Comparison of Reversible SOC-Based Renewable Energy Storage Systems for the Netherlands and India

Abstract

The present study explores a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) for a microgrid, with Li-ion batteries for short-term storage coupled with a reversible solid oxide cell (rSOC) system for seasonal energy storage in hydrogen. A comparison of system size and capital cost shows that using a HESS leads to significant savings compared to a system with only batteries, with a capital cost reduction of up to 75 %. The study also reveals that Jodhpur (India) has greater needs for seasonal storage, and sees greater benefits from the use of a HESS than a temperate region like Groningen (Netherlands), due to the very high variability of wind energy, combined with the high share of wind energy in India. This shows that reversible solid oxide cell systems are a serious contender for energy storage in different climatic regions.