#Power Grid Market Size

[delvenservices]

Power Grid Market to Grow USD 410 billion in 2030 | Component, Power Source, Application, Region and Key Players

The global Power Grid Market size was estimated at USD 279.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 410 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The power grid constitutes a network of interconnected power producers and consumers that are subject to management by one or more control centers and united by transmission and distribution lines. The reference of "power grid" by most individuals is often directed to the electricity transmission system. The power grid framework encompasses transmission lines and halls, power stations, as well as power distribution channels, all of which are overseen and regulated by power grid operators and service providers. This guarantees that energy reservoirs are utilized in the most sophisticated manner possible, amplifies the potential of the potent force, and augments the efficiency and accountability of power system operations.

The need for stable and reliable transmission and distribution networks has arisen due to the increasing demand for energy. A system capable of handling sudden power shorts and drops is necessary to ensure uninterrupted power supply. In developed countries, substations are being modernized to minimize losses and maintain a continuous power supply. This is achieved through the replacement of old components with modern and more efficient ones. These upgrades are designed to be smart and more protective against overcurrent situations. The investments in transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure are driven by the growing demand for renewable energy sources and the increasing number of power generation plants. This makes the T&D system capable of handling long-distance power flow and minimizing energy losses caused by strong currents.

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The prominent players in the Power Grid Market are

ABB

Eaton

Fuji Electric

General Electric

Havells

Hitachi Energy

Hubbell

Hyundai Electric & Energy Systems Co., Ltd.

LS Electric

Mitsubishi Electric

Nexans

NKT

Powell Industries

Prysmian Group

Schneider Electric

Secheron

Siemens

Southwire Company

Sumitomo Electric

Toshiba Energy System & Solutions Corporation

Power Grid Market Recent Developments:

In November 2022, GE Renewable Energy launched HYpact switchgear. It can be used in several applications such as mobile (truck-mounted) substations and onshore wind substations. It makes the electrical network more predictable also reduces the customer’s operational costs, as well as their impact on the environment.

In October 2022, Siemens and Eplan have formed a strategic alliance to expand their collaboration in software solutions for the industrial and infrastructure markets. Siemens' Electrical Products business unit will join the Eplan Partner Network as a strategic partner as part of this agreement. The goal is to better coordinate the products of both companies in order to provide optimised solutions for switchgear manufacturers and electrical planners.

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Scope of the Power Grid Market Report

The Power Grid Market is segmented into various segments such as component, power source, application, and region:

Based on component, the power grid market is segmented into:

Cables

Variable Speed Drives

Transformers

Switchgear

Others

based on the power source, the power grid market is segmented into:

Oil

Natural Gas

Coal

Hydro Electric

Renewables

Others

based on the application, the power grid market is segmented into:

Generation

Transmission

Distribution

based on region, the power grid market is segmented into:

Asia Pacific

North America

Europe

South America

Middle East & Africa

Power Grid Market Regional Analysis:

Asia Pacific to Dominate the Market

Asia Pacific is estimated to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. In Asia Pacific, increasing electricity demand is one of the primary drivers of growth in the Asia Pacific power grid market.

Moreover, the population in the Asia Pacific region is growing, so the electricity demand is increasing.

The Power Grid Market report answers a number of crucial questions, including:

Which companies dominate the Power Grid Market?

What current trends will influence the market over the next few years?

 What are the market's opportunities, obstacles, and driving forces?

What predictions for the future can help with strategic decision-making?

What advantages does market research offer businesses?

Which particular market segments should industry players focus on in order to take advantage of the most recent technical advancements?

What is the anticipated growth rate for the market economy globally?

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Browse Related Reports:

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High Voltage (HV) Cable Market: https://www.delvens.com/report/high-voltage-hv-cable-market-trends-forecast-till-2030

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[dsiddhant]

/PRNewswire/ -- Transformer Oil Market is projected to reach USD 3.0 billion in 2030 from USD 2.0 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 5.9% according to...

[reasonsforhope]

"A 1-megawatt sand battery that can store up to 100 megawatt hours of thermal energy will be 10 times larger than a prototype already in use.

The new sand battery will eliminate the need for oil-based energy consumption for the entire town of town of Pornainen, Finland.

Sand gets charged with clean electricity and stored for use within a local grid.

Finland is doing sand batteries big. Polar Night Energy already showed off an early commercialized version of a sand battery in Kankaanpää in 2022, but a new sand battery 10 times that size is about to fully rid the town of Pornainen, Finland of its need for oil-based energy.

In cooperation with the local Finnish district heating company Loviisan Lämpö, Polar Night Energy will develop a 1-megawatt sand battery capable of storing up to 100 megawatt hours of thermal energy.

“With the sand battery,” Mikko Paajanen, CEO of Loviisan Lämpö, said in a statement, “we can significantly reduce energy produced by combustion and completely eliminate the use of oil.”

Polar Night Energy introduced the first commercial sand battery in 2022, with local energy utility Vatajankoski. “Its main purpose is to work as a high-power and high-capacity reservoir for excess wind and solar energy,” Markku Ylönen, Polar Nigh Energy’s co-founder and CTO, said in a statement at the time. “The energy is stored as heat, which can be used to heat homes, or to provide hot steam and high temperature process heat to industries that are often fossil-fuel dependent.” ...

Sand—a high-density, low-cost material that the construction industry discards [Note: 6/13/24: Turns out that's not true! See note at the bottom for more info.] —is a solid material that can heat to well above the boiling point of water and can store several times the amount of energy of a water tank. While sand doesn’t store electricity, it stores energy in the form of heat. To mine the heat, cool air blows through pipes, heating up as it passes through the unit. It can then be used to convert water into steam or heat water in an air-to-water heat exchanger. The heat can also be converted back to electricity, albeit with electricity losses, through the use of a turbine.

In Pornainen, Paajanen believes that—just by switching to a sand battery—the town can achieve a nearly 70 percent reduction in emissions from the district heating network and keep about 160 tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere annually. In addition to eliminating the usage of oil, they expect to decrease woodchip combustion by about 60 percent.

The sand battery will arrive ready for use, about 42 feet tall and 49 feet wide. The new project’s thermal storage medium is largely comprised of soapstone, a byproduct of Tulikivi’s production of heat-retaining fireplaces. It should take about 13 months to get the new project online, but once it’s up and running, the Pornainen battery will provide thermal energy storage capacity capable of meeting almost one month of summer heat demand and one week of winter heat demand without recharging.

“We want to enable the growth of renewable energy,” Paajanen said. “The sand battery is designed to participate in all Fingrid’s reserve and balancing power markets. It helps to keep the electricity grid balanced as the share of wind and solar energy in the grid increases.”"

-via Popular Mechanics, March 13, 2024

--

Note: I've been keeping an eye on sand batteries for a while, and this is really exciting to see. We need alternatives to lithium batteries ASAP, due to the grave human rights abuses and environmental damage caused by lithium mining, and sand batteries look like a really good solution for grid-scale energy storage.

--

Note 6/13/24: Unfortunately, turns out there are substantial issues with sand batteries as well, due to sand scarcity. More details from a lovely asker here, sources on sand scarcity being a thing at the links: x, x, x, x, x

[jgbgff]

Power Grid Automation System Market Size, Share & Trends, Product, Region & Forecasts 2030

Power Grid Automation System Market Size, Share & Trends, Product, Region & Forecasts 2030

Description The impact of a number of factors such as economic, legal, social, political, technological, and modern business developments on market dynamics is briefly examined in the Power Grid Automation System market analysis. The global Power Grid Automation System market analysis focuses on market share and competitiveness index, which helps evaluate the top player’s contributions to the…

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Canary Media:

Octopus Energy has surged to the top of the U.K. electricity market with its plucky brand of clean, flexible, customer-centric energy. Now it’s loading up on new investment to make a broader push into North America.

The sprawling clean energy startup pulled in two new investments in recent weeks. On May 7, it announced a re-up from existing investors, including Al Gore’s Generation Investment Management and the Canada Pension Plan. Last week, it added a new round from the $1 billion Innovation and Expansion Fund at Tom Steyer’s Galvanize Climate Solutions. The parties did not disclose the size of the new infusions but said that they lift Octopus’ private valuation to $9 billion. Previously, Octopus raised an $800 million round in December, putting its valuation at $7.8 billion. Thus, eight-year-old Octopus enters the summer of 2024 as one of the most valuable privately held startups in the world, but one whose impact is felt far more in Europe than in the U.S. The new influx of cash will help fund expansion in North America, both by growing its retail foothold in Texas and by ramping up sales of the company’s marquee Kraken software to other utilities. The company has its work cut out if it wants to reproduce its U.K. market dominance across the pond.

“It is a Cambrian explosion of exciting growth in almost every direction,” Octopus Energy U.S. CEO Michael Lee told Canary Media last week.

In the U.K., Octopus has gobbled its way up the leaderboard of electricity retailers, consuming competitors large and small until it reached the No. 1 slot this year. It supplies British customers in part with clean power from a multibillion-dollar portfolio of renewables plants that it owns. The company lowers costs to customers by using smart devices or behavioral nudges to shift their usage to times when the renewables are producing the most cheap electricity. Octopus also began making its own heat pumps, to help households break out of dependence on fossil gas at a volatile time.

In the U.S., land of free markets and capitalist competition, market design largely blocks Octopus from rolling out its innovations, and instead protects the monopoly power of century-old incumbent utilities. There is no national electricity market to take over, but a state-by-state hodgepodge of fiefdoms that obey differing rules. So Octopus made its first stand in Texas, whose competitive power market most closely resembles the U.K.’s system. It now sources power for tens of thousands of retail customers in the state.

“It is absolutely clear to me that the energy transition is happening first in Texas,” Lee said. ​“This is a fantastic market to be in if you know how to work with customers and help them be a central focus in providing that energy transition to the grid.”

Such an assertion might have elicited derisive snorts from Californians or New Yorkers a few years ago, but facts on the ground now support Lee’s thesis.

[wedesignblog]

Spacing and Sizing in Web Design 📐✨

Understanding spacing and sizing is crucial for creating an intuitive and visually appealing web design. Let’s break it down!

1. What is Spacing?

Margin: The space outside an element. It controls how far apart elements are from each other.

Padding: The space inside an element. It affects the space between the content and the element’s border.

2. Why is Spacing Important?

Readability: Adequate spacing improves text readability and overall user experience.

Hierarchy: Proper spacing can help establish a visual hierarchy, guiding users’ attention to important elements.

Aesthetics: Well-spaced designs look cleaner and more professional.

3. Sizing Elements

Fixed Sizes: Set dimensions that won’t change regardless of the viewport (e.g., width: 200px;).

Fluid Sizes: Use percentages or viewport units (e.g., width: 50%;) for a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.

Responsive Design: Combine fixed and fluid sizing with media queries to ensure elements resize appropriately on various devices.

4. The Role of Interior Spacing

Example: Buttons: The size of a button is influenced by both its width/height and its padding. A button with too little padding may look cramped, while excessive padding can make it appear too large.

5. Best Practices for Spacing and Sizing

Consistent Units: Use consistent units (like rem or em) to maintain scalability across your design.

Grid Systems: Implement a grid layout for balanced spacing and sizing, making the design more predictable and user-friendly.

Whitespace: Don’t underestimate the power of whitespace; it enhances focus and reduces clutter.

6. Testing and Iteration

Regularly test your designs on various devices to ensure spacing and sizing work well in all contexts.

Gather feedback from users to identify areas needing adjustments.

Quick Tips:

Aim for a harmonious balance between spacing and sizing.

Use design tools or frameworks that offer predefined spacing/sizing options.

Be mindful of touch targets; ensure buttons and links are large enough for easy interaction.

Mastering spacing and sizing will elevate your web design, making it more functional and visually appealing! 🌟

----------

What marketing strategies are you excited to try this year? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other! Visit Our Web Design Blog!

[energyandpowertrends]

PV Inverters Market Set to Surge: Global Forecast 2024-2032 Predicts Growth from $12.9B to $47.44B

The PV inverters market Growth is experiencing robust growth, driven by the escalating demand for solar energy solutions globally. Estimated at USD 12.9 billion in 2023, the market is projected to surpass USD 47.44 billion by 2032, exhibiting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. This surge is primarily attributed to the increasing focus on renewable energy adoption, climate change mitigation, and the growing shift towards decarbonization across industries.

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A key factor driving this growth is the variety of PV inverter types available, including central, string, and micro inverters, each designed to meet specific power requirements. Central PV inverters, typically used in large-scale solar farms, dominate the utilities sector, while string inverters are favored in both residential and commercial applications for their flexibility and ease of installation. Micro inverters, known for optimizing energy output at the panel level, are gaining traction in the residential sector, particularly in regions where rooftop solar systems are becoming more prevalent.

The market is also categorized by product type, including central, string, micro PV inverters, and others, each contributing significantly to the overall market size. Moreover, advancements in smart grid technology and energy storage systems are expected to boost the integration of PV inverters into energy management systems, improving grid stability and energy efficiency.

Another driving force is the segmentation by application, which covers residential, commercial & industrial, and utility sectors. The residential sector is witnessing rapid growth due to declining costs of solar panels and increased government incentives, while commercial and industrial applications are expanding as businesses seek cost-effective and sustainable energy sources. Utility-scale projects continue to be a major contributor, especially in regions with vast solar energy potential.

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In terms of connectivity, the market is divided into standalone and on-grid systems. On-grid PV inverters are prevalent in regions with well-established grid infrastructure, while standalone systems are gaining traction in remote areas and developing regions.

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region is leading the market, driven by large-scale solar projects in countries like China, India, and Japan. North America and Europe are also significant players, fueled by government policies and incentives promoting renewable energy adoption. As more regions invest in solar infrastructure, the PV inverters market is expected to witness unprecedented growth.

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info@snsinsider.com

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[all-the-pacs]

#4 - Pac-Man (Coleco Tabletop) (1981)

Now now, sweetie. We have Pac-Man at home.

Remember last week, when we said we were playing something that was officially sanctioned by Namco? Weeeell... We never said it was developed by Namco, just licensed.

Oh yeah, if Galaxian Hardware was us dipping our toes into the world of odd hardware, this is us full-on taking the plunge into the depths of the weird, obscure stuff we have to play. Behold, ladies and germs, the first official home port of Pac-Man! ...Technically, anyways.

For a tiny bit of background context, the Coleco Tabletops were Coleco's own foray into the handheld gaming market. Yes, handheld, albeit maybe only on technicality. These things were no larger than something you could rest on your desk, though you could perhaps hold them directly if you really had the dexterity for it; they were approximately the size of a lunchbox, though, so uh, good luck! Oh, and these were shaped like tabletop arcade cabinets. Coleco had the pedigree to handle electronic games by this point--after all, they made the ColecoVision console just a year after this, so we sure hope they would--so this isn't too shocking to see them here.

As for hardware... Look, we're not gonna sugarcoat it--these are Game & Watch-esque, Tiger Electronics-esque "sheet that lights up certain segments depending on the gameplay" graphics. This is why we had to expressly define what "video elements" meant, because if we didn't, we'd have to decide for ourselves whether to either include or exclude these sorts of games. Ultimately, we decided there was no harm in including these even if there aren't exactly any liquid crystal display elements to the display.

Now, you may be asking--how the heck do we plan to play this thing. This is a full on physical unit, and these things are like, 60-to-100 US bucks secondhand nowadays. And sure, this thing is definitely fair game for emulation, but how would you go about emulating this sort of device?

The answer's a little easier than you might've been expecting.

Thanks, Internet Archive! They have been and are continuing to be invaluable for this project. Case-in-point, they have several pre-configured setups powered by MAME right for you to use in-browser. Handy!

Let's zoom in a bit, and start the main game up.

...Gross. And we're not talking about the visuals, but... Maybe we are, because look at those ghosts! While the original Pac-Man hinted that the ghosts may have secretly been slug monsters, here they look more like... amoebas. It doesn't help that one of their eyes is just identical to the slice they're using for pellets, and inside their foreheads is... Pac-Man??? These look a lot like they're gelatinous blob monsters that already ate a Pac-Man! This is NOT how we expected the first game to display multiple concurrent Pac-Men (Pac-Mans?) would go.

As you can imagine from a game that looks this rudimentary, its sounds and gameplay are also pretty bare-bones. Pac-Man, the Ghosts, everything moves with strict adherence to the grid, as you can expect from a Game & Watch-style game. The maze has been simplified--so much so one of the ghosts has been kicked out of the pen and starts the game outside of it! Yet there's also dots immediately surrounding the ghost pen, and with that, zero spot for a Bonus Fruit whatsoever (We'd guess there was just no way to put it on the display, to be fair...)--fundamentally, this game does not, in fact, score like the Arcade version. Which we wouldn't remark upon if the manual didn't brazenly declare it scores like the arcade version. (More on the manual in a bit.) And yet they still somehow got Pac-Man starting by moving left perfectly intact? How baffling, but we're not complaining.

And, perhaps most importantly, the ghosts/amoebas lack unique colors... And indeed, unique behaviors of any kind. The colors are understandable, but the AI is definitely a major downgrade. Now they all act more-or-less the same, and seem to behave a bit like a reverse Clyde, wandering around aimlessly but trying their best to get to Pac-Man when he's nearby.

Probably the biggest change is the fact that these ghosts/amoebas can turn around 180 degrees. In Pac-Man, the ghosts will never reverse directions unless the player eats a Power Pellet--otherwise, they will only make 90 degree turns. Here, however? They will gladly turn around entirely and you have to be careful to avoid that. Being able to turn around freely when the ghosts couldn't was a huge advantage that the player had, but now it's gone! This definitely makes things more frustrating, and while this behavior is often associated with unofficial clones of the game, if you can believe it, this won't be the last time we see this in an official version of the game.

For whatever reason, when you eat a Power Pellet--er, a red pellet, seeing as there's only one type of pellet, just two colors for it--the Pac-Man inside the ghosts vanish? This is what actually clued us in those little dots were meant to be eyes, but then that raises a whole new conundrum... The pellets have pupils now.

Admittedly, this is kind of a Morton's Fork situation that naturally comes from trying to represent every game state in a little drawing like this--either one of the ghosts' eyes would not have a pupil, or now the dots have pupils--but honestly, we feel like maybe the former would've been better, because the latter just kinda looks plain creepy!

In any case, that's the end of the main game, but if you paid attention to the header, you'd know we have two entire other game modes to cover! Yep, this was technically the first Pac-Man game with side content to it.

The second mode, described as Head-to-Head Pac-Man, is... Weird. Another first for the series is concurrent multiplayer! Yep, it debuted here, and we guess a second player mode that happens simultaneously was seen as so impressive that they just had to call it a whole new mode. Fittingly, the handheld has a second joystick just for this.

But... y'know, it's not really all that incredible, mostly for no fault of its own, just because Coleco Tabletop Pac-Man just isn't exactly powerful to do this concept justice. Still, very strange to see simultaneous co-op Pac-Man on this dinky thing from 1981!

The third game mode, Eat & Run, is perhaps a little more interesting, though...

So, a lot of firsts here. Pac-Man has entered the ghost pen--er, the "base" if the manual is to be trusted--for the first time! Not only that, he starts in the base. And the ghosts are in the four corners with four power pellets, with zero normal pellets in sight! This is definitely weird to see so early on in the series, alright.

So, in this mode, you effectively have to play Capture the Flag. The ghosts are already out, and they're guarding the four power pellets--your flags, so to speak. Leave the base when it's open, grab as many of the pellets as you can, but victory doesn't happen when you eat all four. No, victory is only called depending on if you make it back to the base, and the more pellets you have, the more points you get! This means it's actually possible to die with zero pellets left in the maze.

And, of course, the base isn't always open--sometimes, its doors will open and shut, so you have to make it over where while it's open, unless you want to try surviving a cycle until it re-opens. This is a pretty interesting take on the game, and to be honest... It's probably as complex as this thing can handle. We kinda wish we saw a version of this with proper ghost AI and a proper maze (and if that's coming up, don't spoil us.), because it's a fun concept! It's just bogged down by this game and its... eccentricities.

...Oh, right, let's talk about the manual. We never had a better time to elaborate on this, but uhh... It's more than a little flowery, which is a double edged sword. The upside is that it's extremely funny for it! The downside is that it takes a bit of trial-and-error to learn how to work this thing on the Internet Archive's embedded emulator, because instead of clarifying how to start a game, it...

Okay, um. Let's just. Show you a collage of some of the headers in this manual. You'll see what we mean when we say it's extremely funny unintentionally, but also unhelpful when you're trying to find something about, say, how to play the game.

Goodness. Overdramatic, much?! It's just a Game & Watch-esque downscaling of Pac-Man! It's really not that heartfelt, adrenaline-filled, and sobering! Just tell me the button to press to start Eat & Run mode! ...Though, this could serve as a great fodder for blackout poetry, if anything, and as you can see above, it definitely makes for great snippets.

...Well, that's about it for the Coleco Tabletop Pac-Man. But we're not quite out of the woods just yet. So, um, next time around, expect something... Well, a little similar to this, but also a bit different. It's published by Bally Midway themselves, too! ...Technically, anyways. Look, it's complicated. We'll just be seein' you around.

[mightyflamethrower]

Swedish Wind Farms Facing Bankruptcy

By Paul Homewood

From the Brussels Signal ;

Two Swedish economists have issued a warning that the country’s wind-power industry is on the brink of a wave of bankruptcies.

Christian Sandström and Christian Steinbeck analysed wind-power companies’ annual reports in Sweden and their work revealed “significant financial problems”, they told Swedish media outlet Kvartal on February 28.

“The total loss for the years 2017–2022 amounted to 13.5 billion Swedish krona [€1.2 billion], which meant a loss margin of 39 per cent,” they said about the sector.

Such heavy losses seem to be the rule rather than the exception for wind-power companies in Sweden, according to the annual reports.

The Swedish Government has been pushing its national energy policies in a “green” direction, promoting wind power and decommissioning nuclear power plants. But the cost appears to be much more painful than previously thought, the economists stressed.

Sandström and Steinbeck have been pointing towards profitability problems in the wind sector for some time “despite suppliers benefiting from Government support through electricity certificates and being exempt from covering the entire expenses associated with grid adaptation for wind energy or the depreciation of properties near installations”.

Since the economists’ initial findings, Markbygden Ett, Sweden’s largest wind-farm installation with 179 turbines, is already facing bankruptcy, stacking up hundreds of millions of krona in debt.

The firm is not alone – many other alternative-power companies in Sweden are in trouble.

Sandström and Steinbeck pointed out that the sector as a whole has not made a profit in any year since 2017.

Company losses have ranged from 19 per cent to 90 per cent of turnover between 2017 and 2022, they said.

“The losses are simply because the industry cannot produce electricity at a cost below the market price, despite extensive subsidies,” the economists noted.

“That would put any other industry out of business, [although] the rate of investment has been very high.”

Both newer and older plants in the heavily subsidised industry shed cash, while economies of scale are also a limitation. The biggest farms make the biggest losses and only moderate-sized wind farms, with between 20 and 30 turbines, are turning any profits and those are at best described as “modest”.

Costs have failed to come down despite growing experience among those operating in the sector and the researchers did not observe any correlation between time elapsed and increased electricity production from existing turbines.

“Just as sailors on sailing ships once had to pray to higher powers for wind to get somewhere, wind farms can only wait for the right amount of wind,” they added.

On top of that, just 20 per cent of wind turbines in Sweden are Swedish owned. The rest are operated by foreign enterprises. Some 13 per cent of the reviewed turbines are Chinese.

Sandström and Steinbeck said the Chinese investors made their calculations based on “wind mapping” carried out by the Swedish Energy Agency and they have doubts about the accuracy of the data.

Also hammering profits is the fact that large parts of the Swedish wind-power industry cannot transfer or save power over-generation, meaning electricity needs to be consumed instantly or not at all – making it effectively unsustainable.

A few wind farms in the South of the country have gained financial momentum in recent years but all the others are stacking up more losses.

The academics noted that the change in the Swedish energy mix – decommissioning nuclear plants in favour of wind power – was politically driven and that no robust, financial independent industry has subsequently emerged.

A peculiar paradox also haunts the sector, the economists stressed. Low levels of wind leads to high electricity prices yet it also hinders electricity delivery.

On the flip side, when the wind is more powerful, oversupply drives down prices when there is ample electricity for sale.

“It is difficult to see a way out of this dilemma,” Sandström and Steinbeck concluded.

Three things stand out here.

Second is the fact that low winds mean high market prices, and vice versa. Obviously wind farms make their money when the wind blows, so low prices at those times drastically impact earnings.

In the UK, the CfD subsidy protects wind farms from these fluctuations, whilst ROC subsidies are generous enough to offset low market prices.

And thirdly, the article rightly notes that wind farms don’t have to pay for grid adaption and other wider system costs.

[newstfionline]

Sunday, September 3, 2023

No power and nowhere to stay as rural Florida starts recovering from Hurricane Idalia (AP) The worst of Hurricane Idalia left residents of a region of tight-knit communities trying to find places to live as they rebuild—if they decide it’s even worth it—and waiting potentially weeks for electricity to be restored after winds and water took out entire power grids. A power cooperative warned its 28,000 customers it might take two weeks to restore electricity. More than 100,000 homes and businesses in Florida and Georgia remained without power Friday, according to PowerOutage.us. And even with high temperatures below normal, the high humidity meant sweltering late-summer days and nights, with no power to run air conditioners. Emergency officials promised trailers would arrive over the weekend to provide housing in an area that didn’t have much to begin with.

Americans’ Ideal Family Size Is Larger Than the Birthrate Suggests (WSJ) What do you think is the ideal number of children for a family to have? Most Americans say the answer is two to three children, according to various surveys over nearly 90 years, even as actual birthrates drop lower than that. In fact, the share of people saying they want three or more children has risen as the actual number of children being born has dropped. Why aren’t people having the families they idealize or intend to have? All sorts of life happens, and you don’t necessarily end up with the family you expected theoretically in a survey.

.ai (Bloomberg) The Caribbean island Anguilla, a British territory, has made bank this year because their country-level domain address is .ai, and amid the AI trend they’re making a fortune off of new registrations. This year, registrations at the top level domain doubled to 287,432 on the year, which would mean that Anguilla will reap in the ballpark of $30 million for the year from selling the domains, up from $7.4 million brought in in 2021.

The Bolivian Job (Rest of World) An estimated 20 percent of the total vehicle fleet in Bolivia has been smuggled, mostly stolen in neighboring Chile and then driven across the desert to one of the 73 illegal markets that are remarkably easy to find. The Bolivian government is aware of the issue, and the car thieves have become a lifestyle of their own, called chuteros with their own TikTok scene and whatnot. Naturally, this has the Chileans furious, and local police are overwhelmed with reports. Chile’s even got a new AI-fueled startup, SafeByWolf, designed to identify boosted cars faster for the insurance industry.

More than 100 British schools may face danger of collapse (BBC) More than 100 schools in England are scrambling to make arrangements after being told to shut buildings with a type of concrete prone to collapse. The government gave the order just days before the start of the autumn term. Some pupils have already been told they will be learning remotely, in temporary classrooms or at different schools. Schools found with buildings containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) have been told they must introduce safety measures, which could include propping up ceilings. This came after the government was made aware of a number of incidents where RAAC failed without warning, not just in school buildings, but elsewhere too.

Russian students are returning to school, where they face new lessons to boost their patriotism (AP) Clad in white shirts and carrying bouquets, children across Russia flocked back to school Friday, where the Kremlin’s narratives about the war in Ukraine and its confrontation with the West were taking an even more prominent spot than before. Students are expected each week to listen to Russia’s national anthem and watch the country’s tricolor flag being raised. There’s a weekly subject loosely translated as “Conversations about Important Things,” which was introduced last year with the goal of boosting patriotism. A new high school history textbook has a chapter on the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the “special military operation”—the Kremlin’s euphemism for the war, and some basic military training is included in a course on self-defense and first aid. “School ... is a powerful mechanism for raising a person subordinate to the state,” said Nikolay Petrov, visiting researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. “For a while the school was outside the active attention of the state. Today, it’s all coming back.”

As Ukraine’s Fight Grinds On, Talk of Negotiations Becomes Nearly Taboo (NYT) Stian Jenssen, the chief of staff to the secretary general of NATO, recently had his knuckles rapped when he commented on possible options for an end to the war in Ukraine that did not envision a complete Russian defeat. His remarks provoked an angry condemnation from the Ukrainians; a clarification from his boss, Jens Stoltenberg; and ultimately an apology from Mr. Jenssen. The contretemps, say some analysts who have been similarly chastised, reflects a closing down of public discussion on options for Ukraine just at a moment when imaginative diplomacy is most needed, they say. Given that even President Biden says the war is likely to end in negotiations, Samuel Charap, a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation, believes there should be a serious debate in any democracy about how to get there. Yet he, too, has also been criticized for suggesting that it is important to talk to Russia about a negotiated outcome. “There is a broad and increasingly widespread sense that what we’re doing now isn’t working, but not much of an idea of what to do next, and not a big openness to discuss it, which is how you come up with one,” he said. “The lack of success hasn’t opened up the political space for an open discussion of alternatives.”

Pope, in Mongolia, laments earth devastated by countless conflicts (Reuters) Pope Francis, in words that appeared to be aimed at China rather than the neighbouring country he was visiting, said on Saturday that governments have nothing to fear from the Catholic Church because it has no political agenda. In an address to bishops, priests, missionaries and pastoral workers, he said Jesus gave no political mandate to his apostles but told them to alleviate the sufferings of a “wounded humanity” through faith. “For this reason, governments and secular institutions have nothing to fear from the Church’s work of evangelization, for she has no political agenda to advance, but is sustained by the quiet power of God’s grace and a message of mercy and truth, which is meant to promote the good of all,” he said. On Saturday morning, Francis called on leaders to dispel the “dark clouds of war.”

Typhoon Saola makes landfall in southern China but appears to cause only light damage (AP) Typhoon Saola made landfall in southern China before dawn Saturday after nearly 900,000 people were moved to safety and most of Hong Kong and parts of the coastal mainland suspended business, transport and classes. Damage appeared to be minimal, however, and some services were returning to normal by afternoon. Meanwhile, Taiwan issued a warning Saturday for a second typhoon, Haikui, which was expected to pass over the island Sunday, before traveling onward to the central Chinese coast.

Biden approves military aid to Taiwan under program normally used for sovereign states (NBC) On Wednesday, Washington approved a transfer of arms to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing program, which is normally reserved for use with sovereign states. Currently, neither the U.S. nor U.N. acknowledges the island nation as its own country in order to maintain diplomatic ties to China. Beijing voiced its “strong dissatisfaction” and “firm opposition” to the weapons sale, claiming that it hurt “China’s sovereignty and security interests” while damaging “peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” Even as China-U.S. dialogue has picked up in recent months with multiple American officials visiting Beijing, the White House has continued funneling arms to Taiwan. Last month, Washington approved a $345 million arms package to the country, and is working to send $500 million worth of F-16 fighter jets to Taipei as well.

With wary eye on China, U.S. moves closer to former foe Vietnam (Washington Post) The United States and Vietnam are poised to significantly enhance their economic and technological ties, bringing the former foes closer at a time of increased Chinese assertiveness in the region. The deal, expected to be announced when President Biden makes a state visit to Vietnam next weekend, is the latest step by the Biden administration to deepen relations in Asia. For Hanoi, the closer relationship with Washington serves as a counterweight to Beijing’s influence. The establishment of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” will give the United States a diplomatic status that Vietnam has so far reserved for only a handful of other countries: China, Russia, India and South Korea.

The low, low cost of shipping (London Review of Books) The truth is that shipping is responsible, as Rose George put it in the subtitle of her classic 2013 book on the subject, for ‘90 Per Cent of Everything’. It is the physical equivalent of the internet, the other industry which makes globalisation possible. The internet abolishes national boundaries for information, news, data; shipping abolishes these boundaries for physical goods. The main way it does this is by being almost incomprehensibly efficient and cheap. As George points out, if you’re having a sweater shipped from the other side of the planet, the cost of shipping adds just a cent to the price. Another way of putting it would be to say that shipping is, in practice, free. This has had the effect of abolishing geography and location as an economic factor: moving stuff from A to B is so cheap that, for most goods, there is no advantage in siting manufacturing anywhere near your customers. Instead, you make whatever it is where it’s cheapest, and ship it to them instead.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Matt Wuerker

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

November 2, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

NOV 3, 2023

In a speech yesterday in Northfield, Minnesota, President Joe Biden explained his economic vision to rural Americans. “Over the past 40 years or so, we’ve had a practice in America—an economic practice called trickle-down economics, and it hit rural America especially hard,” he said. “It hollowed out Main Street, telling farmers the only path to success was to get big or get out.” At the same time, he said, “[t]ax cuts for big corporations encouraged companies to grow bigger and bigger, move jobs and production overseas for cheaper labor, and undercut local small businesses. Meat-producing companies and the retail grocery chains consolidated, leaving farmers [and] ranchers with few choices about where to sell their products, reducing their bargaining power. Corporations that sell seed, fertilizer, and even farm equipment used their outsized market power to change farmers and charge them and ranchers unfair prices.”

Biden noted that the U.S. has lost more than 400,000 family farms in the past 40 years, an area of more than 140 million acres of farmland, equivalent to an area the size of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota combined. Family farms have failed, and as they did so, small businesses, hospitals, schools, and communities also suffered. 

Young people feel they have no choice but to leave home “in search of good-paying jobs and a chance at the American Dream.” 

Biden explained that his plan to invest in America would create new and better markets and new income streams to help rural areas thrive. He noted that $20 billion of the Inflation Reduction Act will go to helping farmers and ranchers adjust to climate change by changing cover crops and managing nutrients and grazing, while urging farmers to diversify from single crops and sell in local markets. 

Biden emphasized that the administration is promoting competition in agricultural markets, noting that currently just four big corporations control more than half the market in beef, pork, and poultry. If just one of their processing plants goes offline, it can cause massive supply chain disruptions (as the closing of a baby formula plant did in 2022). “[T]here’s something wrong,” he said, “when just 7% of the American farms get nearly 90% of the farm income.” 

In addition to the existing national investments in power grids and broadband that will help rural communities, Biden announced $1 billion to fix aging rural infrastructure systems like electricity, water, and waste water systems that haven’t been updated in decades; $2 billion to help farmers fight climate change; $145 million for clean energy technologies like solar panels that will help lower electric bills; and $274 million for rural high-speed internet expansion.

The administration’s vision for rural America appears to be part of a larger vision for restoring competition to the U.S. economy and thus is closely tied to the administration’s push to break up monopolies. In July 2021, Biden promised to interpret antitrust laws in the way they had been understood traditionally, not as the U.S. government began to interpret them in the 1980s. Then, following the argument advanced by the solicitor general of the United States at the time, Robert Bork, the government concluded that economic consolidation was fine so long as it promoted economic efficiencies that, at least in the short term, cut costs for consumers. 

Biden vowed to return to the traditional understanding of antitrust principles championed by presidents all the way back to Theodore Roosevelt at the turn of the last century, arguing that protecting economic competition protects workers, promotes innovation, and keeps consumer prices down. To that, the coronavirus pandemic added an awareness of the need to protect supply chains. 

“Bidenomics is just another way of saying ‘the American Dream,’” Biden said. “Forty years ago, trickle-down economics limited the dream to those at the top. But I believe every American willing to work hard should be able to get a job, no matter where they live—in the heartland, in small towns—to raise their kids on a good paycheck and keep their roots where they grew up.” 

In contrast to Biden’s outreach to farmers, House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing a dilemma over the nation’s next farm bill, which must be passed by the end of the year. According to Clark Merrefield of The Journalist’s Resource, Congress usually debates and renews the farm bill every five years, and the last one passed in 2018. 

Farm bills include price support for farm products, especially corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, peanuts, dairy, and sugar. It also includes crop insurance, conservation programs, and a wide variety of other agricultural programs, making the farm bill hugely popular in rural areas that focus on farming. 

Also included in the measure are nutritional programs for low-income Americans, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. SNAP serves 41 million low-income Americans, but as a member of the far-right Republican Study Committee, Johnson called for cutting SNAP benefits. Now his far-right colleagues are echoing his position, saying that the need to renew the farm bill is a great opportunity to make significant cuts to SNAP, especially since the farm bill is expected to bear a price tag of more than $1 trillion for the first time in our history. 

“I can’t imagine the Mike Johnson that we know would pass up the opportunity to secure as many conservative wins as possible in this farm bill,” a Republican aide told Meredith Lee Hill of Politico, “[a]nd that means serious SNAP reforms.” 

But even some Republicans—primarily those who hail from agricultural states—object to loading the farm bill up with the poison pill of SNAP cuts, knowing such a tactic would repel Democrats, whose votes will be necessary to pass the measure as far-right Republicans balk. 

It will take a deft hand to get the measure through Congress, and its failure at Johnson’s hands will infuriate hard-hit rural areas. It is one more thing to add to the new speaker’s to-do list, as the deadline for funding the government is looming. The continuing resolution funding the government at 2023 levels, the measure that cost Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) his speakership, expires in just over two weeks, on November 17.

Johnson’s willingness to load bills with poison pills that his conference likes showed today in the House’s passage of Republicans’ aid bill for Israel—Ukraine aid had been cut away—along with dramatic cuts to funding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a provision that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office warned would add to the deficit rather than reducing it. Knowing that the measure will not pass the Senate, a number of Democrats voted for it, likely to avoid attacks from conservative opponents. 

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says the Senate won’t even take up the House bill. Instead, the Senate continues to work on its own strongly bipartisan bill that ties together aid to Israel and Ukraine. 

As Kate Riga of Talking Points Memo put it, if the Senate continues to work in this bipartisan way, we will continue to see the same pattern we’ve seen throughout this Congress: “Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans and House Democrats all supporting more or less the same thing, with a chunk of House Republicans out on a branch alone.”

After an angry fight last night over Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) holds on military promotions, in which Republican senators joined Democrats in confronting him, the Senate today confirmed General David Allvin to be Air Force chief of staff and Admiral Lisa Franchetti as chief of naval operations, by votes of 95 to 1. Franchetti is the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Wednesday’s fight appears to have been prompted by the hospitalization of acting Marines Commandant General Eric Smith after an apparent heart attack. Smith was holding down two high-level positions at once owing to Tuberville’s holds, and he had warned his schedule was “not sustainable.” Although the Pentagon says Tuberville is endangering national security, Tuberville insists that his hold on almost 400 military promotions is not hurting the military. 

The new additions mean there are no vacancies on the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the first time since July. 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[solar-installations-are-the-way]

Solar panel Kent

Solar power for Photovoltaic panels

Photovoltaic panels in London Solar energy begins with the sun. Photovoltaic panel (likewise referred to as "PV panels") are made use of to convert light from the sun, which is composed of particles of energy called "photons", into power that can be made use of to power electric loads. A photovoltaic panel can be made use of for a wide range of applications consisting of remote power systems for cabins, telecom tools, remote sensing, and certainly for the production of power by household and business solar electrical systems. In a healthy grid-connected solar setup setup, a solar array creates power during the day that is then made use of in the residence in the evening. Internet metering programs allow solar generator proprietors to get paid if their system produces more power than what is required in the residence.

Making use of PV panels is a really useful way to produce power for lots of applications. A solar electrical system is potentially more economical by minimizing your power bills and can provide power for upwards of three decades if appropriately preserved. With the arrival of international environment change, it has actually come to be more important that we do whatever we can to lower the stress on our atmosphere from the emission of greenhouse gases by minimizing your carbon footprint. Photovoltaic panel have no relocating components and need little maintenance. They are ruggedly built and last for decades when appropriately preserved. Last, however not least, of the benefits of photovoltaic panels and solar power is that, once a system has actually spent for its first setup prices, the power it produces for the remainder of the system's lifespan, which could be as high as 15-20 years relying on the quality of the system, is cost-free! Prices for photovoltaic panels has actually lowered substantially in the last couple of years. This is great because, incorporated with applicable rewards, NOW is the most effective time ever before to invest in a solar power system. As well as consider this: a solar power system in advance costs about the like a mid-sized car! Obviously, you would certainly require to contrast the expense of a solar setup versus the financial benefits of the decrease in power usage from the power energy grid. A solar company market photovoltaic or PV panels and provide photovoltaic panel setup along with photovoltaic or PV cleaning and repair work services. The solar company will be able to suggest you about solar power, available solar tax credits or solar loans amongst various other things. Space is a key factor to consider. The ordinary roof solar system size is around 3-4kW and this will normally use up around 15-20m2 roof covering location. An unshaded, South facing roof covering is suitable for maximum electric output. East or West facing roof coverings could still be taken into consideration, however North facing roof coverings are not suggested. A system facing East or West will generate around 15-20% much less energy than one facing directly South. Any nearby buildings, trees or chimney stacks could shade your roof covering and have a negative impact on the performance of your roof solar system. Solar PV panels are taken into consideration 'allowed developments' and usually do not need planning consent. If you're preparing to set up a solar PV system in your house, you should register it with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Solar power for Photovoltaic panels

Photovoltaic panels in London Solar energy begins with the sun. Photovoltaic panel (likewise referred to as "PV panels") are made use of to convert light from the sun, which is composed of particles of energy called "photons", into power that can be made use of to power electric loads. A photovoltaic panel can be made use of for a wide range of applications consisting of remote power systems for cabins, telecom tools, remote sensing, and certainly for the production of power by household and business solar electrical systems. In a healthy grid-connected solar setup setup, a solar array creates power during the day that is then made use of in the residence in the evening. Internet metering programs allow solar generator proprietors to get paid if their system produces more power than what is required in the residence.

Making use of PV panels is a really useful way to produce power for lots of applications. A solar electrical system is potentially more economical by minimizing your power bills and can provide power for upwards of three decades if appropriately preserved. With the arrival of international environment change, it has actually come to be more important that we do whatever we can to lower the stress on our atmosphere from the emission of greenhouse gases by minimizing your carbon footprint. Photovoltaic panel have no relocating components and need little maintenance. They are ruggedly built and last for decades when appropriately preserved. Last, however not least, of the benefits of photovoltaic panels and solar power is that, once a system has actually spent for its first setup prices, the power it produces for the remainder of the system's lifespan, which could be as high as 15-20 years relying on the quality of the system, is cost-free! Prices for photovoltaic panels has actually lowered substantially in the last couple of years. This is great because, incorporated with applicable rewards, NOW is the most effective time ever before to invest in a solar power system. As well as consider this: a solar power system in advance costs about the like a mid-sized car! Obviously, you would certainly require to contrast the expense of a solar setup versus the financial benefits of the decrease in power usage from the power energy grid. A solar company market photovoltaic or PV panels and provide photovoltaic panel setup along with photovoltaic or PV cleaning and repair work services. The solar company will be able to suggest you about solar power, available solar tax credits or solar loans amongst various other things. Space is a key factor to consider. The ordinary roof solar system size is around 3-4kW and this will normally use up around 15-20m2 roof covering location. An unshaded, South facing roof covering is suitable for maximum electric output. East or West facing roof coverings could still be taken into consideration, however North facing roof coverings are not suggested. A system facing East or West will generate around 15-20% much less energy than one facing directly South. Any nearby buildings, trees or chimney stacks could shade your roof covering and have a negative impact on the performance of your roof solar system. Solar PV panels are taken into consideration 'allowed developments' and usually do not need planning consent. If you're preparing to set up a solar PV system in your house, you should register it with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

solar panels installed solar lights solar panels london solar panel london solar installers near me london solar panels solar panels installation solar london london solar solar panels install solar https://solarpanelinstallerskent.blogspot.com/ https://solarpanelinstallerskent.blogspot.com/2023/01/solar-panel-installers-kent.html https://solarpanelkent.blogspot.com/

[mrudula01]

Sustainable Power Generation Drives Floating Power Plant Market

Triton Market Research presents the Global Floating Power Plant Market report segmented by capacity (0 MW- 5 MW, 5.1 MW- 20 MW, 20 MW – 100 MW, 100.1 MW – 250 MW, above 250 MW), and source (non-renewable power source, renewable power source), and Regional Outlook (Latin America, Middle East and Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe).

The report further includes the Market Summary, Industry Outlook, Impact Analysis, Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Market Maturity Analysis, Industry Components, Regulatory Framework, Key Market Strategies, Drivers, Challenges, Opportunities, Analyst Perspective, Competitive Landscape, Research Methodology & Scope, Global Market Size, Forecasts & Analysis (2023-2028).

Triton's report suggests that the global market for floating power plant is set to advance with a CAGR of 10.74% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2028.

Request Free Sample Report:

Floating power plants are innovative power generation units on floating platforms on water bodies. They serve as primary or backup power sources for specified facilities, utilizing renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) and non-renewable (diesel, natural gas, etc.). These plants offer the advantage of mobility, making them ideal for temporary power generation to tackle local energy shortages.

The increasing popularity of offshore wind projects is due to several market factors, such as the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources and advances in offshore wind technology. Also, supportive government policies and the urgent need to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions further elevate the demand for floating power plants.

Furthermore, the popularity of floating power plants based on IC offers opportunities to the floating power plant market. These innovative power generation systems offer flexibility, scalability, and rapid deployment, catering to remote areas and serving as backup solutions in grid instability situations.

However, challenges like technical complexities, high costs associated with logistics and accessibility, and a shortage of skilled workers for solar panel installation limit the floating power plant market's expansion.

Over the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth. A growing population and increasing industrialization fuel growth prospects. The region is home to a rapidly growing population, which in turn drives the need for expanded power generation capacity. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is experiencing significant economic growth, with many countries emerging as major global players. This economic expansion is accompanied by a surge in industrial activities and the establishment of new manufacturing units, creating a heightened demand for electricity to support these sectors. Floating power plants present a viable solution to meet this demand, especially in areas with limited land availability.

Floating Power Plant AS, Upsolar Group Co Ltd, SeaTwirl AB, Caterpillar Inc, Mitsubishi Corporation, Wartsila Corporation, Siemens AG, MAN Energy Solutions SE, Kyocera Corporation, and Vikram Solar Limited are prominent companies in the floating power plant market.

Due to its complexity, the floating power plant market poses a moderate threat of new entrants. Capital-intensive development and deployment, along with the need for specialized expertise, act as barriers. Additionally, a skilled workforce in offshore engineering and renewable energy is crucial. Nevertheless, government policies supporting renewable energy adoption, such as feed-in tariffs, subsidies, and favorable regulations, are vital in attracting new players by mitigating financial risks and offering long-term incentives.

Contact Us:

sales@tritonmarketresearch.com

Phone: +44 7441 911839

Website: https://www.tritonmarketresearch.com/

[golfcartsguide]

What Is A Deep Cycle Battery? (A Closer Look 2023)

Most electric golf carts have deep-cycle batteries. It is, therefore, important for golf cart owners to understand the term deep-cycle battery so they can maintain their carts properly.

In any off-grid or renewable energy system, a deep-cycle battery is a crucial component. Long-term power storage applications often use these batteries. The purpose of this article is to explain deep-cycle batteries, their types, uses, and charging methods.

What Is A Deep Cycle Battery?

Battery deep cycle units are designed to be discharged to a greater extent, usually up to 50% or more of their capacity. These batteries provide continuous and reliable power. 

A deep cycle battery’s depth of discharge (DOD)is important because it determines how much capacity is used during a single discharge. When a battery is fully discharged, its DOD is 100%. These deep-cycle batteries can easily handle the deep discharge of 80%-100%. 

Monitoring the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is also important since it indicates its current capacity.

There are different types of deep-cycle batteries— each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common ones:

Flooded Lead-Acid

Gel and AGM 

Lithium-Ion

Deep Cycle vs. Starting Battery

The purpose of starting batteries, also called cranking batteries, is to provide a quick burst of energy to start an engine. These batteries have many thin plates, which provide a high current for a short time. These batteries are not designed to be deeply discharged and then recharged. It can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan if you do so.

On the other hand, deep-cycle batteries are designed to be charged and discharged repeatedly. These batteries have thicker plates, enabling them to provide steady energy over a longer period of time.

One of the main differences between deep-cycle batteries and starting batteries is their construction. A starting battery is designed to deliver a large amount of current for a short period of time. In contrast, a deep-cycle battery provides a lower amount of current for a longer duration.

Another difference between deep-cycle batteries and starting batteries is their state of charge. The state of charge of starting batteries must always remain high, while deep cycle batteries can be discharged to a lower charge without deteriorating.

How To Tell If A Battery Is A Deep Cycle

The following ways can help you identify a deep-cycle battery:

Check the Label: Battery labels should indicate whether they are deep-cycle batteries. Look for terms like “deep cycle,” “marine,” or “recreational.”

Look at the Size: Deep cycle batteries tend to be larger and heavier than regular car batteries. Additionally, they have thicker inner plates that can withstand deep discharges.

Check the Amp-Hour Rating: The amp-hour rating indicates how much energy a battery can hold. Compared to regular car batteries, deep cycle batteries have a higher amp-hour rating.

Look for “Deep Cycle” Features: Deep cycle batteries usually have thick plates, reinforced posts, and special separators that improve performance.

Batteries labeled as “deep cycle” are not all the same. The capacity and lifespan of some batteries may be higher than those of others, so it is important to choose the right battery for your specific application.

Types Of Deep Cycle Battery

A wide range of deep-cycle batteries is available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. The following are the most common types of deep-cycle batteries:

Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

The most common deep-cycle battery type is the flooded lead acid battery. While affordable and reliable, they need regular maintenance to perform at their best. These batteries have a liquid electrolyte that can spill when tipped or damaged.

Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

The sealed lead acid battery is similar to the flooded lead acid battery but without the need for regular maintenance. The batteries in this category are commonly used in emergency lighting systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

Gel Batteries

Unlike liquid batteries, gel batteries use a gel electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. The batteries are maintenance-free and last longer than flooded lead-acid batteries. A gel battery is commonly used in renewable energy systems and marine applications.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

An AGM battery is also a sealed lead acid battery but uses a fiberglass mat to absorb the electrolyte. As a result, they are more resistant to vibration and shock than other types of batteries. AGM batteries are commonly found in RVs, boats, and backup power systems.

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are modern deep-cycle battery that offers several advantages over traditional lead acid batteries. Battery life is longer, lightweight, and can be discharged deeper without damage. However, they are also more expensive and require special charging devices.

What Are Deep Cycle Batteries Used For

The deep-cycle battery is commonly used in applications that require a reliable and steady power source for a long time. The following are some common uses for deep-cycle batteries:

Solar and wind power systems

Golf carts and electric vehicles

Boats and marine applications

RVs and campers

Backup power systems for homes and businesses

Telecommunications and UPS systems

Deep Cycle Battery Lifespan

The lifespan of a deep cycle battery depends on several factors, including its type, depth of discharge, and charging method. Deep-cycle batteries can last between 4 and 10 years with proper maintenance and usage. Although lithium-ion batteries can last up to 15 years but are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

How To Charge A Deep Cycle Battery

Charging a deep cycle battery correctly is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Different charging methods will be used depending on the battery type and charging system. Charge deep-cycle batteries using a charger that is specifically designed for them and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Undercharging or overcharging a deep-cycle battery can significantly shorten its lifespan.

Choose the Right Charger: Select a charger specifically designed for deep-cycle batteries. Using a regular car battery charger can damage a deep-cycle battery.

Check the Voltage: Use a multimeter to test the battery’s voltage before charging. If the voltage is below 12 volts, you should use a trickle charger to slowly increase the voltage before using a regular charger.

Connect the Charger: Connect the charger according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure you connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly.

Set the Charge Rate: Select a charge rate that matches the battery’s specifications. To avoid damaging the battery, charge it at a slower rate.

Monitor the Charging Process: Monitor the charger while charging the battery. If the battery starts to get hot, stop the charging process and let the battery cool down before continuing.

Disconnect the Charger: Disconnect the charger once the battery is fully charged. It is important not to overcharge the battery since it can damage it and reduce its lifespan.

To properly charge a deep-cycle battery, follow the abovementioned steps. Failure to do so can damage the battery and reduced performance. 

Conclusion

The deep cycle battery plays an important role in off-grid and renewable energy systems, boats, RVs, and other mobile devices. The various types of batteries are designed to provide a reliable and steady power source over an extended period, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Investing in the right deep-cycle battery for your application and charging it correctly will ensure optimal performance and longevity.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

The growth of customer-owned solar and batteries can help to reduce wear and tear on the grid and save ratepayers money.

How much money? A new paper from University of Texas at Austin researchers shows savings of about 40 percent.

The lead author, Nick Laws, has experience translating his area of research into terms that regular people can understand. If he’s at a backyard picnic, he said, he’ll begin by pointing at overhead power lines.

“If you look at these wires and poles around us, they’re actually, in most cases, very old,” he said. “A lot of times the hardware on the grid is near the end of life.”

The paper is the culmination of his doctoral dissertation, completed in December, about extending the life of grid hardware by reducing the stress caused by periods of high electricity demand and long-term growth in demand. He and his colleagues looked at how best to encourage companies and individuals to invest in energy systems that help to diminish demand on the grid.

The utility-speak term for these systems is “non-wires alternatives,” which can include rooftop solar, community solar and battery storage.

It also includes electric vehicle charging systems, but only if the equipment is connected to the grid in a way that allows a grid operator to pause charging or draw electricity from the car’s batteries at times of high demand.

Another important resource is demand response, which usually applies to factories and other major electricity users who agree to reduce their power use at times of high demand.

Laws’ paper simulates the effects of electricity demand on a neighborhood-size part of the grid over 20 years.

His model found that the costs of providing electricity would be $7.2 million per year if there was no battery storage or other customer-owned resources to reduce demand. This takes into account many variables, including high market prices of electricity during times of strong demand and the need to buy new equipment such as wires and transformers.

Next, he looked at the costs if there were optimal incentives to get households and businesses to invest in demand-reducing tools. He estimated the costs, including the incentives, at about $4.2 million per year.

The savings, which would be passed on to consumers through their utility bills, is about $3 million, which is about 40 percent.

“It lowers the cost for everybody,” Laws said.

I want to call attention to my use of the term “optimal incentives” above because that’s a vital part of the analysis. Much of the paper considers how to calculate incentives, which would involve the utility or grid operator paying customers for using equipment that reduces electricity demand. The price would vary based on how valuable that reduction is.