Constellation, le dépôt institutionnel de l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Résumé

The continuous increase in the level of greenhouse gas emissions and the climb in fuel prices are the main driving forces behind efforts to more effectively utilise various sources of renewable energy (wind and solar energy). However, the large-scale utilisation of this form of energy is possible only if the effective technology for its storage can be developed with acceptable capital and running costs. In the pre-1980 energy context, conversion methods for the "storage of alternate current" were extremely costly, unreliable, or simply were not being used. This, along with the fact that electricity is mass produced, transmitted, and used in AC, has led to the belief that electricity cannot be stored. However, high-performance, inexpensive power electronics able to handle very high power levels have changed all that. It can now be asserted that electricity can be stored, even if it is indirect storage. But this requires that investment and operating costs be kept to an acceptable level, and that the environmental issues be considered. There are various types of storage methods, some of which are already in use, while others are still in development. In this paper, we have taken a look at the main characteristics of the different electricity storage techniques and their field of application (permanent or portable, long-or short-term storage, maximum power required, etc.). These characteristics will serve to make comparisons in order to determine the most appropriate technique for each type of application.