Energy Storage Systems Including Batteries (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Kinetic pumped storage systems

What is a kinetic pumped storage system?

• A kinetic pumped storage system is a large-capacity storage system typically linked to renewable energy sources

• The storage system uses gravitational potential energy (a form of kinetic energy storage)

How does a kinetic pumped storage system work?

• The system stores energy as normal until it reaches capacity (i.e. it is full)

• When there is excess electricity, the system pumps water from a low reservoir to a higher reservoir

• By moving this water, it stores potential energy that can be released when the water flows back down through water turbines

• When the energy is needed, the water is released and passes through water turbines, generating electricity

• This electricity can be added to the storage system to top up the energy available

Alkaline & re-chargeable batteries

What is a battery?

• A battery is an energy storage system that stores chemical energy which is converted into electrical energy through a chemical reaction

• Batteries are used to power portable electronic devices

• Alkaline batteries create a chemical reaction between zinc and manganese oxide and are not rechargeable

What is a rechargeable battery?

• A rechargeable battery can be reused by charging it once it has no energy left

• Rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries

• Rechargeable batteries are typically higher in price than alkaline batteries

• Though reusable, rechargeable batteries lose charge over time and after a number of recharge cycles

What are the benefits of rechargeable batteries?

• The user can recharge the battery many times before disposing of it

• Recharging reduces the need to dispose of batteries, reducing waste

• Rechargeable batteries are cheaper for the customer over time

• If a battery is built into a product, the product can be designed to be smaller as there is no need to design access to the battery