Modelling and simulation of a Li-ion energy storage system: Case study from the island of Ventotene in the Tyrrhenian Sea

Energy storage systems (ESSs) are increasingly used in small islands that are not connected to the continental grid and, hence, only rely on local power sources (e.g. diesel generators). The use of ESSs allows to efficiently adapt to load seasonal variations and changes in renewable energy production as well as to increase the efficiency of diesel generators. On the other hand, achieving a proper dimensioning of system components and efficient operation of an ESS in an established power station may be a non-trivial task. In order to assist this process, preliminar modelling and simulation are fundamental steps, as they allow to work on “virtual prototypes” of the plant, enabling efficient components dimensioning as well as the development and test of system operation strategies. In this work, a Matlab-based simulation tool is developed for an ESS installation in Ventotene island in the Mediterranean Sea. The system model is detailed and simulation results are provided, showing that the developed simulation tool is able to describe both long-term dynamics and transient phenomena. The final user of the simulation tool is the industrial partner, i.e. Enel S.p.A., that has provided the technical information on the Ventotene power station.