the power park. Storage can integrate the various generating or supply sources creating a high quality, reliable power supply. Far small to medium sized islanded systems with significant renewable resource generation, storage will smooth out the real time variability of the generation source. Far hybrid systems, storage can follow the load peaks allowing the gas driven devices to be sized far optimal efficiency, supporting the base load of the park. in a grid tied park, energy storage systems scaled up to the substation level will provide power quality protection for the entire park. This quality protection device will correct any sags or momentary interruptions from the utility and provide seamless transition to the backup generation source in cases of extended outages. Energy storage can also contribute to the immediate bottom line of the power park. For utilities with demand charges, energy storage used in a peak shaving mode will minimize those demand charges. it is desirable to combine several of these individual capabilities together, increasing the value of the storage device. Electrical energy storage is every flexible tool which can be tailored for the needs of individual developments. The Energy Storage programme is collaborating with Alaskan utilities to investigate combining battery energy storage systems with existing diesel generation for village systems. Two operating regimes are being considered. The ESS system can be used in the peak shaving mode or to provide the base load with the diesel operating only during peak periods and to charge the battery. lnitial indications are that peak shaving can provide significant fuel savings in certain conditions. in a new power park, this operation could minimize the initial capital cost of new generating equipment as well as minimizing fuel costs. Another project, underway at a community theatre, will combine PV generation, an advanced battery system, and an ice making and storage system. The design intend of the system is to provide ali of the energy required to light, heat and cool the theatre on a routine basis. Utility backup is being maintained with control of the resources centering in the energy storage system. Massive batteries have been used successfully in aproject to harmonize hydropower, with the intermittent load ofa saw mili. in this minigrid on an Alaskan island, storage was able to eliminate expensive diesel generation while supplying ali customers with the required power. Energy stoarge systems are currently used in power quality applications, protecting industrial facilities from electrical distribution system disturbances. Work is underway on increasing the capabilites of these systems to protect larger facilites which are directly fed from the transmission network . . Power conversion electronics (inverters, rectifiers, ete.) are being developed for higher voltage and power operation. New, advanced energy storage devices (flywheels, superconducting magentic energy stoarge, advanced batteries) that promise greater energy density, higher reliability and reduced maintenance are nearing commercialization. Advanced control systems that feature sophisticated system management, including learning and other artificial intelligent capabilities, are planned. Work currently being performed in all these areas is being combined to create systems capable of increasing the quality, reliability and economy of electric power for parks. Engines lncluding spark ignition, compression ignition and Stirling engines). Reciprocating internal combustion (IC) engines are reliable, efficient, have low first cost, and are easy to start. Power park engine applications are generally CHP. The two main types used for CHP are four cycle, spark -ignited (Otto cycle) and compression - ignited (diesel cycle) and comperession - ignited (diesel cycle} engines. IC engines require frequent routine inspections and adjustments to maintain performance. Stirling engines show promise for 1 - 1 O kW sized CHP applications and are expected to be commercial in Europe by 2002. Typical maintenance costs including an allowance for part replacemant is US$0.01 - 0.015 / kWh. Advanced turbines Gas combustion turbine development accelerated in the 1930s as ameans of propulsion for jet aircraft. it was not until the early 1980s that the efficiency and reliabilty of gas turbines had progressed sufficiently to bewidely adopted for stationary power applications. Gas turbines range in size from 30 kW (microturbines) to 250 MW (industrial frames). Simple cycle gas turbines suitable for use in power parks have increased their effiency from approximately 15% in the mid - 1940sto 30% in the lale 1970s, to above 40% today. Microturbines A new class of small gas turbines called microturbines could jump start power park deployment. Microturbines are based on automobile turba charger technology and thus are expected to be manufactured at very low cost. Due to their exteremely high frequency power, microturbine output is first converted to De then back to 60 Hz AC. Therefore, microturbines pose no energizing hazard in network type grids. They can alsa be used very efficiently in DC power applications. Microturbines are the backbone of the Pleasanton power park in California. Several manufacturers are developing competeing engines in the 25 - 250 Kw range; however, multiple units can be integrated to produce higher electirical output while providing additional reliability. Fuel Cells A fuel celi consists of several major components including a fuel ECOGENERATION WORLD LiZ..
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