Energy Star (trademarked ENERGY STAR) is an energy-efficiency program started in 1992. It is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) together with the U.S.
Energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to produce goods and services. Many modern technologies and methods use energy more efficiently than older systems. For example, adding insulation to buildings helps reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling while keeping indoor temperatures comfortable.
A microgrid is a local electrical system with clear limits. It works as one unit that can be controlled. It can operate connected to the main power grid or work separately.
Thermal energy storage (TES) is a method to save heat or cold for future use. This technology can store energy for hours, days, or even months. The size of storage systems and how they are used can vary greatly, from small systems for one process to large systems that serve entire towns or regions.
Flywheel energy storage (FES) works by spinning a rotor (flywheel) and storing energy as rotational energy. When energy is taken out of the system, the flywheel slows down because of the principle of conservation of energy. Adding energy to the system causes the flywheel to spin faster.
A flow battery, also called a redox flow battery, is a type of device that uses chemical reactions to produce electricity. It works by using two liquid solutions, each containing chemicals that are pumped through the system on opposite sides of a membrane. Ions move across the membrane during the process, while the liquids flow through their separate areas.
A solid-state battery (SSB) is a type of electrical battery that uses a solid material to move ions between its parts, called electrodes. This is different from traditional batteries, which use liquid or gel-like materials to do the same job. Solid-state batteries can store more energy than common lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries.
A lithium-ion battery, or Li-ion battery, is a type of rechargeable battery that stores energy by moving lithium ions between materials inside the battery. Compared to other rechargeable batteries, Li-ion batteries usually store more energy, have higher energy density, and last longer. In the 30 years after Li-ion batteries were first sold in 1991, their energy storage per unit volume tripled, while their cost dropped by ten times.
A battery energy storage system (BESS), also called a battery storage power station or battery grid storage, is a type of technology that uses groups of batteries to store electrical energy in the power grid. Battery storage is the fastest type of power source that can be used quickly on electric grids. It helps keep grids stable because it can switch from being ready to provide power to fully active in less than a second to handle unexpected problems on the grid.
Energy storage is the process of saving energy produced at one time to use later. This helps balance when energy is needed and when it is made. A device that stores energy is often called a battery or accumulator.