Why eletricity cant be stored?

Question

I mean, why cant we put it somewhere during off peak hours, and use it during the peak hours?

Answer 1

It is possible to store the energy, but it is neither easy, nor efficient.

Answer 2

Some places they do. Parts of California pumps water to reservoir in higher elevation when there are excess electricity, and during peak hours that water turns turbines. It isn't very efficient though. These effort are the exception. Los Angeles is resistant to these measure due to political climate/ Employees in the DWP do not want to run more environmentally friendly equipments, because they do not want to be retrained or get more responsibility. State law is trying to force the city to do something since there is a mandate to use more renewable energy, and wind turbine is the only practical source of renewable energy that they could add. Wind turbine produces energy sporatically, so storing energy is one of the solution to evening up the energy output. In San Diego, they are or were experimenting pumping hot air underground during off oeek hours, and having the air run turbines when more elctricity is needed. Last I heard this systems isn't in use.

Answer 3

If you mean the electricity we use everyday coming from direct line, of course they cannot be stored in large amounts like that because it merely adheres to direct conduction process. There are different materials needed for storage of such electricity.

Generally speaking, electricity can be stored. Inside of nearly every electronic device ever manufactured, you'll find a component known as a "capacitor". Large capacity, polarized "electrolytic" capacitors store energy for anywhere from just a few tenths of a second, to as long as several hours, depending upon the "load", or in other words, just how much "drain" is imposed. Take this example: If you charge up a 2200 microfarad capacitor from a 12 volt DC power supply, turn off the power, disconnect the capacitor, and then hook the capacitor to an "LED" (light-emitting diode) and limit the "current flow" with say, a 1K (1000 ohm) resistor wired in series with the LED, the slow discharge will cause the LED to light up, and stay illuminated for several seconds as the capacitor slowly discharges electrical energy into the LED.

Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride batteries store electrical energy, and can run small appliances such as cell phones and video cameras, for many hours! The lead-acid battery in your car is continually charged by your car's alternator, (actually a generator) in order to allow you to start your car, each time you put the key into the ignition.

Another common proof of storing electricity is the static electricity for which can be stored in your body and when you touch someone, it moves into them.☺

Answer 4

hydro electric plant work like this, using electric to pump the water to a reservior at the top and then releasing it during peak times converting back to electric. Electric can be stored but the size and losses in storing it mean that it is only useful in certain situations. most efficient way is to generate on demand.

Answer 5

Electricity can be stored reasonably efficiently. In Scotland, the Ben Cruachan pumped storage scheme uses surplus electricity from the National Grid to pump water up to a reservoir at times of low demand, and releases it to generate electricity at times of higher demand.

The scheme enables the nuclear power stations at Torness and Hunterston to run steadily and efficiently at a more constant level. It would be inefficient for these types of generating stations to try to respond to the actual varying demand for electricity.

Answer 6

Because it would be inneficient and dangerous.
Like the batteries you have, if they're not used they're drained. Furthermore since you'd be talking about huge capacitors since you're talking about electricity for a whole city which are VERY dangerous. What you could do is have your own generator, if the power goes out you wouldn't have to worry cuz you have your own source of power.

and commenting on Slew's answer, hydrolic power is one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly ways of produicing power. Hoover dam being an example. Wind turbines are popular but the number one source we're using today to produice power is burning coal to produice steam. And really, California doesn't have power problems because of lack of generation, it's the stupid politics involved.

Answer 7

Coz producing 'more' electricity during peak hours is more efficient and easier than storing it and then 'reusing' it during the peak hours.

Answer 8

Transformeres inverters and battery cells store electricity. Large amounts are stored in some special equipments.

Answer 9

It can be stored..u need little bit reasearch on this,ask any eletrical & electronics engineers.

Answer 10

Just like "tide" can not be stored but water can be stored.
Electricity can not be stored but potential energy can be stored in rechargeable battery etc.

Answer 11

i think the electricity may be store by using capacitor but i didn't know whether it is correct or not