APPLICATIONS – STATIONARY | Remote Area Power Supply: Batteries and Fuel Cells

Electrochemical power sources can be used in stationary applications in order to match the energy supply to the energy demand. Typically, this case is encountered when a conventional electricity network is not available and when the production of electricity relies on unpredictable sources such as renewables. This situation is typical for remote areas and the electrochemical storage is then inserted in a remote-area power supply (RAPS) system. This article outlines the requirements from RAPS systems and the market thereof, which is mainly concentrated in developing countries. The design of a RAPS system is addressed as well as the selection of the storage technology and methods for its testing. Information is given on energy management in RAPS systems, which is the key for durability. This article concludes with an examination of the prospects of electrochemical storage systems for remote-area power supplies.