Optimizing PV Systems- Energy Storage

OPTIMIZING PV SYSTEMS PART 2 - ENERGY STORAGE JANUARY 2015 A WORLD OF ENERGY STORAGE.COM DIGITAL PUBLICATION FEATURED CONTENT SPONSORED CONTENT FIRST PAGE OF E-FEATURE PAGE 4 WHATAIBSATTERPYA?GE 10BATATENRDYERNACCLKOSSUPARGEES20 ENERGY STORAGE PROFILES PAGE 30FROM THE WORLD'S NUMBER 1 RENEWABLES NETWORK





ENERGY STORAGE E-FEATUREWritten and influenced by Eric Hill, Strategic Platforms Manager, Alpha Technologies, Inc.Mark Mays, Senior Applications Engineer and Mark Cerasuolo, Director of Marketing and Training,both from OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. A battery storage project at the Santa Rita County Jail in California.Solar plus Storage: electricity with storage. The that favored the widespreadRenewable energy production installation of grid-direct or grid-and the means to harvest it are first solar-powered satellite, tie systems without any storagebeing reunited. We cover the capability. However, theessentials. Vanguard I, was designed to developing and more remote world was not looking at solar toSolar electricity is celebrating stay active for seven years replace other forms of electricalthe 60th anniversary of its generation, but rather as abirth at Bell Laboratories in using solar-augmented potential means to produce1954. From its first practical electricity in off-the-gridapplicBaostcihoPno—werpToecwering the batteries - well past the 20 day situations where centrally-TelstaSrachsenkampc5ommunications generated utility power wassatell2it0e097 Haalmobnurgg with all of lifespan possible then with either weak or nonexistent.TelstaGre’rsmandy escendants—solarelectrTFieacxl i t++y4499h((00a))11s8800t11ra2277v88e33 l00e13 d with a battery powered transmitters. The second scenario is what gaveway toInfso.tBoosrcehPiotw, [email protected] rise to the “microgrid” concept:achievweww.bionsdche-ppoweenr-dteec.ncocme from While the space program, the essentially an all-in-one systemthe sun’s variable availability comprised of power conversionin EaP1r0rti0nh %te’dschinlooGriernrbem-fiarten,ey pwapehrere day first and most famous of a renewable source or sourcesbecomes night every 90 or so (solar, wind, hydro) possiblyminutes depending on the application avafiloabrle fromPV/solar, augmented with a generator formission. when those sources are represented a hallmark inadequate, as well as energyEven before Telstar, NASA’s storage, management andspacewpwiwo.bnoesceh-rssolarre-sctooraggne.iczomed the technological achievement of control sub-systems, forneed for integrating solar supplying electricity at the very the developed world, the local level. A small fishing village in South America, a forward growth of solar electricity back www.worldofphotovoltaics.com on Earth diverged down two paths marked by two very different sets of needs. Back on Earth The developed and relatively urbanized world could take a luxury approach to solar electricity and use the technology to offset the use of fossil fuels, and to achieve reasonable system economicsEnergy Storage eFeature |January 2015

/ Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect ChargingBPT-S 5 HybridThe intelligent s2t4orHaOgeURsoSluOtFioSnUN IS POSSIBLE. NOW THAT WE MAKE RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCESSIBLE AROUND THE CLOCK. Humanity‘s great dream is the ability to satisfy all energy needs entirely from renewable energy sources - regardless of time or season. We are relentless in our pursuit of making the seemingly impossible possible. Everything we do is based on “24 hours of sun”; the Fronius vision for the energy revolution. As the innovation leader, we are passionate about turning our vision - harnessing the power of regenerative energy to secure energy independence - into reality. By pursuing our vision we are time and again shifting the limits of what technology can achieve. Find out more at fronius.com/24hsun

OPTIMIZING PV SYSTEMS - PART 2: ENERGY STORAGE in South America, a forward military operatingbase in South Asia, or a remote vacation resort inCanada might all have microgrid electricity supplyas their common denominator despite theirsubstantial differences in geography and purpose.The second solar electricity revolutionWith these developments, grid-tied and off-gridsolar diverged down two paths. The first focusedon technological and economic improvement tothe panels and modules needed to collect andharvest solar electricity, while the second madecomparable progress in the power conversionelectronics and energy storage methods requiredfor off-grid operational success.Not surprisingly, solar electricity’s growth in thedeveloped world heavily favored the grid-tiedmodel with its relatively simple systemsconsisting of solar panels and an inverter (andlater multiple microinverters). Still representingthe majority of residential and commercialPV/solar systems in use today, grid-tied types canoffset utility electricity use, sell back to the localpower grid, and take advantage of all government,regional and utility-based incentive programs toensure that their owner/operators maximize theirreturn on investment.But as grid-tied solar became more widespread, itsimpact on grids and energy scenarios—and itsinherent limitations— increasingly became moreof an issue. Consider, these regional examples:• California: now representing over half of theentire United States PV solar market (SEIA, 2013),California also has that country’s most aggressiverenewable energy goals: a state mandated 33percent of electricity from renewable sources by2020, up from the previous requirement of 20percent, and primarily from solar and wind,excluding hydro. But adding that much power fromrenewable sources that fluctuate widely cancreate grid instability, and will—California stateexperts predict reliability problems as soon as2015 if the trend continues and conventionally-fueled power plants have to keep making up thedifference caused by renewable’s inherentintermittency when the sun isn’t shining or windisn’t blowing. As the Wall Street Journal reportedlast year inEnergy Storage eFeature |January 2015 www.worldofpho

otovoltaics.com California Grids for Electricity Woes, solar and wind sources added in recent years have made the system more fragile, because they provide power intermittently\" • Hawaii: because island utility power is invariably diesel-generated, it is very expensive as that fuel must be transported to local power plants. After years of providing incentives for solar electricity, the utilities are beginning to pull back on them, fearing the much-publicized “death spiral” where more solar users means that utilities must pass on their fixed electricity generation costs to fewer customers. This results in higher prices and creates even more “grid defectors” as the utility’s remaining customers discover that even with limited or no incentives, solar for self- consumption is a financially-attractive option. This, in turn, raises electricity prices even more and encourages more defectors, exacerbating the effect. • Germany: as the most solarized country in the world, Germany is now faced with mitigating against potential “grid collapse” under the right conditions. As former U.S. Department of Energy undersecretary David Garman and Samuel Thernstrom of the Energy Innovation Reform Project noted in a recent article, “the strain is beginning to show…there are increasing reports of challenges resulting from wind and solar across the grid, including frequency fluctuations, voltage issues…anxious operators are concerned about potential blackouts.”* To address the problem, the International Energy Agency estimates that Germany will need to invest nearly $100 billion in power transmission and distribution upgrades over the next decade. • New Jersey: with some of the most generous solar incentives in the U.S. in place to achieve the state-mandated goal of supplying 3 percent of its electricity by 2017, New Jersey has the second- largest number of residential solar installations in the country, behind California. It also has one thing the west coast doesn’t: hurricanes. So when Superstorm Sandy, the most disruptive storm to hit the Atlantic seaboard in a century, struck the region in 2012, many solar-equipped homeowners who expected to remain powered during the outages learned first-hand about a big Energy Storage eFeature |January 2015

Case Study City of Joy, Democratic Republic of the Congo ”Trojan Battery is honored to be part of such a worthwhile project that focuses on healing and bringing stability back into these women's lives. Battery-based renewable energy technologies have made it possible to establish reliable power in remote regions around the globe where access to electricity is unreliable or even nonexistent” - Bryan Godber, Senior Vice President of Renewable Energy Trojan BatteryOff-GridAC-coupled Hybrid SystemSystem specifications:: The City of Joy is now powered by a 7.2kW solar electric system thanks to the support of organizations like Green Empowerment, SunPower Foundation,• Batteries: 40 Trojan 31-AGM 12V Global Green USA, V-Day, Solartechnik Stiens and Trojan Battery. The grid-tied with battery-backup hybrid system, allows the solar panels to convert sunlight• Inverters: 2 SMA SunnyBoy 3800 and into electricity during the day and any excess electricity that is produced by the solar panels, the national grid, or a diesel generator is stored in Trojan 2 SMA SunnyIsland 5048 deep-cycle batteries so the community has reliable electricity 24 hours a day.• Solar modules: 32 SunPower 225W• Racking: Local materialsIt is rare to have the opportunity to participate in a project as meaningful The solar panels were installed on the roof of an existing walkway and provideand impactful as the City of Joy. Located in city of Bukavu in the Democratic clean energy to all of the buildings at the site. By using an AC-coupled systemRepublic of the Congo, The City of Joy was established in 2012 by Eve design, the installation acts as a micro grid allowing the buildings share theEnsler’s V-Day Foundation as a solar-powered refuge for female survivors electricity generated by the sun and the energy stored in the batteries.of sexual violence perpetrated during the recent decades of war in theregion. The community houses more than 180 women of all ages and offers Trojan Battery provided 40 31-AGM batteries to the City of Joy. These 12Vprograms designed to help empower the women to become leaders in their deep-cycle maintenance-free batteries were chosen for this project due tocommunities and learn skills to help them provide for their families. their reputation for durability and reliability. Trojan batteries are designed to withstand the rugged conditions often found in developing regions of theThis life-changing project will provide women with a place to heal world where renewable energy sources are the primary source of power.emotionally as they rebuild their lives and learn new skills to take back to their Trojan’s 31-AGM batteries are maintenance-free, low temperature tolerant,communities. This City of Joy was conceived, created, and built in-part by shock and vibration resistant and have a low internal resistance for higherthe women themselves. Women spend six months at the City of Joy taking discharge current and higher charging efficiency.classes in group therapy, storytelling, dance, theatre, self-defense, sexualeducation including HIV/AIDS and family planning, ecology, horticulture andeconomic empowerment and then return home to their families.

Case Study City of Joy, Democratic Republic of the CongoOff-GridAC-coupled Hybrid SystemTwo banks of 16 Trojan batteries were installed and wired in strings of four to match the invertervoltage (48V). The eight remaining batteries will be used with an AC battery charger for generaluse in the community.Prior to the solar installation in 2012, the City of Joy was powered by the Congo’s unstablenational electric grid, which only provided electricity for a couple of hours a day, and a backupdiesel generator. The generator was oversized for the community’s needs and was loud,polluting, and expensive to operate. When operating at its full yearly capacity of 9,885 kWh, thesolar system is estimated to save the City of Joy more than $6,000 per year by offsetting the costof diesel.The City of Joy’s solar system was installed over 10 days in August 2012 by representatives fromGreen Empowerment, SunPower , Solartechnik Stiens and local installers and volunteers. Theinstallation team faced some challenges while installing the solar system. Lack of basic electricalequipment and tools like conduit, electrical boxes and wood made it difficult to work efficiently.There were hammers without nails and drills without drill bits, but after 10 days of hard workthe solar system installed and turned on. And when the power went out in the city that night,the City of Joy stood alone as a beacon of hope and a symbol of a sustainable future when thesurrounding areas went dark.For more information contact:Trojan Battery Company:www.trojanbattery.comGreen Empowerment:www.greenempowerment.orgVDay:http://drc.vday.org/city-of-joyTrojan batteries are available worldwide. RE City of Joy • CS1114We offer outstanding technical support, provided by full-time application engineers.call 800.423.6569 or + 1.562.236.3000 or visit www.trojanbattery.com12380 Clark Street, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 • USA or email [email protected]© 2014 Trojan Battery Company. All rights reserved. Trojan Battery Company is not liable for damages that may result from any information provided in or omitted from this publication, under anycircumstances. Trojan Battery Company reserves the right to make adjustments to this publication at any time, without notices or obligation.

OPTIMIZING PV SYSTEMS - PART 2: ENERGY STORAGEshortcoming of grid-tied systems: that they quadruple in 2014…to 753mW, up from 192mWmust disconnect from the grid when the grid is in 2013.” For users and installers around thenot present, for safety reasons per the UL 1741 globe, being prepared to work with thestandard. During the protracted power outages renewable energy systems of tomorrowfollowing Sandy, many hundreds of kilowatts of requires becoming an expert on energy storagesolar electricity were literally left “up on the today.roof,” unusable to the storm-affected residents struggling down below. *The Wall Street Journal, “Europe’s Renewable Romance Fades,” 7-30-13What all these renewable energy challengeshave in common is that energy storage is their **Solar Industry magazine, December 2013solution, and that adoption of the microgridconcept of storing electricity locally at the point Common Batteries Used in Renewable Energyof generation and conversion is the most Storagepractical means of employing storage We have this abundant, limitless amount oftechnology. If Californian, Hawaiian and energy potential we can harness in the sun, butGerman solar users stored their generated how do we store it when we don’t need it? Wheresurpluses, they could draw on that reserve do we put it? How do we get it out of where we putinstead of drawing from the grid when it? To answer these questions means learningrenewable sources are not the basics of batteries.available—increasing both their energyindependence and the stability of the grid, We use batteries in our everyday lives and theywhich would not have to absorb large play an important part in technology and itsfluctuations. And if all those solarized New advancement. Every day a new technology,Jersey residents had back-up energy storage process improvement, methodology or chemicalconnected to their grid-tied systems, they could formula is discovered to push the batteryhave effectively lived off-grid during the time it industry forward. Specifically relating totook to return to normal after Superstorm renewable energy storage, the battery becomesSandy. an even more important factor.Energy storage comes of age What is a battery?This is why, after many decades of separate Simply stated, a reaction where chemical energydevelopment for their respective regions and is converted to electricity. Technically, aapplications, the economics of grid-tied solar container consisting of one or more cells, inare being connected to the independence and which chemical energy is converted intosecurity of off-grid methods in hybrid designs electricity and used as a source of power.engineered to deliver the best of both worlds. At Batteries can be divided into two differenttheir foundation is the ability to store electricity market segments: Primary (non-rechargeable,in a practical, safe and affordable manner. It’s for such as alkaline AA batteries) and Secondarythis reason that leading solar industry sources (rechargeable such as lead acid batteries).predict that the most rapid growth will be in theenergy storage category. For the past year, There are ever-present standards today instorage has been the dominant story at solar renewable energy storage such as proven (Lead-expos and trade shows around the globe; and Acid), growing (Lead-Acid-Carbon / Ni-Mh), andreport after research report predicts triple-digit emerging (Li-Ion, Aqueous, Flow) technologies.annual category growth as battery prices It seems every day there is a new announcementdecline and installations soar. on a breakthrough energy storage device thatIn its “Top 10 Solar Market Predictions for will be the end-all for all energy storage in2014,**” IHS Research lists storage at the top, renewables. While they all have their benefitsstating that “demand for PV energy storage and disadvantages to the other, essentially twosystems is booming, with installations set to chemistries have the most important role inEnergy Storage eFeature | January 2015 www.worldofpho

renewables. While they all have their benefits and disadvantages to the other, essentiallytwo chemistries have the most important role in renewable energy storage today.Lead-AcidThis technology was invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Plante and is the oldesttype of rechargeable battery in existence. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when valve-regulatedlead-acid (VRLA) was invented. Aside from improvements in manufacturing and theintroduction of VRLA, there have been no other turning points in the technology evolution oflead-acid.Figure 1 - VRLA Led-Acid Battery Construction(Courtesy: EuroBat)There are all types of shapes and sizes in the technology, but in general, lead-acid can bedivided into four different applications of use:1.Standby (used for float-service),2.Deep Cycle (renewable energy),3.Starter (automotive or generator start) and4.Motive (used for electric vehicles)Of these four different applications, there are three different lead-acid technologies called FloodedLead-Acid (FLA), Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Absorbed Glass Mat (VRLA-AGM) and Valve-RegulatedLead-Acid Gel (VRLA-Gel).These batteries provide the best value for power per kilowatt hour. Also a great benefit of the lead-acid batteries is recyclability. 97 percent of a lead-acid battery is recycled to be used in otherproducts. It represents one of the most frequently recycled products in the world.otovoltaics.com Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015

SHOWCASE: FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL FRONIUS ENERGY PACKAGE / THE PERSONAL STORAGE SOLUTION FOR 24 HOURS OF SUN Interview with Martin Hackl, head of the Solar Energy Division atOF OPTIMIZATIONFronius International GmbH Mr. Hackl, the main topic of Fronius is “24 hours of sun”, can you please explain this vision to our readers? 24 hours of sun, the Fronius vision of the energy revolution, represents the future of energy supply over the coming decades from the perspective of Fronius. The challenge when it comes to renewable energies lies in making electricity available at the required location at different times of the day and year. To this end, two fundamental approaches to this problem are illustrated. On the one hand, attempts are made to match electricity consumption to generation and vice-versa, to implement energy management. As things stand, it makes sense to consider a mixture of energies including solar energy, wind energy, water power and other forms of energy. On the other hand, excess energy is stored and this stored supply is utilized when no current is being generated. This is assuming that a mixture of different storage technologies are also being used here.Is there already a concrete idea to make 24 hours of sun possible? Not just an idea, we already have a product. Thanks to the Fronius Energy Package, the Fronius vision for the energy supply of the future – “24 hours of sun” – is now possible. The storage solution turns the energy producer into the energy supplier, thus saving the customer money and freeing them from increasing energy costs. The Fronius Energy Package consists of the Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter, the Fronius Solar Battery and the Fronius Smart Meter. The Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter is both a photovoltaic-system inverter and a battery inverter. It is available in 3, 4 and 5 kW power categories and has a three-phase supply.This sounds very interesting. But there are a lot of storage systems in the marketnow. What are the main advantages of the Fronius Energy Package, comparing theother systems? The Fronius Energy Package is a complete storage solution. The biggest advantage over other storage solutions is how flexible the overall system is. It also features Multi Flow Technology. This enables existing PV systems to be retrofitted and increases the rate of self-consumption. Multi Flow Technology is a comprehensive approach to energy flow control, with which the inverter becomes an intelligent control center for all current flows. With Multi Flow Technology, all conceivable energy flows are possible in parallel, ensuring maximum self-consumption.

HOW THE MODULAR STORAGE SOLUTION OF FRONIUS WORKS.Multi Flow Technology is a comprehensive approach to energy flow control, with which the inverterbecomes an intelligent control centre for all current flows. The Fronius Solar Battery is a lithium-ironphosphate battery, which translates into a long service life, short charging times and a high depth ofdischarge. This means that 80% of the total capacity can be used. In addition, this technology boastsa high level of safety, as no oxygen or hydrogen is produced. The voltage is between 120 and 460 V.The storage capacity of the battery can be freely selected and can be increased in increments of 1.2kWh up to a maximum of 9.6 kWh. The Fronius Smart Meter is a bidirectional meter that measures the energy flowing from the grid into the house and vice versa. It records the household load curves and optimises self- consumption. The Fronius Smart Meter is supplied pre- configured and is installed directly into the switch cabinet as a simple plug & play component.The compact solution is quick and easy to install thanks to SnapINverter technology. The modularconstruction takes into account the individual needs of each customer. In the event of a power failure,the entire household – even without the storage unit – continues to be supplied with energy. WLANhot spot, web interface, meter connection and interfaces to the power supply company – the FroniusSymo Hybrid has all the communication answers.

FAMILY HOMES TAKING A GIANT LEAP TOWARDS THE HOUSE OF THE FUTURE. Fronius Energy Package ensures 90% self-consumption rate \"Fronius delivers the perfect complete system for storing the electricity we have generated so that we can use it ourselves. The easy installation of the Fronius Energy Package using the installation wizard and the fast data connection via WLAN really impressed me,” reports Hannes Heigl. Family home became energy independent by upgrading its PV System with the Fronius Energy Package “For me, energy independence is an increasingly important issue. Thanks to the Fronius Energy Package we can largely free ourselves from the public grid. Decentralised power generation coupled with a local storage facility allows us to make our contribution towards reducing the amount of power generated from fossil fuels and nuclear sources,” explains Christian Kasberger. The house of the future is fast becoming a reality * (3) and (4) in developmemt as17 stage, not available for purchaseFronius India Private Limited Fronius Australia Pty Ltd. Fronius UK Limited Fronius International GmbHGAT no 312, Nanekarwadi 90-92 Lambeck DriveChakan, Taluka - Khed District Tullamarine VIC 3043 Maidstone Road, Kingston Froniusplatz 1Pune 410501 AustraliaIndia [email protected] Milton Keynes, MK10 0BD 4600 [email protected] www.fronius.com.auwww.fronius.in United Kingdom Austria [email protected] [email protected] www.fronius.co.uk www.fronius.com

/ Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect ChargingFRONIUS ENERGY PACKAGE / The personal storage solution for 24H Sun./ PC board replace- / SnapINverter / Integrated data / Dynamic Peak / Smart Grid / Ready for communication Manager Ready Storagement process technology/ “24H sun” is the Fronius vision of how energy will be supplied in the coming decades. The Fronius Symo Hybrid isthe heart of the storage solution for 24H Sun - the Fronius Energy Package. Boasting power categories ranging from 3.0to 5.0 kW, the three-phase inverter allows excess energy from a photovoltaic system to be stored in a battery. The result:maximum self-consumption of the available power and maximum energy independence. Excess solar power can thusbe used at times when generating conditions are poor or impossible. With the emergency power function, the householdcan enjoy an optimum electricity supply even during power outages (Retrofitting of the emergency power function ispossible by the end of 2015). Perfect system configuration and visualisation are provided by the built-in web serverwith graphical interface, WLAN and Ethernet. In addition, the DC coupling on the battery guarantees maximumefficiency of the overall system. ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / //////MODULAR EFFICIENT/ Emergency power function / DC-coupled systemand battery can be retrofitted / No multiple conversions/ Range of different storage between AC and DCcapacities available / High-performance lithium(4.5 - 12.0 kWh) iron phosphate technology////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /////////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// /////////// ///////////// ////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ///// /////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ///////////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /////// ///////////// //////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /////// THREE-PHASE ///// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /////// /// REVOLUTIONARY / Maximisation of self-consumption / Three-phase emergency power supply / User-friendly interface / Integrated WLAN and Ethernet /////// / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ////// / Setup wizard for straightforward configuration“T“hTehethtrheree-ep-hpahsaeseFrFornoinuisuEsnEenregrygyPaPcakcakgaegewiwllilblebeavaavialailbalbelefrofrmomQ2Q2ininAuAsutsratrlaiali,aN, eNwewZeZaelalnadn,dA, uAsutsritari,aB, eBlegliguimum, D, eDnemnmarakr,kF,rFarnacnec,e,FreFnrecnhcPhoPlyonlyensieas,iaG,eGrmeramnayn, yIt,aIltya,lyU,nUitneidteKdinKgindgodmo,mC,yCpyrupsr,uCs,zCezcehcRheRpeupbulibcl,iGc,rGeerecec, eM, aMltaal,taN,eNtheethrlearnladnsd, Ss,wSewdeedne, nS,wSiwtzietzrlearnladnadnadndTTuurrkkeeyy””

OPTIMIZING PV SYSTEMS - PART 2: ENERGY STORAGEOverall, lead-acid is the proven and cost-effectivetechnology most frequently used in renewableenergy and can provide high energy densities at alower price per kWh compared to other energystorage technologies. Lead-acid designs can becredited with lowering the cost of entry for energystorage to the point where solar electricitysystems can fully leverage storage to operate24/7 and during emergencies. In regions with veryhigh utility electricity prices, such as Hawaii andother island locations, lead-acid battery-basedsystems help PV/solar owners achieve grid parity.Lead Acid Technology Overview (1)Lithium-Ion Innovative off-grid solarLithium in its natural state is volatile and very in Madagascarunstable. When a non-metal solution is applied tothe lithium to create an alloy, a stable construction Case study Saft Sunica.pluis formed with the ability to safely store energy. cadmium batte solar energy inFigure 2 - Lithium Ion Chemical Diagram (Source: Andy Chu) set up by Schn to provide safeA lithium ion battery consists of positive electricity to reelectrolyte called a cathode which is metal oxide an isolated villand negative electrolyte called anode which ismade up of carbon. The ions between the two Isolated and reelectrodes (cathode and anode) travel back and locationsforth during the recharge and charge cycles,creating energy. Schneider Electric’s pThere are several raw materials and chemical social responsibility, ncomponents made up of a lithium-ion battery, but (Business, Innovationthe 3 most common chemistries are Base Of the Pyramid) electrical systems firm Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015 provide safe, affordab energy to the people w With an operation in M serving the mining ind saw an opportunity to off-grid power supply www.worldofpho

r energy storage Lithium-Ion Cobalt (LiCoO2), Lithium-Ion Manganese (LIMn2O4) and Lithium-Ion Phosphateus nickel- of the village of Marovato, on the east (LiFePO4).eries store coast of the island.n a scheme As with any emerging technology, there areneider Electric • Marovato’s 120 residents are spread inherent obstacles to overcome with this regard.e and clean across 20 houses and used only 490 W. The two largest unknowns in lithium-ion are safetyesidents of and price. With pricing forecasted to drop 38lage. • Schneider specified a system to percent per kWh by 2017 (IMS Research), lithium- generate 1,400 W at peak times. ion becomes a more attractive storage option.emote High power density in a light-weight configuration • 18 of Saft’s Sunica.plus 920 Ah cells makes this chemistry even more ideal forprogramme of were specified to store energy for residential and light commercial applications. named BipBop night-time use.n and People at the Also, safety has become a very important variable) aims to use the • Batteries were selected for their long with regards to lithium-ion. One reason for this is m’s expertise to life, rugged design, operation in differences in battery management systems. Withble and green extreme temperatures and suitability any lithium-ion battery pack, a Battery who need it most. for photovoltaic applications. Management System (BMS) is required to regulate Madagascar charging and discharging parameters. As the dustry, Schneider With 1.6 billion people worldwide having lithium-ion supply chain is fragmented, the BMSo provide a reliable no access to electricity, solar energy and cell manufacturers may not be the samey to the population storage can play a part in providing company. reliable energy. Differences in manufacturing as well asotovoltaics.com communication algorithms can lead to premature failure of battery packs and, in rare instances, cause fire. Also, using untested or low-quality chemistries can lead to premature failure as well. Overall, lithium-ion makes great sense in the right application but more questions must be solved (safety and price) before this technology is made economically and commercially available on a large scale in renewable energy. Lithium-Ion Technology Overview (2) Refereces: •(Tables1-2)Buchmann,Isidor.BatteriesinaPortableWorld:A Handbook on Rechargeable Batteries for Non-engineers. Richmond, B.C.: Cadex Electronics, 2011. Print. •Ward, Abigail, and Sam Wilkinson. The Role of Energy Storage in the PV Industry - 2013 Edition. Rep. Wellingborough, UK: IMS Research, 2013. Print. •Chu, Andy. Lead Acid vs. Lithium Ion. Bellingham: Andy Chu, 7 June 2013. PPT. •BCI International – www.batterycouncil.org •C&D Technologies – www.cdtechno.com •EnerSys – www.enersys.com Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015

Case Study: Sustainable LaramieOutBack System with Large-Capacity Energy Storage in a Wyoming Self-Sufficient Living StructureOverview System SpecificationsIn an environment such as Laramie, Wyoming, a fully sustainable, Location: Laramie, Wyomingsuccessful net-zero working and living structure is no small System Power: 6kW PV Systemundertaking. Winter average temperature highs barely get above Components: FLEXpower TWO (FX inverter/freezing, the average lows are in the single digits—and those are the chargers, FLEXmax charge controllers andaverages, record lows for Laramie are actually not much different MATE3 system display/communications) OutBackfrom those recorded at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. On the plus EnergyCell RE High Capacity (2700RE-24V batteryside, relatively strong insolation (solar radiation exposure) in the area bank configuration with (12) RE 2700 2V batteries)provides a natural, practical reason for adopting innovative solartechnology engineering in structural design.This was the motivation behind Marshall Contracting, Inc.’s selectionof an “envelope house” scheme to come with a totally passive solarheating solution for their client’s unique request for a combinationworkshop/back-up residential structure for self-sufficient living.An envelope house incorporates a greenhouse section to create areservoir of warm air and relies on a circulating and reversible air pathto collect heat during the day and use it at night. In effect, the housesits in the “envelope” of a thermal barrier and acts like a heat-pump,with solid wood construction providing adequate thermal insulationwhile the concrete slab foundation stores heat collected during theday for circulation at night. This was our first time using OutBack Power equipment in an installation. Talk about a great first impression! We wereparticularly impressed with OutBack’s 2V battery system and how easy it went in. With its reputation and service, OutBack is nowour ‘go-to’ source for off-grid power and storage solutions. For aninstallation which must perform, there is simply no better choice.” Jim McGrath System Designer and Principal, Sustainable Laramie LLCEnergy Storage eFeature | January 2015 www.worldofpho

Objective• Powering a self-sufficient combination workshop/living structure designed to provide preparedness for natural and other disruptionsBenefit• Comfort and security of a self-sufficient structure ready for harsh duty and extended off-grid autonomyWhile the theory of envelope design is proven in simple, smaller home construction, this project was more than a house: it also included a2-bay garage and a working shop area as well as living quarters. To achieve the project’s ambitious design and self-sufficiency goals, MarshallContracting’s Kent Marshall knew two things.First, he’d need to modify the envelope design principle to fit a unique structure to achieve passive solar heating, which he did by designing thehome around an integral greenhouse structure on the “warmer” south side with warmed air circulating through a ceiling return to the northside and downward into a concrete “thermal collector” for heat storage. And second, he’d need to come up with equally innovative methods toprovide for water and electricity for the home—and in fact solar energy with large-capacity electricity storage provided the means for both ofthose as well.SolutionKent turned to Sustainable Laramie’s Jim McGrath, maverick engineer and solar designer who enlisted the help of OutBack Power’s tech supportgroup for an all-in-one solution. Jim worked with the project’s electrical contracting firm Voltech Electric to configure and install an off-gridelectrical system that could power a 240V deep well water pump designed to supply 500 gallons of water per week, plus large-capacity freezersand other refrigeration, a working shop, two large automatic garage doors, and finally a complete, self-contained back-up living quarterswith lighting, microwave, 16-head automatic sprinkler system to maintain an aesthetic blanket of green grass around the structure, and otheramenities. The entire system had to be contained inside the structure to protect it from temperature extremes.To harvest, convert and store the output of the PV systems twelve 250W solar panels generating 6kW hours/day, Jim selected an OutBackFLEXpower TWO with twin 3524 inverter/chargers as the heart of the renewable energy system, and to achieve the home’s autonomyrequirement of remaining off-grid without using a generator upgraded the energy storage system to the OutBack EnergyCell 2700RE-24 batterybank, which consists of twelve large 2V batteries connected in series to form a 24V high-capacity bank. Complete with plexi-shielding andstructurally sound UBC steel racking, this battery bank can store 54.9kWh nameplate energy storage safely and securely.“This upgrade gave us the storage capacity and high cycle-life needed to meet the project’s power requirements,” explains Jim McGrath. “Andthe battery bank had the right mix of safety features, construction quality, and ‘fit-and-finish” necessary to enable it to ‘live inside’ the structurewithout causing the owner any anxiety whatsoever about sharing a close-quarters living-space with big batteries. This system is literally right athome.”With the innovative home undergoing its first trials during the upcoming winter, McGrath and Marshall are confident it will exceed the owner’sexpectations. “We may add wind power later,” noted McGrath,” but even when it’s minus 20 degrees outside everything should be able to avoidfreezing and the living quarters remain tempered based entirely on what the sun—augmented by OutBack technology—can provide.” 360.435.6030 OutBack Power Technologies reserves the right to make changes to the products, www.outbackpower.com features and information contained in this document without notice. Copyright © 2014. (10/2014)otovoltaics.com Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015

OPTIMIZING PV SYSTEMS - PART 2: ENERGY STORAGEBattery Racks and EnclosuresWith any energy storage solution, lead-acid or lithium-ion, how the battery is physically installed isequally as important as selecting the correct technology for use. There are several variables that mustbe considered. Some items to consider, but not limited to, include:• Type of battery? – The kind of technology used can limit how the battery is placed physically. Forexample, Lithium-Ion battery packs can be server-rack mounted, whereas a flooded lead-acid wouldtraditionally use a 1-2 tier metal rack indoor solution• Indoor or Outdoor Installation? – This will determine what, if any, weatherproofing is required.Most outdoor applications for VRLA and Lithium Ion solutions require NEMA 3R rainproof enclosuresto prevent the elements of nature destroying batteries. Whereas, indoor applications require simplerstandards to be honored.• Rack or Enclosure Material? – Aluminum or steel is always recommended as it represents thestrongest and highest durability of any battery rack/enclosure solution. Wood or plastics are notrecommended as these can be compromised by weight and fire considerations• Ventilation? – Very important as this is always required with flooded lead-acid and VRLA batteries toprevent hydrogen gas build-up with indoor applications.• Spill Containment? – Always required with flooded lead-acid and in some VRLA applications as acidis present in these batteries.• Seismic Considerations? – If there is potential for anyseismic event, the need for meeting building codes forinstallation to prevent damage is always required.With any battery rack or enclosure, please ensure allproper safety, installation, and maintenance guidelinesare followed by referring to the appropriate battery orrack/enclosure manufacturer user manual prior to anywork beginning. Furthermore, please refer to any localresidential/commercial building code requirementswhen installing batteries + racks and enclosures.Safely Installing and Sizing Batteries for PowerConversion SystemsBattery based power conversion systems utilizingrenewable energy require proper electrical sizing for thebuilding site and power application for which it has beendesigned. Site locations vary from residential garage oroutbuilding to commercial building utility vaults andbasements. Electrical load profiles also have significantvariability in addition to the site’s power application; beit backup power, self-consumption, sell-back to the grid,or other storage based strategies that can be used tolower utility bills.

The first step in sizing a backup power application is to start with the electrical loads. The basic backupsystem for most homes would include power for a refrigerator, lighting and some receptacles forpowering small appliances. Table 1 shows a typical load profile and the amount of energy in kilowatthours (kWh) required to run them over a 24 hour period.Using the 17,200 watt hours (17.2 kWh) in table 1, and a battery depth of discharge (DOD) of 80%, wewould need a battery bank with a capacity of 21.5 kWh to back up the loads for 24 hours. Quite often, aDOD of 50% is used in battery-based off-grid systems since a shallower discharge extends the life ofthe battery. However, 80% DOD can be used for backup applications since the battery bank will only becycled a few days per year, or a week or two at the most, and going with a deeper DOD means a smallerbattery bank. In the example above, 50% DOD for 17.2kWh energy demand would equate to a 34.4kWh battery.The next step is to translate energy demand in kWh into battery amp hours (AhUsing the load profileabove and a 48Vdc nominal battery bank, divide 21,500 Wh by 48V and 448 Ah is the minimum sizebattery bank for this application. Since the energy demand is based on a 24 hour rate, then the batteryAh for the same discharge rate of 24 hours should be used as the battery capacity (Ah) will varydepending on how fast it is discharged (click here to see table). Using the OutBack batteries listedin the table below, two strings (four 12V batteries in series for each string) of the 220GH batteriescould be used for a total of 432 Ah and be slightly under our estimate. If we wanted to be moreconservative, then we could choose to use three strings of the 170RE batteries for a total of 471 Ah. Energy Storage eFeature |January 2015

Solar and wind energy can often be wasted if it's not needed when it'sgenerated. Tom Heap from the BBC looks at ideas for storing energy, usingthe landscape or science, and asks if it's enough.



CASE STUDY: SONNENBATTERIEREACHING FOR COMPLETE SELF SUFFICIENCYEarning as much as possible through THE KEY DATAremuneration by feeding in electrical energyinto the public grid is not what Klar Folien The key to this high degree of self-sufficiencyGmbH wants to achieve with their PV system. is a 41-kWh Sonnenbatterie energy storageThe medium-sized company based the German system that the company has owned since theregion of Westerwald furthermore wants to end of 2012. With the Sonnenbatterie systemachieve a high degree of self-sufficiency with the company is able to use more electricityits PV system, i.e. to be as independent as from its PV plant. At a depth of discharge (DoD)possible from a power supplier. And for most of 70 percent 29 kWh of capacity are availableof the year this works to well over 90 percent. for use. The storage system is integrated in aThe crucial element is an intelligent lithium PV system with an output power of 100 kWp.storage system by Sonnenbatterie.On a typical month Klar Folien GmbH reachesan average energy self-sufficiency rate of 90to 100 percent. This means that the companygenerates almost all consumed electricity withits PV system itself. The company, based in thesmall town of Dernbach in the Westerwaldregion reaches this high degree of self-sufficiency almost throughout the entire yearbetween late February and the end of October,when the weather is good even till November.Only in December and January the companymust obtain small amounts of energy from thegrid. The intelligent storage system with a capacity of 40 kWh and a maximum output power of 18 kW.Screenshot from the Sonnenbatterie online The total power consumption of the companyplatform. The yellow peaks is the produced pv is at around 25,000 kWh throughout the year,energy while the red curve means discharging which is about 2,000 kWh per month. Induring the night. The green curve is charging summer, when the days are long and the nightsthe battery. are short, the storage system is normally fully charged by the end of the morning, as it was not fully discharged during the night. Even on cloudy days, the PV system is able to cover the daily energy requirements, in this case the storage system is then loaded until the evening.

APPLIANCESThe “Klar Folien GmbH” is a medium-sized company with around 20 employees and producesspecial films for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The main consumers of electricalenergy are the computers in the office. Additionally there are two electric forklifts whosebatteries are recharged overnight. At night there is the lighting and the server, which results in aconstant power demand of 1 kW on average. Another main electrical appliance is a machine forfoil packaging where film rolls are cut to the required sizes.Since it is part of the concept of the company to be as energy-self-sufficient as possible theexcess energy of the PV system is used for powering a heat pump and to charge two electric cars.These two cars are used by the employees for short trips up to 100 km and thus save petrol.The topology of the whole energy system. THE TOPOLOGY The PV system supplies the electrical loads during the day and charges the battery. In the evening, when the power of the PV system reaches a predetermined minimum power output, the power supply operation switches to battery mode. The office building and warehouses are then supplied by the battery. This also happens when there is too little daylight during the day, as it is the case in bad weather. When a new day begins and the PV system reaches the minimum performance point again, night battery operation stops and the battery begins to charge. Since this summer “Klar Folien GmbH” has also integrated an hydrogen plant in the system in order to provide additional energy for the two winter months of December and January where the PV system does not generate enough energy.The storage system, the solar inverters and the Sonnenbatterie GmbH has extensiveelectric meters. experience in battery storage technologies and renewable energies. As a medium-sized enterprise specializing in storage systems, Sonnenbatterie GmbH is committed to the highest quality, \"Made in Germany\".The Sonnenbatterie is exclusively manufactured at the company's headquarters in Allgäu, whereit is also subjected to thorough quality control. With this background, the Sonnenbatterie hasalso been TÜV certified since 2011.

OPTIMIZING PV SYSTEMS - PART 2: ENERGY STORAGEThe sizing example above for a home backup limited due to 99.9 percent recombination ofapplication using VRLA batteries would hydrogen, the charge rate is important asprobably not be the same for an off-grid overcharging can cause a permanent loss ofapplication where a shallower DOD would be electrolyte since they are sealed and noused to increase the number of additives can be included. Also, undercharging acharge/discharge cycles over the life of the VRLA battery causes sulfating, which cannot bebattery. A VRLA battery may have 850 cycles at reversed since equalization charges at higher80% DOD, and 1800 at 50% DOD and as much as voltages is not recommended for this3,000 at 30% DOD. Flooded lead acid (FLA) technology and can cause premature failure.batteries may have twice as many cycles at 50%DOD, but FLA batteries require regular Having an accurate charging source with three-maintenance that includes replacing lost water stage charging for VRLA batteries is veryusing special safety gear, and a well-ventilated important. Most have a charging timer for eachstorage area so highly flammable hydrogen stage, but only a few offer charger terminationgases don’t build up. controls, which sense the end of the charge and ends the charging cycle when the battery is full.Other applications include selling energy back This is important as the state of charge (SOC), orto the grid, or storing energy for later use during percent full, when the charging cycle starts canhigh demand periods when escalated time-of- be highly variable and will dictate how long ituse charges may apply. In this case, a smaller takes to charge the batteries.battery bank could be used with a larger array tomaximize the sell-back in areas where utility For example, a 200Ah battery takes two hours tooutages and peak demand periods are measured charge at 50 percent DOD (same as 50 percentin hours, not days. If the large array with a small SOC), but takes three hours at 80 percent DODbattery bank strategy is used, it’s very important and only 1 hour at 20 percent DOD. If a two hourthe charging devices are capable of limiting the charge cycle is always used, the batteries willcharging current to the batteries until full before often be both under and over charged. Withreleasing the full energy into the power charge termination control, the battery currentconversion system, or there is a high risk of is monitored for what is called return amps, orpremature battery failure. end amps, which is the lowest charging current the battery will accept, as the charge currentCharging batteries properly not only extends never drops to zero when the battery is full;the life of the battery, but also prevents usually about two percent of the AH rating of thedangerous off-gassing and thermal runaway, battery. By monitoring the return amps, chargeeither of which could run the risk of fire. FLA termination control can detect exactly when thebatteries off-gas the most, especially when battery is full no matter what the SOC when therunning an equalize charge, which is a higher charging was started.than normal charging cycle run periodically tode-sulphate and restore the battery’s capacity. Having a charging system compatible for Li-ionThe water level should always be checked prior batteries is also very important. Li-ion batteriesto an equalization charge, with proper are intolerant of being overcharged. Regulationprotective clothing, eyewear or face shield. The of the charging of a Li-ion battery is the job of abattery plates need to covered with water, but battery management system (BMS) and withoutnot completely to the fill level as the water will it, thermal runaway and the risk of fire is almostrelease gas bubbles that could cause the acidic assured when overcharged. With a good BMSwater to spill onto the battery and surrounding that has failsafe controls, concerns aboutsurfaces. Ventilation fans should also be in hazardous exposure or fire can be greatlyoperation during the equalization charge. reduced.While off-gassing with VRLA batteries is veryEnergy Storage eFeature | January 2015 www.worldofphot

While lead acid battery chargers typically have a three state charger with limited voltage ranges, a good Li-ion charging system should have the ability to maintain a single charging voltage conventional lead acid battery charger. Please note: battery safety and maintenance is a separate topic, thoroughly research all applicable international and local safety standards and practices, and always follow the manufactures recommendations and guidelines before installing batteries. Adding Energy Storage to an Existing PV/solar system Many people with grid-tied only PV systems regret not having grid-interactive power conversion with energy storage—especially after life-changing events such as super storms. Other benefits of energy storage included using the renewable energy 24/7 for managing utility surcharges, increased self-consumption, plus having power during emergencies and outages. With AC-coupling technology grid- tied PV owners can now upgrade to grid-interactive with integrated storage after-the-fact. There are complete system packages available from the leading grid-interactive inverter brands and other resellers with many variations and options, but it gets down to essentially adding a second, storage based inverter/charger connected to a battery bank. The original grid-tied inverter still performs its normal function of selling excess PV production back to the grid, while the new storage based inverter “sees” both the grid and the PV system connected to the grid-tie inverter and passes the PV generation on the grid when the grid is present, but when the grid is not present, or the system owner wants to switch to self-consumption, the storage based inverter takes over and manages energy requirement accordingly, such as using PV to charge batteries, drawing on battery power, starting a generator, etc. Adding AC-coupling to a grid-tied system is relatively economical, usually no more than an additional 15-20% of the cost of a grid-interactive hybrid system to begin with, and because it makes use of the PV/solar system already in place, it is a less intensive installation, usually requiring a second electrical panel for back-up load distribution. System guidelines include making sure that daily critical loads do not exceed 80% of the battery bank’s depth of discharge, and selecting an additional grid-interactive inverter that has 125% the power capacity of the original grid-tied one—so a 5kW grid-tied inverter would be connected with a 6.2kW or larger grid-interactive inverter/charger in an AC-coupled system.tovoltaics.com

/ Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect Charging 24 HOURS OF SUN IS POSSIBLE. NOW THAT WE MAKE RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCESSIBLE AROUND THE CLOCK. Humanity‘s great dream is the ability to satisfy all energy needs entirely from renewable energy sources - regardless of time or season. We are relentless in our pursuit of making the seemingly impossible possible. Everything we do is based on “24 hours of sun”; the Fronius vision for the energy revolution. As the innovation leader, we are passionate about turning our vision - harnessing the power of regenerative energy to secure energy independence - into reality. By pursuing our vision we are time and again shifting the limits of what technology can achieve. Find out more at fronius.com/24hsunEnergy Storage eFeature | January 2015



ENERGY STORAGE PROFILES - PAGE 1 SKYWIRE ELECTRICAL S SYSTEMS RESIDENTIAL Sol A family-owned business that provides for residential and commercial energy services to stan customers in urban and remote locations in self Missouri, USA, Skywire Electrical Systems’ any comprehensive portfolio includes lighting in a design, electrical contracting, and alternative or d energy solutions including grid-tied and off- Mo grid PV/solar and solar thermal. A typical Hou residential project will include the need for app long-term off-grid autonomy while ship maintaining electricity for refrigerators and me freezers, critical lighting, pumps and other else essential loads. This 24kW residential wor PV/solar example includes a 130kWh bank of con 60 batteries with a “red line” optimized for aro longer float life, since the system is grid- PV/ interactive and the batteries are primarily for back-up use. Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015 SPATIAL DESIGNS Spatial Designs of Mason City, Iowa USA is architectural design adapting alternative ener innovation, to the point where the firm became on to design and sell solar-powered FEMA (Federa Management Agency) tornado shelters. With a por 1,500 projects across the United States and mor Africa, Spatial Designs turned its expertise equipping its own facilities with energy storage solar and wind sources, for its own economic benefit as well as that of its clients, which in schools, restaurants, shopping centers, office b stations and other municipal services, and much renewable energy system to provide its own 3,000 building with heating and cooling in a region whe temperature can drop to 30 degrees below Designs speced-in a 7.2kW inverter/charger sys 48V/400Ah batteries with a total capacity of 38 alternative-energy business asset enables the present the technology to its clients while also us save money in utility costs and maintain its oper outages. www.worldofpho

SPACE ADAPTIVE CONTAINER UNITS SACRED POWERlar Powered Adaptive Container for Everyone, or SPACE Modern first Americans balance their short, is an innovative solar design concept where ancestors’ tradition of living close to the earth ndard shipping containers are adapted into portable, with life-improving technologies, many of f-contained and powered offices to serve the needs of which require electricity—and with over 18,000 Native American homes withoutyone requiring a mobile, reliable and secure workspace power that can be a challenge. As part of thean off-grid environment, particularly in remote locations USDA’s Rural Electrification program in Newduring disaster relief operations. SPACE’s manufacturer, Mexico, Sacred Power Corporation’s mission isobile Grid, initially provided 17 units to the City of to offset or replace noise and fume-producing uston, Texas, for year-round municipal and educational residential generators requiring costlyplications as well as emergency use. Today the company transported fuel with initially 650 self- ps SPACE units around the world for use as mobile contained solar electricity generationedical facilities, mobile stores and banks, and anything systems to provide remote tribal citizens with e where a self-contained and powered unit can improve electricity for lighting, refrigeration, rking and living. The typical on-board battery bank communications, education, medical care,ntains 28 12V/175aH batteries with a total capacity of and other necessities of living. The SPound 58kWh of storage, and is powered by a 7-13kW PowerPak™ is a fully-integrated unit capable /solar electricity system. of both on and off-grid operations available in three versions from 2.5-6kW. Up to eight on- a leader in board 12V 265aH batteries can provide 500 rgy technical Watts of continuous power for up to 1.5 days ne of the first without solar charging or back-up generatoral Emergency assist. The complete energy storage- rtfolio of over inverter/charger system fits inside a NEMA 3R re recently in outdoor-rated enclosure for easy deployment and long-term sustainability. recently to to work with and securitynclude banks,buildings, fireh more. For a 0 square-footere the winter zero, Spatial stem with 168.4kWh. This company to sing it to bothrations duringotovoltaics.com Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015

ENERGY STORAGE PROFILES - PAGE 2 FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY Malankara’s 27kW 3-phase solar generation plan CENTER E-SHELTER PROGRAM 2,040Ah bank of 24 2V high-capacity batteries de completely disconnected from the grid, and one e Florida Solar Energy Center E-Shelter Program year while reducing diesel consumption to practic Installed in over 100 public schools throughout the state, the SunSmart GULF SO Emergency Shelter Program provides a “triple play” of benefits for schools and communities they serve. The schools have working, compliant and safe PV/solar systems on-site with which they can train students in sustainable technology. Each system helps reduce the school districts’ annual operating costs by reducing utility electricity consumption. And during life-threatening emergencies, such as Florida’s frequent hurricanes, the community has an emergency shelter for at-risk residents including the elderly and infirm, rated to provide critical lighting, refrigeration and communications indefinitely during grid outages based on an installed 25kWh battery bank and 10kW PV/solar system in each location. Any emergency response organization can access the PV-generated electricity in the E-Shelters, which are designed to accommodate from 100 to 500 people depending on the location. This full-service renewable energy system special frequent powerful storms and long-term power ou first in Louisiana to offer systems with energy storage to homes and businesses, providing both electrical power during emergencies along with the ability to take advantage of numerous incentives to achieve system payback in as little as five years. In order to keep their customers powered-up regardless of weather and utility conditions, Gulf South’s own facilities are backed-up with a 3.6kw systems equipped with a 48V battery bank with 800aH capacity. Gulf South Solar is also an innovator in AC-coupled system design and installation, for adding energy-storage to existing PV/solar systems. Energy Storage eFeature |January 2015 www.worldofpho

MALANKARA PLANTATIONS LTD ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE HOME IN WYOMING India’s celebrated first net-zero office building represents a integration of tradition and In an environment such as Laramie, Wyoming, technology: an 88-year old historic landmark a fully sustainable, successful net-zero built by a company founded over a century ago, working and living structure is no small being repurposed into a modern working office undertaking. Project lead’s Marshall complex with 18 tons of air conditioning, water Contracting, Inc. chose a modified “envelope pumps, packing machinery, IT/networking house” scheme to come with a totally passive infrastructure, and lighting. And in a country solar heating solution for a client’s unique known for daily grid-power interruptions, costly request for a combination workshop/back-up utility power and even costlier diesel fuel, and residential structure for self-sufficient living, strong government incentives in place, it made which collects radiated solar heat and stores economic as well as ecological sense to use it during the day for use at night. To provide an solar electricity to power the complex. equally-sustainable means of supplying nt comprises an array of nine inverter/chargers with a electricity, the design team opted for a 6kWh esigned to run the complex’s mix of loads in a system PV/solar system with battery bank consisting eliminating up to 47 tons of carbon emissions per of twelve large 2V batteries connected in cally zero. series to form a 24V high-capacity bank. Complete with plexi-shielding andOUTH SOLAR structurally sound steel racking, it can store 54.9 kWh nameplate energy storage safely list provides solar power options in a region known for and securely—very important with an energy utages. Founded in 2003, the company was one of the storage solution designed to be lived with inside a home.otovoltaics.com Energy Storage eFeature |January 2015

REFERENCE LIST1. Black, Andy, “What’s the Payback? How to calculate the return on your solarelectric system investment before you buy,” OnGrid Solar.net, 2006.2. Brooks, Bill, and Dunlop, James, “NABCEP Photovoltaic Resource Guide,” August2012.3. Tools and Techniques for Operations and Maintenance, Solar EnergyInternational.4. Del Buono, Armani, Potz, Cattani, and Sparber, “Performance Measurements andMonitoring of Shadow Effects on PV Systems,” EU PVSEC Proceedings, September2008.5. Mohd, A, “The Evolution of PV Solar Power Architectures: A Quantitative Analysisof Micro Inverters’ Performance vs. Conventional Inverters,” EU PVSEC Proceedings,September 2011.6. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “Photovoltaic Shading Testbed forModule-Level Power Electronics.”7. SolarEdge, “Performance of PV Topologies under Shaded Conditions.”8. Rogalla, Burger, Goeldi, and Schmidt, “Light and Shadow – When is MPP-Trackingat the Module Level Worthwhile?” EU PVSEC Proceedings, September 2010. GLOSSARY OF TERMSCapacity - the amount of energy that a battery can deliver in a single discharge.Cell - An electrochemical device composed of positive and negative plates andelectrolytes, which is capable of storing electrical energy.Charge - The conversion of electric energy, provided in the form of a current, intochemical energy within the cell or battery.Cycle Life - For rechargeable batteries, the total number of charge/discharge cyclesthe cell can sustain before its capacity is significantly reduced.Depth of Discharge - The amount of energy that has been removed from a batteryexpressed in a percentageSelf-Discharge - Discharge that takes place while the battery is in an open-circuit Energy Storage eFeature | January 2015

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DELIVERING ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMSACTIVELY SEEKING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIESOur experience We can developWe work with many energy storage technologies to We can bring our considerable expertise to yourprovide environmentally safe and low cost systems project. RES has successfully developed andincluding batteries, thermal storage, compressed air delivered grid scale cost effective energy storageand flywheel energy storage. projects. Globally, our renewable energy portfolio is almost 9GW.We are actively developing projects: frequencyregulation, network upgrade deferral, energy We can engineer, procure and constructstorage peaking and mitigation of distributedgeneration issues. RES has a reputation for the delivery of grid scale renewable energy projects – with over 145 in our✓ Completed 4MW/2MWh Battery Energy Storage global portfolio. Utilising our technical and value engineering skills combined with those of project Schemes (BESS) in USA and Canada management and construction we can deliver Energy Storage Schemes on time and budget.✓ Provided SCADA for the world’s first integrated We can own and/or operate wind/cavern based compressed air storage scheme (2MW / 500MWh) in USA Our proven ability to operate energy storage projects in ancillary services markets has been✓ Developed solar ramp mitigation and acquired from operating over 1300MW of our own and our client’s renewable energy and energy energy storage state of charge models storage portfolio. With our understanding of network requirements we are uniquely placed✓ Created proprietary RES Wind Farm and to integrate and operate energy storage projects across the full range of applications. Energy Storage Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA)

CASE STUDIES Strathroy, OntarioSunbury, Ohio The Strathroy Ontario battery energy storage project comprises of a +/- 4MW / 2.6MWh lithium batteryThe Sunbury Ohio battery energy storage project (8MW total range). The project was completed incomprises of a +/- 4MW / 2.6MWh lithium battery August 2014 to provide a frequency regulation(8MW total range). The project was completed service to the Independent Electricity Systemin March 2014 to provide a frequency regulation Operator (IESO), Ontario’s grid operator.service to PJM, the largest grid operator in NorthAmerica. IESO wanted to procure up to 10MW of regulation from alternative sources to fossil fuels. The uniqueDriven by the FERC 755 requirement to “Pay for operating characteristics enable this project toPerformance”, the Ohio battery project produces complement existing generators to improve thefast frequency regulation by injecting and flexibility and efficiency of an increasingly complexwithdrawing power from the grid providing a cost grid system. This project also helps balance powereffective service for consumers. flows and maintains reliability.RES’ role spans development, engineering, RES’ role spans development, engineering,procurement, construction, ownership and procurement, construction, ownership andoperation. operation.Specifications for Ohio and Ontario energy storage projects 4480 LiFePO4 cellsBatterySpecified minimum requirement 4MW for 15mins for a nine year periodCapacity 2 x 1MWh battery 40ft containers and 1 x 4MW PCS 40ft containerSystem response time <100msSystem frequency range 57-60.5HzTotal harmonic distortion <4%