Comparing Storage Technologies for Participation in Day-Ahead and Primary Reserve Markets

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) operators generate revenues by providing electricity products, i.e., energy, capacity, and/or reserve, possibly participating simultaneously in several markets to stack revenues while playing with the discrepancies between prices and provision constraints. This study compares various storage technologies in terms of first-order expected revenues when participating in the Day-Ahead (DA) and Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) markets, i.e., focusing on their function rather than detailed modeling. Comparisons are thus investigated with a 1 MW-rated asset and data for the French energy markets from 2018 to 2021. The effects of storage parameters, including round-trip efficiency, self-discharge rate, and energy capacity, are considered. Results highlighted that technologies like pumped hydro, compressed air, lead-acid, and Li-ion batteries are the most suitable for participation in DA markets. The FCR market prioritizes higher efficiencies, and technologies like flywheel, super capacitor, and superconducting magnetic energy storage are the most profitable in that market. Ultimately, batteries are the best suited for services stacking, meeting both the DA and FCR market demands.