Saft, a dealer in high technology batteries, has announced that its Saft Li-ion or "lithium-ion" battery technology is providing the energy storage at the heart of ABB's new SVC Light concept.
This concept will be a key element in the creation of a Smart Grid that can handle significantly increased levels of renewable energy.
According to the company, lithium-ion electrochemistry involves the use of lithium insertion compounds. In a lithium-ion cell, the negative electrode (anode) is graphite and the positive electrode (cathode) is a lithium-bearing metal compound. Li-ion cells have an exceptional cycling aptitude owing to the stable electrode structure: charging and discharging involves exchange of lithium ions between the electrodes via the electrolyte.
Saft has stated that it has developed large and medium-sized batteries in cylindrical and near-prismatic shapes, with various energy-power trade-offs, from 150 W/kg with full discharge in 2 hours to 65 Wh/kg with full discharge in 15 seconds. Other remarkable properties of these products include a faradic efficiency close to 100 percent, long calendar life (over 20 years at ambient temperature), low self-discharge (under 5 percent per year), operating temperature range from -30 °C to +60 °C, and charge level gauge-able by measuring voltage.
The SVC Light with Energy Storage adds a significant new dimension to ABB's Smart Grid philosophy by combining energy storage capability with its well-established SVC Light technology. This approach will alleviate many of the concerns related to the addition of wind power and solar energy generation to existing grids by helping to level out intermittent production and support demand response.
ABB is marketing the SVC Light with Energy Storage solution as the cost effective option for installations that require continuous voltage control and frequency regulation essential for grid stability combined with short term power support to cover load or supply variations.
The Saft Li-ion battery system will help ABB's solution store power from renewable energy sources and surplus power from the grid. Anytime when there is a sudden power ebb or surge the battery system will offer the necessary power to provide controlled ramping and to maintain a stable grid. Saft's Li-ion technology provides precise information on the battery's state of charge, which is a vital function in a dynamically operating energy storage system.
Claes Rytoft, head of technology for ABB's Power Systems division, said that "the SVC Light with Energy Storage provides a new dimension in developing smart grids and it will allow a significant increase in renewable generation, maximizing CO2 free generation. It will provide cost-effective, environmentally attractive, and high quality services for their customers' existing networks."
Nathesh is a contributing editor for IoTevolutionworld. To read more of Nathesh's articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Marisa Torrieri
