Esstalion Technologies Inc.Testing of the first large-capacity energy storage prototype

Esstalion Technologies will soon begin testing the first prototype of a large-capacity energy storage system. The prototype has a capacity of 1.2 MW and can store 1.2 MWh, equivalent to the daily consumption of 23 Québec homes.

This large-scale energy storage system will meet electricity demand during peak consumption periods and facilitate the integration of renewable energy onto the grid.

The prototype is made up of a container measuring 16.2 metres (53 feet) that consists of 576 battery modules, an inverter to convert the current, a transformer to adjust the storage system voltage to that of the grid, and control and protection equipment. The battery modules are manufactured by Sony and use Hydro-Québec’s lithium iron phosphate technology.

Using a container (see photo) will allow the storage system to be moved by truck for quick on-site deployment.

Testing begins this summer

Tests will be carried out in summer 2015 to analyze storage system performance during charging and power and energy injection onto the grid.

Initially, testing will be done on the low-voltage network of the Esstalion Technologies laboratory, set up at Hydro-Québec’s research institute in Varennes, Québec. Trials will then be conducted on a 25-kV distribution test line at the research institute.

This is a milestone for this joint venture, set up by Sony Corporation and Hydro-Québec in June 2014.

Information:

Hydro-Québec
Marc-Antoine Pouliot
Media Officer
+1 514 289-5005
pouliot.marc-antoine@hydro.qc.ca