Hawaii will use storage batteries to meet its wind energy needs, according to the New York Times.
While wind farms are largely non-obtrusive, easy ways to harness energy, finding a way to regulate, use, and store energy produced by wind farms has been a challenge. The output is hard to predict, forcing companies to dump energy late at night and adjust blades so they do not catch wind. Also, maintaining stability is difficult for grid operators.
Hawaii, however, wants 70 percent of its energy needs met by renewable resources by 2030. The state faces a "major problem" in that "it is impossible for generators on the islands to export surpluses to neighboring companies or to import power when the wind towers are becalmed." Wind is an intermittent energy source that needs "batteries of some sort" according to Peter Rosegg, spokesman for the Hawaiian Electric Company.
A 15 megawatt battery will be installed at a 30 megawatt wind farm to achieve "frequency regulation." "Computers will keep the battery exactly half-charged most hours of the day" and if "the wind suddenly gets stronger or falls off, the batteries will smooth out the flow so that the grid sees only a more gradual increase or decrease." The battery system can also function for "arbitrage, storing energy at times when prices are low and delivering it when prices are high."
Officials have high hopes for the battery system's efficiency at the Hawaii wind farm.
To read the New York Times story, click here.
Posted: 07/28/2010
