Battery Durability and Reliability under Electric Utility Grid Operations: Analysis of On-Site Reference Tests

Grid-tied energy storage will play a key role in the reduction of carbon emissions. Systems based on Li-ion batteries could be good candidates for the task, especially those using lithium titanate negative electrodes. In this work, we will present the study of seven years of usage of a lithium titanate-based battery energy storage system on an isolated island grid. We will show that, even after seven years, the modules' capacity loss is below 10% and that overall the battery is still performing within specifications. From our results, we established a forecast based on the internal degradation mechanisms of the hottest and coldest modules to show that the battery full lifetime on the grid should easily exceed 15 years. We also identified some inaccuracies in the online capacity estimation methodology which complicates the monitoring of the system.

Automated summary

Grid-tied energy storage systems, particularly those based on Li-ion batteries with lithium titanate negative electrodes, are crucial for reducing carbon emissions. This study demonstrates that a lithium titanate-based battery energy storage system can maintain capacity below 10% after seven years of usage on an isolated island grid, with a projected lifetime exceeding 15 years. However, inaccuracies in the online capacity estimation methodology were identified, complicating system monitoring.