Per-cycle cost can be the best way to evaluate the cost of storing energy in a frequent charge/discharge application, such as load leveling.
This chart shows the capital component of this cost, taking into account the impact of cycle life and efficiency. For a more complete per-cycle cost, one needs to also consider O&M, disposal, replacement and other ownership expenses, which may not be known for the emerging technologies.
It should be noted that per-cycle cost is not an appropriate criterion for peak shaving or energy arbitrage where the application is less frequent or the energy cost differential is large and volatile.
