Energy storage

Providing ancillary services to support grid reliability

Large-scale centralized renewable generation as well as small-scale distributed generation are gaining momentum -- especially wind and solar.  With an emerging renewable and distributed generation future, there is recognition that these variable generation resources may increase grid volatility, requiring increased ancillary services to help maintain grid operations.   Storage technologies can perform these roles.

 

KEMA has developed a dynamic simulation model that enables us to measure the impact storage may have in maintaining grid operations as well as how well the devices perform in the application

 

Integrating renewable and distributed generation

As increasing amounts of large-scale centralized renewable generation as well as small-scale distributed generation -- especially wind and solar – are added to the grid, it may be necessary for the plants to meet additional requirements to help maintain reliable grid operations.  Storage can be utilized to mitigate ramping issues as well as a number of revenue services for the operator.

 

KEMA’s dynamic simulation model and power system experience allows us to evaluate the ability of storage technologies to be combined with wind and solar plants to mitigate potential issues.  We can assess the performance characteristics of various technologies, examine control algorithms for the applications, measure the performance of the devices, and conduct cost-benefit analysis of the applications.  

 

Energy storage applications for a sustainable energy future

Emerging energy storage technologies offer a viable solution for renewable and distributed generation grid integration. Advanced energy storage technologies, with the ability to provide fast-acting energy storage for regulation service, also show promising potential for enhancing grid reliability.

 

However, additional emission benefits can also be captured when storage replaces traditional fossil generation for these roles.  As storage gets its charge from the grid, utilizing storage technologies can help reduce the overall amount of emissions such as CO2, NOx, and SOx when compared to fossil fuel generation.   For applications such as Frequency Regulation, KEMA studies have shown that storage can provide lower emissions and a lower life-cycle cost when compared to some fossil plants performing similar roles. 

 

Advancing energy storage through technology innovations, advanced modeling

As emerging energy storage technologies become commercialized, their unique performance characteristics begin to be applied to new applications. KEMA helps further client understanding of the capabilities, applications and use of large-scale and small-scale energy storage technologies.

 

KEMA is uniquely qualified to assess these emerging technologies.  With our testing facilities in Europe and the U.S, research & development, and consulting services, KEMA is able to provide services across the entire storage value chain.  Our energy storage solutions are based on hands-on experience in developing advanced storage technologies and dynamic simulation models.   

 

We are actively engaged in developing energy storage technologies, including:

• large-scale “energy island” offshore energy storage system

• testing advanced storage technologies for ancillary services

• advanced high temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system

• high temperature superconducting fault current limiter

• compact high-temperature superconductor hydro power generator

• small-scale electricity storage systems

• flexible storage for distributed generation.

We also are simulating scenarios and implications to evaluate utility-grade applications of energy storage, including:

• using storage for frequency regulation to improve electric grid system reliability, efficiency and flexibility in different environments, including AGC systems and real time markets

• evaluating emission savings and life cycle cost / benefits from a 20 MW flywheel-based power plant designed to perform frequency regulation.