If it were not for GE and other OEMs, the Tehachapi Calif. area would be a turbine museum. A lot of small turbines spin away on lattice towers. But during a recent trip to the area, GE showcased its 1.6-100 wind turbine prototype with battery storage. I had the pleasure of visiting the test site of the brilliant turbine to learn more about its battery software applications.
GE’s brilliant prototype with battery storage at the turbine level lets turbines and power producers make informed decisions providing predictable short-term power.
GE’s 1.6-100 brilliant wind turbine, transformer, data bunker housing brilliant turbine controls, and battery cabinet all in one location.
GE’s general manager for wind products, Keith Longtin and team explained how the battery and applications react to different wind conditions in the data bunker.
The prototype has three main apps.
- The Predictable Power app helps wind farm operators forecast their wind turbines’ energy supply in 15 to 60 minute intervals because wind speeds change frequently.
- The Ramp Control app captures and stores wasted wind power in the battery to increase profitability.
- The Frequency Regulation app provides stability to the grid by letting turbines respond to fluctuating power demand, which varies throughout the day.
Ten-20 kW batteries (GE Durathon sodium nickel chloride, to be exact) sit in a cabinet about 100 feet away from the prototype.
A shot from the tower base of this massive turbine. It felt like I was in Jurassic Park and the 1.6-100 turbine was a T-Rex.
Invenergy will install three 2.5-120 brilliant wind turbines this year in central Texas. Also, be sure to check out GE’s “Shifting the Winds in Your Favor with Energy Storage” video discussing its brilliant turbine.
Filed Under: Uncategorized
I am a student at Indian Hills Community Collage in Ottumwa, Iowa, I am in the electrical and renewable energy course. I believe that battery storage combined with wind power is solving part of the problems in wind tech. I will be on the look out for more information on these GE units in the future.
We would appreciate the opportunity to meet and introduce Lithfire-X (www.lithfire-x.com) . Our experience indicates that risk managers, underwriters, investors, etc., are not fully aware of the shortcomings of ‘recognized’ methods of suppression as it relates to lithium ion grid storage facilities.
Lithfire-X has developed proprietary methodology that incorporates ‘SCIC’: Suppression, Cooling, Isolation and Containment. LithFire-X technology is the most comprehensive response to thermal incidents where lithium ion batteries are used. Clean agents and Battery Management Systems are only a partial solution to protect significant investments and related consequences of a thermal incident. Lithfire-X is a Detroit based, Tech Town company whose partners have over 50 years experience in fire suppression and Emergency Response training. We would welcome an opportunity to do a courtesy assessment of any of your local lithium ion storage facilities.
Regards,
Gerry Flood
248.752.7110
Gerry,
I am currently working with Ron at your company on an article 🙂