Hybrid storage

A hybrid storage system is an energy storage system that combines two or more different storage technologies — such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and thermal storage, or different battery technologies. The goal is to combine the advantages of each technology to achieve greater efficiency, flexibility, and economic performance.

How it works

Hybrid storage systems connect storage technologies with different characteristics, such as fast response times (batteries) and high long-term storage capacity (thermal storage or hydrogen).

A higher-level Energy Management System (EMS) controls the energy flow between storage systems and consumers.

Depending on power demand, electricity prices, or grid conditions, the appropriate storage technology is activated.

Typical applications

• Commercial and industrial companies with strongly fluctuating load profiles
• Combination of short-term and long-term storage (e.g. PV + BESS + hydrogen)
• Sector coupling: intelligent integration of electricity, heat, and mobility
• Energy utilities or district energy systems with high requirements for reliability and flexibility
• Optimization of peak shaving, self-consumption, and grid services

Key figures

• Composition of storage technologies: e.g. lithium-ion + redox-flow
• Total capacity and power output of the combined system
• Efficiency of individual technologies and of the overall system
• System response time and switching logic
• Investment vs. operating costs compared to single storage technologies

Summary

Hybrid storage systems combine the advantages of multiple storage technologies. They make it possible to optimally meet different requirements such as short-term power delivery, long-term energy availability, or cost-efficient storage‍

For companies, they provide flexible solutions to increase resilience, efficiency, and economic performance in energy management.