Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Module 1 title slide with a large battery icon and lightning bolt on a cream background — Course introduction

Welcome to Module 1: the foundations of battery energy storage.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Introduction to Battery Energy Storage

Let's start with what a battery storage system is and why it matters.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

What is a BESS?

A BESS stores electricity so it can be used later, on demand or during outages.

Slide defining a BESS and its three main parts: batteries, inverter, and control system — Three main parts: batteries, inverter, and control system

Think of it like a water reservoir: it stores extra power and releases it when needed.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Evolution of Battery Technologies

Batteries have improved steadily, from the first chemical cell to today's lithium-ion.

Timeline of battery history from early chemical batteries through lithium-ion — Key milestones: Voltaic pile (1800s), lead-acid, NiCd/NiMH, lithium-ion (1991)

Each step improved energy density, lifespan, and environmental impact.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Why BESS Matters

Stored solar or wind power gives homes energy independence and outage protection.

Home at dusk with rooftop solar panels and a wall-mounted battery — Store clean power by day, use it anytime

Unlike generators, a BESS is instant-on, silent, and fume-free.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Fire Safety & Community Concerns

Modern systems are built with strict fire-safety standards and protections.

Fire safety slide listing UL 9540, BMS, and fire-rated enclosures with an ESA QR code — Built to UL 9540, with battery management and fire-rated enclosures

Coordination with local fire departments is a key part of safe installation.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Residential Backup Power

A home BESS acts as an automatic backup when the grid goes down.

Slide showing the three-step backup sequence: normal operation, grid failure, restoration — Charges normally, takes over instantly, switches back automatically

Homeowners can prioritize key devices like lights, fridge, heating, and medical equipment.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Supporting the Grid

BESS eases peak demand by storing cheap off-peak power and releasing it later.

Peak-shaving chart showing the demand curve flattened after battery discharge — Peak shaving flattens demand spikes on Ontario's grid

Demand-response programs can pay customers for using stored energy at peak times.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

DERs & Non-Wires Alternatives

Local energy can replace costly new poles and wires.

Comparison of a traditional wires grid versus non-wires alternatives with home, battery, and solar — Battery, solar, and smart systems near where energy is used

DERs are faster to build, often cheaper in remote areas, and keep ownership local.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Community-Scale Storage

A shared BESS backs up entire communities, including schools and medical centres.

Community energy storage block diagram with battery, converter, BMS, inverter, and grid — One system powering shared facilities day and night

Pairs with solar and wind to cut reliance on expensive diesel fuel.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

BESS Scales & Applications

Battery systems come in sizes to fit any need, from one home to a whole grid.

Table comparing residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale BESS by capacity, application, and example. — Four scales: residential, commercial, industrial, and utility.

Examples range from a home Tesla Powerwall up to the Oneida project at 250 MW / 1,000 MWh.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

BESS vs. Fuel Generators

A battery beats a generator on noise, fumes, and upkeep.

Table comparing BESS, diesel, and gasoline generators on fuel, emissions, noise, maintenance, and automatic operation. — BESS needs no fuel, makes no fumes, and runs silent.

Unlike generators, a BESS is silent, automatic, and pollution-free.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Knowing the Trade-Offs

Batteries are powerful tools, but they have real limits to plan for.

Slide listing BESS limitations above an illustration of a neighborhood under a stormy sky. — Higher upfront cost, hours of runtime, and weaker output in cold weather.

A typical 10 kWh home battery backs up essentials for 6 to 12 hours. A feasibility study sizes the right system for your site.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Cost: BESS vs. Generator

A battery costs more upfront but pays off in quiet, clean, low-upkeep power.

Table comparing a diesel generator to a 10 kWh BESS on cost, runtime, emissions, noise, and maintenance. — Diesel ~$5,000 for days of runtime; a 10 kWh BESS ~$15,000+ for 6 to 12 hours.

BESS is not always the cheapest, but it can be the cleanest, quietest, and most reliable choice. Pairing it with solar lowers bills over time.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

The Bigger Picture

Battery storage is not just about cost. It is about climate.

Problem and solution slide on climate and batteries beside an illustration of planet Earth. — Burning fuel adds CO2 and warms the climate; clean storage helps move us off diesel.

Every battery installed is a step toward cleaner air and healthier communities.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Chemistry & Technologies

Module 2: Battery Chemistry & Technologies.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

How a Battery Works

A battery stores and releases energy through chemical reactions.

Cutaway diagram of an electrochemical cell showing anode, cathode, electrolyte, electron flow, and a lit bulb. — Charging stores energy as chemicals; discharging turns it back into electricity.

Core parts: the anode (−), the cathode (+), the electrolyte that moves ions, and a separator that prevents short circuits.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Generating Power

Electrons and ions move in opposite directions to deliver power.

Cutaway diagram of a lithium-ion cell showing cathode, anode, separator, electrolyte, and moving lithium ions. — On discharge, electrons power your device while ions flow inside the cell.

Charging reverses the flow, restoring the battery. This repeats for thousands of cycles over its life.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

What Drives Performance

Three factors decide how much energy a battery delivers.

Slide listing the three key battery performance factors: voltage, capacity, and energy density. — Voltage, capacity, and energy density.

Lithium-ion holds about 5x more energy per kilogram than lead-acid, so it is far more compact.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Efficiency & Losses

No battery is 100% efficient, and every one degrades over time.

Slide on battery efficiency, heat, cycle life, and the causes of degradation. — Lithium-ion is about 95% efficient; lead-acid about 75%.

Batteries wear out from chemical aging, side reactions, and extreme temperatures.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Comparing Battery Chemistries

Each battery chemistry trades off cost, lifespan, and energy density.

Comparison table of lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow, and sodium-ion batteries across voltage, energy density, cycle life, cost, and best use. — Lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow, and sodium-ion compared side by side.

Lithium-ion is the most common pick for homes and grid storage.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion is the top choice for most battery storage systems.

Photo of a cylindrical lithium-ion cell beside a labeled cutaway of its internal parts. — Inside a lithium-ion cell: high energy density in a compact package.

Costs more upfront and can be a fire risk if damaged or poorly managed.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid is older, proven, and cheap, but heavy and short-lived.

Labeled cutaway diagram of a lead-acid battery showing terminals, plates, separators, and electrolyte. — A lead-acid battery: low cost, but bulky and only lasts 3 to 7 years.

Contains toxic materials (lead, sulfuric acid) and is being replaced by lithium-ion.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Flow Batteries

Flow batteries store energy in liquid tanks, built for large-scale use.

Schematic of a vanadium redox flow battery with electrolyte tanks, pumps, and an ion exchange membrane. — Liquid electrolyte in external tanks lets flow batteries run for 20+ years.

Need large tanks and cost more, so they suit communities, not homes.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Emerging Battery Technologies

New chemistries aim to be safer, cheaper, and more sustainable.

Slide describing sodium-ion, solid-state, and iron-air battery technologies. — Sodium-ion, solid-state, and iron-air batteries are on the horizon.

Not widely available yet, but could reshape storage in the coming years.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Safety

Modern systems have built-in protections, but safe install is required.

Ontario's ESA requires installs to meet UL 9540 and be done by qualified pros.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Are Batteries Really Green?

Batteries cut fossil fuel use, but mining materials has real downsides.

Photographs of an open-pit lithium mine and a cobalt mine side by side. — Mining lithium and cobalt carries social and environmental costs.

Longer-lasting batteries and strong recycling programs keep the impact low.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Lifespan & Degradation

How long a battery lasts depends on its chemistry, use, and care.

Slide listing lifespan and cycle figures for lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries. — Lithium-ion lasts 10 to 15 years; flow batteries can run 20+ years.

Deep discharges and high heat speed up battery wear.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Recycling & Disposal

Proper disposal at end-of-life keeps batteries out of soil and water.

Slide describing recycling and disposal for lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow batteries. — Lead-acid is highly recyclable; lithium recovery keeps improving.

Use certified disposal programs or take-back offers from manufacturers.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Market Trends & Policy Landscape

Chapter 3 divider slide titled Market Trends and Policy Landscape. — Submodule 3

Next: the incentives, programs, and trends shaping battery storage.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Market Trends & Policy

Incentives and policy shape how fast BESS spreads in Ontario and Canada.

Infographic ranking countries by battery storage capacity, led by China and the U.S., over a city skyline. — Battery storage is growing fast worldwide, led by China and the U.S.

This section covers federal and provincial incentives and how the market is changing.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Federal Incentives for BESS

Canada offers money-back programs to help you install a battery.

A 30% clean-energy tax credit, plus up to $5,000 for a home BESS.

Programs current as of March 2025 — scan the code to check the latest.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Ontario's BESS Incentives

Ontario programs make home and community batteries more affordable.

Ontario Energy Board 'How Net Metering Works' diagram showing solar panels, home use, grid export and import, and billing credits. — With net metering, extra energy you send to the grid earns bill credits.

The OEB and IESO also offer programs that reward storage projects.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Trends in Grid Services

Batteries help keep the grid steady and make room for renewables.

Charge when demand is low, discharge when demand is high.

Key uses: frequency regulation, peak shaving, and renewable integration.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Decentralized Energy

Local energy systems give communities more control over their power.

Diagram contrasting a traditional grid with a community microgrid of homes, solar panels, and battery storage. — Microgrids and shared storage can run on their own, close to home.

Prosumers both use and produce energy, storing it in their own battery.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Economic Impacts

Adopting BESS brings real economic benefits.

Jobs

Work in making, installing, and maintaining batteries.

Lower bills

Peak shaving and net metering cut electricity costs.

Less grid spending

Delays costly upgrades to poles and wires.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

BESS as a Non-Wires Alternative

Storage can replace costly new power lines for remote communities.

Gives First Nation communities more control over their own energy.

Module 1 · Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Virtual Power Plants

Many home batteries can link up to act like one power plant.

Slide defining a Virtual Power Plant and listing its key benefits on a cream branded card. — Communities sell stored energy to the grid and keep their own power secure.

For communities with many BESS homes, VPPs create a new revenue stream.