Portsmouth smartgrid takes shape
A smartgrid project at the UK port of Portsmouth is taking shape with a deal for storage batteries.
The Port Energy Systems Optimisation (PESO) project will use a hybrid battery system from GS Yuasa to charge electric vehicles (EVs) around the site and provide grid power. GS Yuasa will supply both lead acid and lithium ion batteries, managed by software from Swanburton.
A big problem for rapid charging of EVs is the limited power available, typically 30 to 50kW. The 20ft (6m) containerised batteries from GS Yuasa supply 100kW of power for fast charging up to four vehicles. This avoids the need for expensive excavations and upgrading of the grid, reducing the project cost and environmental impact considerably.
The lead acid batteries are manufactured at GS Yuasa’s Ebbw Vale factory in Wales where final assembly and integration of the entire system takes place. The system’s lithium batteries come from Japan.
The smartgrid system allows electric vehicles to be fast charged during the day from electricity supplied overnight at a lower tariff. GS Yuasa also offers a fully lithium energy storage system for maximum capacity and capability. It will allow a higher number of EV’s to be charged at a faster and more cost-effective rate,
“GS Yuasa have a formidable track record in the battery sector, so we’re delighted to sign this agreement with them. Their battery will provide the centrepiece of the project which will help us use renewable energy more efficiently across the port estate,” said Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port.
PESO is a two-year project co-funded by Innovate UK for the dual chemical battery system with the management software and is led by Marine South East, alongside the Energy System Catapult.
“Cleaning up maritime emissions is now an urgent priority for the sector and the PESO project will be a critical stepping-stone to achieve this,” said Dr Jonathan Williams, CEO at Marine South East. “Marine South East is delighted to be leading this project with Portsmouth International Port, to build a prototype system for advanced energy management in the port. This will pave the way for de-carbonisation and other emissions reduction across the port estate.”
The port already has significant energy generating capabilities from solar panels across the site, so the ability to store electricity and then use later at times of higher demand means that clean energy can be used much more efficiently. It can also be used by the wider electricity grid to help smooth demand at peak times.
“Energy management combined with energy storage are powerful tools to unlock the benefits of smart energy networks. We are pleased to be working with Marine South East, Portsmouth International Port and the Energy Systems Catapult as we transfer our experience of integrating energy storage systems to facilitate the electrification of port operations,” said Anthony Price, managing director of Swanbarton.
Related smartgrid articles
- US MICROGRID PROJECT COMBINES SOLAR AND STORAGE
- LIDL BUILDS FINLAND’S LARGEST POWER MICROGRID
- SOLID STATE TRANSFORMERS TARGETS MICROGRID CHARGING OF ELECTRIC CARS
- DC-DC CONVERTER GIVES 10X MICROGRID BOOST
- RESEARCH SHOWS HOW MICROGRIDS IMPROVE NETWORK STABILITY
- OVER 2 000 MICROGRID PROJECTS PRODUCE NEARLY 20 GW OF POWER
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
