POWER May 2014 - 36

ENERGY STORAGE
1. Smooth output. The 1-MWh Saft Intensium
Max Li-ion energy storage systems
inside the two containers at the base of this
wind turbine reduce the turbine's ramp rate
and smooth out fluctuations in its output.
Courtesy: Saft
2. Multi-talented storage. The Saft Intensium Max system on the right is part of a
hybrid energy storage system (ESS) being developed on Pellworm Island in Germany-where
total annual production from renewables is three times local consumption-as a test of how
ESSs can support very deep renewable integration. Courtesy: Saft
of energy and power output, with the ability
to deliver high performance in demanding
cycling conditions over a lifespan exceeding
10 years.
Taking a containerized approach to an
ESS offers multiple advantages. It means
not only that a single technical solution
can address multiple applications but also
that a single battery system can enable
grid operators to network multiple value
streams. For the wind power plant, an ESS
can facilitate grid integration, smooth intermittent
generation, reduce ramp rates,
and shape power outputs. For the MV grid,
an ESS can help manage power flows to
reduce feeder congestion during demand
and generation peaks, provide local dynamic
voltage support, and enable black
start and islanding.
Battery Management
When engineering a Li-ion ESS, a vital
consideration is ensuring that a battery
management system is in place to control
the charge and discharge of each battery
36
module and monitor its state of charge and
health. Both thermal and electrical management
are important to ensure a homogenous
state of charge and operating temperature
under dynamic operating conditions. This
delivers safety and reliability throughout a
long service life. The value in such a fully
integrated " plug and play " solution is that
operators receive a containerized product
including a management system that can
be monitored either locally through a human
machine interface or from a remote
control room.
While Saft has delivered Li-ion ESS
solutions for a number of installations,
including integrating solar photovoltaic
(PV) and other on-grid applications, three
projects highlight the benefits of the technology
and how it can be applied to suit
different circumstances.
Overcoming Intermittency in
Canada
Since taking delivery of two containerized
ESS units in 2013, a remote community in
Canada is smoothing out the fluctuations in
power from its wind turbines. Cowessess
First Nation (CFN) is now benefiting from
a $5.5 million project delivered with the
Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) that
comprises an 800-kW wind turbine installed
with a 1-MWh Li-ion ESS that overcomes
the issue of intermittency of wind power on
the prairies.
For this project, Saft supplied two Intenwww.powermag.com
sium
Max 20E systems, which have a total
capacity of 1 MWh (Figure 1). The ESS
limits the ramp rate to 10% per minute of
the turbine's rated output and provides up to
400 kWh of peak-shaving capability. CFN
has reduced the volatility of its wind power
by 70%, an important consideration for remote
communities.
Funded by a government agency, the SRC
delivered the project in part to demonstrate
the benefits of energy storage to other First
Nations communities that are looking to
overcome intermittency. It worked in close
cooperation with CFN to consult on the best
location for the new installation and within
Canada's well-developed framework for developing
wind farms to minimize the impact
on wildlife and make the most of natural
wind resources.
Maximizing Wind Potential in
France
A project in the Aube region of France has
brought together several partners to test innovative
equipment and management tools
for electricity distribution grids in rural
environments. As part of the VENTEEA
project sponsored by ADEME (the French
Environment and Energy Management
Agency), consortium leader ERDF is installing
an ESS supplied by Saft that combines
more than 1 MWh of storage capacity
and 2 MW of power. The system will serve a
12-MW wind power plant and demonstrate
multiple services, including smoothing of
POWER | May 2014
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POWER May 2014

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