A US pilot project using a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) in a zero-emissions microgrid has been completed by power utility San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Japanese firm Sumitomo Electric (SE).
A test run of the 2MW/8MWh VRFB, which functioned as part of the microgrid, was able to power 66 residential and commercial customers for almost five hours. (That all eh, VRB GEN3 around the corner, meanwhile powering the 2022 olympics)
During the pilot, the batteries were charged with solar power and discharged during peak hours to meet demand.
The project aims to support of California’s goals for 100% carbon-free electricity, grid reliability and climate resilience following growing use of PSPS.
Microgrids are being investigated to deliver mini power grids that operate independently of the larger grid and keep critical facilities powered during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during wildfire risks in California, US.
The project was the culmination of a 2015 memorandum of understanding between Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
The flow battery was installed at SDG&E’s substation in Bonita, California in 2017 as part of a project funded by NEDO, and connected to the grid the following year.
Peter Klauer, senior advisor for Smart Grid Technology at the non-profit California Independent System Operator, said: “California already has the highest concentration of lithium-ion battery storage in the world, which has proven to be a game-changer at critical times of stress on the grid.
“It’s inspiring now to see other storage technologies emerge, creating more opportunities to balance and manage power grids.
“We are excited to understand the specific capabilities of VRFB technology and will continue to evolve our market design to further support grid integration of energy storage technologies.”
NEDO executive director Shuji Yumitori said: “The microgrid project shows flow batteries are an innovative technology that can prevent blackouts caused by natural disasters, such as wildfires, improve grid resiliency and integrate large amounts of renewable energy."
The microgrid demonstration project was completed late last year and included two successful tests.
https://www.bestmag.co.uk/indnews/vrfb-powered-microgrid-proves-lithium-ion-not-only-technology-grid-connected-ess