Energy Biz - July/August 2008 - (Page 40f) Flywheel Energy Storage Makes the Grade for Frequency Regulation Beacon Power commercializes a modern Grid TechnoloGy “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” – Thomas a. Edison ElEcTric powEr is ThE only major EnErgy commodiTy that cannot be easily stored for later use. Today, almost all electricity is consumed the moment it is made. This practical limitation results in wasted energy, constrained power delivery and reliability, higher energy costs and decreased energy security. On the other hand, if grid operators could rely on electricity produced at one point in time for later use, it would have a profoundly positive impact on both the efficiency and security of our nation’s power grid. Helping to deliver this type of improvement with advanced technologies that can meet the demands of a modern power grid is one of the main objectives of the GridWise Alliance. After more than 10 years of research and development – with backing from the U.S. Department of Energy and state agencies – and supported by recent regulatory rulings from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Beacon Power is bringing large-scale flywheel energy storage to the electricity market. Beacon is currently developing a 20-megawatt flywheel-based frequency regulation plant in Stephentown, New York, the first fully commercial facility of its type in the world. Frequency regulation is a critical service to the grid that is commonly provided by fossil fuel generators. These generators increase or decrease their power output according to signals received from the grid operator. Compared to flywheel technology, fossil generators are less energy efficient and produce CO2 and other emissions. In contrast, Beacon’s flywheel systems are emission-free “mechanical batteries” that absorb excess electricity and inject it back to the grid when it’s needed, effectively recycling electricity in a clean, sustainable way. Flywheels also respond to ISO control signals up to 100 times faster than fossil power plants, a capability that may reduce the regulation resources that grid operators must provide. The use of flywheel energy storage also supports the deployment of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which by nature are highly variable and require more frequency regulation 6 The Smart Energy 25 flywheel, capable of storing 25 kWh of electricity for highly-cyclic applications like grid frequency regulation. Architectural rendering of Beacon Power’s proposed 20 MW flywheel frequency regulation facility in New York, scheduled to start construction in 2008. Bringing a radically new idea to fruition requires many things: a real market opportunity, clear vision, dedication, capital, and technology breakthroughs. It also helps when key stakeholders are supportive. Beacon’s technology has been championed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Sandia National Laboratories, the California Energy Commission, and regional grid operators, including the California ISO and PJM Interconnection. Their vision, leadership and support have played an instrumental role in helping to bridge the gap from “great idea” to a practical application that benefits the grid. www.beaconpower.com Copyright 2008, Beacon Power Corporation http://www.beaconpower.com
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