Energy Storage Course

Lesson 1 • Storage System Boundaries and Components

Identifies the physical and functional boundaries of a storage system, from cells to balance-of-plant. Builds a systems-thinking framework for later design chapters.

Lesson 2 • Energy Storage in Modern Grids

Covers the role of storage in balancing supply and demand across electrical grids. Provides context for all subsequent technical chapters.

Lesson 3 • Core Storage Metrics and Terminology

Defines energy, power, capacity, efficiency, and cycle life as measurable storage attributes. These metrics are used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 1 • Electrochemical Cell Principles

Explains oxidation-reduction reactions, electrode potentials, and ion transport that underpin all battery operation. Provides the chemical foundation for evaluating specific chemistries.

Lesson 2 • Battery Performance Characterization

Covers testing protocols, capacity fade models, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for quantifying battery health. Links measurement methods to operational decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistries

Compares NMC, LFP, NCA, and LTO cathode chemistries across energy density, safety, and cost. Enables informed chemistry selection for stationary and mobile applications.

Lesson 4 • Lead-Acid and Nickel-Based Batteries

Reviews mature electrochemical technologies still widely deployed in backup power and industrial settings. Contextualizes their cost and performance relative to lithium-ion alternatives.

Lesson 1 • Thermal Energy Storage

Explores sensible, latent, and thermochemical storage for heating, cooling, and power generation applications. Demonstrates how thermal storage reduces peak electrical demand.

Lesson 2 • Pumped Hydroelectric Storage

Examines the largest deployed storage technology, covering turbine-generator operation, site requirements, and grid services. Establishes a benchmark for large-scale storage economics.

Lesson 3 • Compressed Air Energy Storage

Covers adiabatic and diabatic CAES configurations, underground cavern requirements, and efficiency limitations. Connects thermodynamic principles to real-world deployment constraints.

Lesson 4 • Flywheel Energy Storage

Analyzes rotational kinetic energy storage, bearing technologies, and high-power short-duration service profiles. Positions flywheels within frequency regulation and UPS markets.

Lesson 1 • Grid Codes and Interconnection Standards

Explains voltage, frequency, power factor, and fault ride-through requirements imposed by grid operators. Ensures students can design systems that meet interconnection approval criteria.

Lesson 2 • Control Strategies for Grid-Tied Storage

Introduces droop control, virtual inertia, and model predictive control for grid-tied storage dispatch. Connects control theory to measurable grid stability outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Microgrid and Islanded Operation

Covers master-slave and peer-to-peer control architectures for microgrids operating with or without grid connection. Prepares students to design resilient islanded systems.

Lesson 1 • BMS Architecture and Functions

Defines the hardware and software layers of a battery management system and their interdependencies. Provides the structural framework for all subsequent BMS design topics.

Lesson 2 • State Estimation Algorithms

Covers state-of-charge, state-of-health, and state-of-power estimation using Kalman filters and equivalent circuit models. Accurate state estimation is critical for safe and efficient operation.

Lesson 3 • Cell Balancing Techniques

Compares passive and active balancing topologies for maintaining cell voltage uniformity across a pack. Balancing directly impacts pack capacity utilization and longevity.

Lesson 4 • Fault Detection and Protection

Examines overcurrent, overvoltage, thermal runaway detection, and contactor control for pack protection. Fault response design is foundational to battery safety certification.

Lesson 1 • Installation and Siting Standards

Reviews functional requirements from building, electrical, and fire codes applicable to stationary storage installations. Compliance with these standards is required for permitting and insurance.

Lesson 2 • Fire Suppression and Containment

Covers fire detection technologies, suppression agent selection, and enclosure design for battery installations. Proper suppression design limits fire spread and protects adjacent assets.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment Methodologies

Applies FMEA, HAZOP, and fault tree analysis to identify and quantify storage system risks. Structured risk assessment supports design decisions and regulatory submissions.

Lesson 4 • Electrochemical Hazards and Failure Modes

Identifies chemical, electrical, and thermal hazards specific to lithium-ion and other battery chemistries. Understanding failure modes is prerequisite to designing effective mitigation.

Lesson 1 • Technology Selection Framework

Applies a structured decision matrix using duration, power, cycle frequency, and site constraints to select storage technology. Connects application requirements to technology trade-offs covered earlier.

Lesson 2 • Load and Resource Analysis

Covers interval meter data analysis, load profiling, and renewable generation forecasting as inputs to storage sizing. Accurate load characterization prevents under- or over-sizing.

Lesson 3 • Design Documentation and Review

Covers single-line diagrams, equipment specifications, and design review processes required for project approval. Complete documentation is essential for permitting, procurement, and construction.

Lesson 4 • System Sizing and Configuration

Demonstrates energy and power sizing calculations, string configuration, and augmentation planning for battery systems. Proper sizing ensures performance guarantees are met over the project life.

Lesson 1 • Incentives and Policy Landscape

Reviews investment tax credits, grants, procurement mandates, and storage-specific policy mechanisms that affect project economics. Policy awareness is essential for accurate financial modeling.

Lesson 2 • Project Development Workflow

Traces the development sequence from site identification through interconnection, permitting, and financial close. Understanding the workflow prevents costly sequencing errors.

Lesson 3 • Financial Modeling for Storage Projects

Builds levelized cost of storage, NPV, and IRR models incorporating capital costs, degradation, and revenue uncertainty. Financial models are the primary tool for investment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Wholesale Market Participation

Explains how storage assets participate in energy, capacity, and ancillary service markets operated by grid operators. Market rules directly determine dispatch strategy and revenue realization.