Overview of Nonelectrochemical Storage Technologies

In addition to electrochemical storage systems there are alternative technologies to store electric energy, which are based upon different physical principles. It is not sufficient to evaluate these storage technologies with respect to their technical parameters alone. In fact, an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats gives a good basis for the evaluation of a technology and its deployment potential. This chapter contains descriptions and evaluations of technically and operationally proven storage systems such as mechanical, electrical, and thermoelectric storage. Technologies that are still in the concept phase, are also briefly discussed.