadvantages from the point of view of the quantity of stored energy and magnitude of the instantaneous usable power. A realistic application of energy storage should combine different means of storage, using the advantages of their complementarity. Modern energy conversion techniques allow fast, and flexible power control, and also reactive power compensation