At Volthein, our expertise in battery storage comes from years of working as an energy integrator. This A–Z dictionary is designed to make complex terms simple and support smooth integration of storage solutions.
Using batteries to buy electricity when prices are low and sell or use it when prices are high, maximizing profit from market price differences.
Platform responsible for maximizing the financial and operational performance of battery storage assets.
Tools and processes to ensure batteries operate efficiently, safely, and profitably.
A contractual commitment that the energy storage system will be available for use a certain percentage of time.
The gradual loss of battery capacity and performance over time.
The smallest energy storage unit forming the basis of larger systems.
Technology that stabilizes battery temperature to protect performance and lifetime.
The duration a battery can deliver power before requiring recharge.
The total usable period of a battery, typically measured in years or charge cycles.
Industrial process of producing cells, modules, and packs for energy storage applications.
A cluster of cells combined for easier handling, safety, and scalability.
Real-time tracking of performance, health, and safety to ensure reliable operations.
An assembly of modules forming a functional storage unit used in projects.
The efficiency, reliability, and output of a battery under operating conditions.
Process of reclaiming valuable materials from used batteries to reduce cost and environmental impact.
The complete solution including packs, cooling, controls, and integration into the grid or facility.
The underlying chemistry and design (e.g., lithium-ion, LFP) determining performance and cost.
The starting point of a battery’s operational life, when it delivers full performance.
Control system that monitors, protects, and optimizes battery packs for safe and efficient operation.
The setup and parameter adjustment of the BMS to match the project’s operating strategy and requirements.
A measure of how quickly a battery charges or discharges relative to its capacity (e.g., 1C = full charge/discharge in 1 hour).
The total amount of energy a battery can store and deliver, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh).
An energy market where battery operators are paid for guaranteeing available power to stabilize the grid.
The process of equalizing charge levels across cells to ensure longer battery life and safe operation.
The process of storing energy in a battery by supplying electrical power.
The final stage of project setup where the battery system is tested, verified, and put into operation.
The flow of electric charge through the battery, measured in amperes (A).
One full charge and discharge of a battery, used to measure battery lifetime.
Type of electrical current supplied by batteries, flowing in one direction.
Internal resistance of a battery that affects efficiency, heat generation, and performance.
Selling or buying electricity in advance based on market forecasts, using batteries to capture price opportunities.
The percentage of battery capacity that has been used relative to its total capacity.
The process of releasing stored energy from a battery to supply power.
The company that manages and operates local electricity distribution networks.
The ability of a battery to withstand repeated use while maintaining performance over time.
A simulation or representation of how a battery or system behaves under different electrical conditions.
The network that delivers electricity from producers to consumers, where batteries provide stability and flexibility.
The science behind the chemical reactions in batteries that enable energy storage and release.
Energy Storage System (ESS) or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a technology that stores electricity for later use.
Rapidly restoring battery energy in a shorter time while managing heat and safety.
Identifying abnormal conditions in a battery system to prevent failures or downtime.
Grid service where batteries stabilize frequency deviations within seconds.
Ultra-rapid injection or absorption of power to counter sudden grid frequency changes.
A low charging current that keeps a battery fully charged without overcharging.
Adjusting battery output to keep the grid’s frequency within safe limits.
Automatic reaction of batteries to stabilize grid frequency during fluctuations.
A measure equating partial charges/discharges into one full battery cycle.
The physical and technical process of linking a battery system to the electricity grid so it can import, export, and provide services.
A contract with the grid operator defining technical and legal requirements for connecting a battery project.
The capability of inverters or batteries to establish and stabilize voltage and frequency, allowing operation even without a strong external grid.
Inverters that create stable grid voltage and frequency, enabling islanded or weak-grid operations.
The process of connecting batteries to the power grid and ensuring smooth operation.
The point where battery or renewable energy costs match traditional electricity prices.
Services provided by batteries (e.g., frequency control, reserve) to support grid stability.
The ability of the grid to maintain steady voltage and frequency despite demand and supply changes.
Either the charging or discharging half of a full battery cycle.
Distortions in electrical signals that reduce power quality and efficiency.
The production of heat inside batteries during charging, discharging, or resistance.
Battery system designed for higher voltages, often used in utility-scale projects.
A system combining two or more storage technologies (e.g., batteries + supercapacitors).
Converting electricity into hydrogen for long-term energy storage.
International safety and performance standards for electrical and battery systems.
Opposition to alternating current in a battery, impacting performance and efficiency.
Organization managing the reliability and operation of large electricity grids.
The property of electrical components that resist changes in current flow.
The natural resistance of the power system to sudden changes in frequency, traditionally provided by rotating generators but now partly replaced by batteries.
A sudden surge of current when a system or device is first energized.
Device that converts DC power from batteries into usable AC power for the grid.
Heat generated in a battery due to electrical resistance when current flows.
A unit of power measuring the rate of energy use or delivery.
A unit of energy showing how much electricity is stored or consumed over time.
A safe and durable lithium-ion battery chemistry with long cycle life.
A lithium-ion chemistry offering high power but shorter lifespan.
Lithium-ion chemistry with high energy density but lower stability.
Predicting future electricity demand to optimize battery use and trading.
Moving energy consumption from peak to off-peak times using batteries.
The dominant battery technology for energy storage, known for high efficiency and energy density.
High-energy lithium-ion chemistry, often used in EVs and stationary storage.
Versatile lithium-ion chemistry balancing cost, performance, and lifetime.
Lithium-ion chemistry with ultra-fast charging and very long cycle life.
The involvement of batteries in energy markets to generate revenue (e.g., trading, reserves).
A unit of power equal to 1,000 kilowatts, typically used in large-scale projects.
A unit of energy representing one megawatt of power delivered for one hour.
A local energy system with generation, storage, and loads that can operate independently or with the main grid.
The average voltage of cells in a battery string, used for monitoring balance.
A packaged group of cells that form a building block of a larger battery system.
Tools for tracking performance, safety, and health of a battery system.
A unit of power equal to 1,000 kilowatts, typically used in large-scale projects.
A unit of energy representing one megawatt of power delivered for one hour.
The rated energy capacity of a battery under standard conditions.
The rated voltage of a battery, used as a reference for system design.
A financial metric showing the profitability of a battery project over its lifetime.
The basic resistance in a battery that reduces efficiency and increases heat.
The voltage of a battery when it is at rest and not connected to a load.
Extra power capacity from batteries or other assets reserved for emergencies.
Software logic that maximizes the economic and technical performance of batteries.
A safeguard that prevents batteries from being charged beyond safe limits.
Safety feature that prevents damage when excessive current flows.
A safeguard that stops batteries from discharging too deeply, protecting lifetime.
Excessive battery temperature that reduces performance and may cause safety risks.
Using batteries to reduce electricity use during peak demand times, lowering costs and grid strain.
A contractual assurance that a battery system will deliver agreed levels of availability, capacity, or efficiency.
Photovoltaic panels that generate electricity from sunlight.
The system (including inverters, transformers, and controls) that manages power flow between the battery and the grid.
The amount of power a battery can deliver relative to its size or weight.
A measure of how effectively electrical power is converted into usable work, important for grid compliance.
The stability and cleanliness of electricity delivered, free from disturbances like harmonics or voltage dips.
Using data and analytics to predict and prevent failures before they occur.
Fast grid service where batteries stabilize frequency within seconds.
How quickly a battery can change its power output up or down.
The maximum energy a battery is designed to store and deliver under standard conditions.
Power that supports voltage stability in the grid, often managed by inverters.
The ability of the system to perform consistently and without failure.
Using batteries to balance and stabilize intermittent renewable energy.
Extra capacity a battery can provide to support the grid in emergencies.
The projected financial value of the system at the end of its lifetime.
Opposition to current flow inside the battery, causing efficiency losses.
Combining several revenue streams from one system (e.g., arbitrage, reserves, peak shaving).
The percentage of energy recovered from a battery compared to what was put in.
Continuous oversight of system parameters to ensure safe operation.
Grid service providing balancing within minutes of a disturbance.
The natural loss of charge in a battery when idle.
A thin barrier inside a battery preventing short circuits while allowing ion flow.
Extremely high current that flows if terminals are directly connected.
A contract defining guaranteed service standards, such as uptime and response time.
A digitally enhanced electricity grid with sensors and automation.
The percentage of available energy remaining in a battery.
The absolute energy stored in a battery, usually measured in kWh or MWh.
The condition of a battery compared to when it was new.
Combining solar PV with batteries to maximize renewable usage.
A solid material replacing liquid electrolytes in next-gen batteries for safety and performance.
The amount of energy stored per unit of weight.
The amount of power delivered per unit of weight.
Backup capacity online and ready to stabilize the grid instantly.
A statistical measure of variability, used for risk and performance analysis.
Fixed battery installations for grid, commercial, or industrial use.
Damage in lead-acid batteries where crystals reduce usable capacity.
A market graph showing how much electricity is supplied at different prices.
A charging process where current decreases as the battery nears full capacity.
The system controlling battery temperature for efficiency and safety.
A dangerous overheating chain reaction inside a battery.
A very large unit of energy equal to one trillion watt-hours.
A backup battery system that instantly provides power during outages.
How much the system is used compared to its total available time.
Software-linked batteries and distributed resources acting as one power plant.
A short-term drop in voltage that may disrupt equipment.
The grid’s ability to maintain steady voltage under varying demand.
A unit of power showing the rate of energy use or supply.
A unit of energy equal to one watt of power supplied for one hour.
The large-scale electricity market where producers and traders buy and sell power.
Umbrella term covering BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
In manufacturing, the proportion of defect-free batteries produced; a key efficiency metric.
A way to measure how much capacity a battery loses per year, often in warranties or performance guarantees.
Operation of energy systems without releasing greenhouse gases, often enabled by renewables + storage.
A state where a battery or circuit shows no electrical potential difference, often indicating full discharge or a safety condition.
A control unit that manages and coordinates distributed energy assets within a defined grid area.
An extremely large unit of energy equal to one sextillion watt-hours (10²¹ Wh).