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How the system works
The existing facility is already equipped with an 800 kW Enercon
wind turbine and a SAFT lithium-ion battery system capable of pro-viding
400 kW for 90 minutes. The solar expansion – an addition of
solar photovoltaic panels covering roughly one hectare of land – pro-vides
340 kW in addition to the wind turbine and battery, as well as
56.7 kW to power the facility itself.
In total, the facility produces 2,828 mWh per year, enough to sup-ply
power to 344 homes.
Because wind speeds are highly variable, power output can change
from 600 kW to zero in less than five minutes. This is where the bat-tery
steps in by smoothing volatility. Electrical energy can be stored
and used when the wind is not blowing or when the sun isn’t shining.
Why combine wind and solar?
Wind and solar are popular examples of low carbon power generation
technologies, and both perform well in Saskatchewan’s environment.
However, wind and solar alone cannot replace our carbon-based
electrical generation system due to the variability of these energy
sources. Wind and solar combined can complement each other,
providing a more continuous and predictable energy supply.
Adding a battery to the mix takes it even further by limiting vari-ability
and allowing energy to be dispatched when needed. The hy-brid
system addresses the intermittency challenges of renewable
generation and allows for greater displacement of carbon-based
electrical generation.
The Cowessess Renewable Energy Storage Facility was original-ly
built with the option to connect additional power sources. With
the addition of solar generation to the facility, it’s expected that the
economic return will continue to grow while demonstrating hybrid
power and storage on a utility-scale rarely seen.
SRC continues to support facility operations as a technical ad-visor,
training Cowessess employees on maintenance and gath-ering
long-term operational data to monitor solar, turbine and
battery efficiency.
Beyond providing electricity to Saskatchewan homes, the facility
also generates interest in renewables and their potential to provide
clean, reliable energy for the future.
The facility marks the first
known utility-scale, hybrid
wind-solar-storage system in
Canada, and one that paves
the way for further research in
renewable energy generation.
COURTESY OF THE SASKATCHEWAN RESEARCH COUNCIL
32 Think BIG | Quarter 1 2019 | saskheavy.ca
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