Pictured above: The DynaPeaQ installation at the UK Power
Networks site in Norfolk
ABB's electrical grid systems centre of excellence in Stone,
Staffordshire has commissioned a pioneering energy storage project
in Norfolk that demonstrates new technology that will help improve
the UK's use of wind power in the future.
On behalf of UK Power Networks, the electricity distribution
company, ABB has constructed a new 'dynamic electrical energy
storage device', at a site north of Hemsby on the Norfolk coast.
This high-tech plant can harness power from local wind turbines and
store it in high performance lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, so
that it can be returned into the electricity distribution network
when it's needed - not just when the wind blows.
It is the first example of this type of energy storage system
based on Li-ion batteries in the UK, and is among the first in
western Europe. It uses ABB's DynaPeaQ technology to convert energy
into a form where it can be stored in a battery system.
The DynaPeaQ system is housed in a 25m-square substation-type
building and its batteries are being charged and discharged
repeatedly, storing up to 200 kWh of electrical energy. The current
installation is intended to provide a practical test for ABB's
technology that demonstrates its capability in real-world operating
conditions. Future commercial DynaPeaQ installations could be
scaled up to 50 megawatts or even more.
The energy stored is kept in reserve for times of need; such as
to support power supplies to Norfolk customers in the event of a
fault on the electricity network, or simply to improve power flow
management into the network in a consistent way (wind power is
naturally produced in erratic peaks and troughs which can be
problematic for the energy industry).
The device is also good news for the environment. If the UK can
maximise the use of green energy such as wind power, it could allow
more renewable energy sources to be connected into the network and
ultimately lessen the need for coal-fired power stations, thereby
reducing carbon emissions.
"Energy storage is now regarded as a key enabling technology for
the major increase in our usage of renewable energy essential to
meet the UK's stringent targets for reducing CO2 emissions. There
has been a great deal of talk about the subject, but ABB has seized
the initiative by creating the country's first practical
demonstration of grid-connected Li-ion energy storage" says Stephen
Trotter, Division Head of ABB Power Systems. "This is just one
example of the ground breaking technology that is being developed
and implemented by ABB's electrical grid systems centre of
excellence, and it is this commitment to innovation that is driving
our ambitious plans for future growth."
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable
utility and industry customers to improve performance while
lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates
in around 100 countries and employs about 124,000 people.