National Wind Technology Center Awards Energy Storage Test to RES

The National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) awarded a 1-MW/1-MWh energy storage test project to Renewable Energy Systems, the UK-based firm with offices in Broomfield, Colorado, announced on February 22.

Renewable Energy Systems – which describes itself as “a technology-agnostic integrator that performs the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) as well as long-term performance wraps” – will deploy its RESolve energy storage platform for the trial.

Once the installation has been completed in April, research staff from the NREL will use more than ten demonstrated applications of RESolve to test certain operating solutions – among them:

• Time shifting of energy that separates energy generation from energy consumption either for operational or financial benefit;
• Frequency services that provide grid support, through frequency regulation, frequency response, or frequency control;
• Renewables integration, offering predictable output from solar and wind, including ramp rate control, time-shifting, and predictable generation profiles;
• Deferral of system upgrades, including investments in transmission and distribution networks by using energy storage to provide generation at peak times;
• Microgrid/off-grid control of multiple generators;
• Backup power supply for critical services in the event of a loss of power from the grid.
• Grid support services that keep the grid within required operating parameters for voltage, reactive power, and frequency.

RES has partnered with LG Chem to supply batteries for the system, along with SMA to provide the power conversion system unit, and Siemens to install the pad mount transformer.

“RES is pleased to install its 16th system near our home in Denver,” stated the company’s Chief Technology Officer Andy Oliver, adding, “[We are} looking forward to supporting NREL in their renewable integration efforts with our grid-ready storage product.”

Currently, RES has projects completed or underway in eight electricity markets using six battery technologies with multiple utility and IPP clients, the company said. RES has been active in North America since 1997, and has a renewable energy and storage construction portfolio that exceeds 9,000 MW and 100-plus projects, and has constructed more than 1,000 miles of overhead and transmission lines.