Lithium-ion for grid-scale storage

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Quick Take: Many experts believe lithium-ion battery technology is a poor fit for grid-scale storage, for a combination of cost and technical issues. But don't count it out just yet. ABB has just chosen a lithium-ion flavor manufactured by International Battery for a distributed storage project in Sweden. And distributed may be the key word here. Lithium-ion may be better suited for small, neighborhood-scale storage scattered at key stress points. - By Jesse Berst

Power and automation technology company ABB will incorporate International Battery's lithium-ion (lithium iron phosphate) large format HyperClass batteries into a distributed energy storage system it is building for Swedish utility Falbygdens Energi AB.

ABB's grid-connected distributed energy storage system (DES) will use the HyperClass batteries to provide storage capacity of 87 kilowatt-hours. The scalable and modular system offers thermal management and an extensive battery management system with active cell balancing.

The storage system will give Falbygdens Energi, a subsidiary of Göteborg Energi AB, the capabilities to balance peak loads, improve grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy for the utility's current and future smart grid applications.

The DES is slated for installation in late 2011 and will be part of an existing substation in the city of Falköping. With the system, the utility will be able to store energy produced by local wind turbines. Benefits for the utility and its customers also include backup power, support for plug-in EV deployments, improved distribution line efficiency and management and storage of intermittent power sources like wind and solar.

International Battery also is collaborating with S&C Electric on American Electric Power's Community Energy Storage system.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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