Technology Solution
Energy storage is a key enabling technology in the electric grid’s ongoing transformation to generate cleanly, be more resilient, and host ubiquitous distributed energy resources. Battery energy storage systems are being deployed to help increase the value of renewable generation at distributed and utility scales, provide customers with uninterruptible and backup power supply services, and meet grid support needs over durations of up to several hours.
This pilot focused on performance testing of zinc manganese dioxide (ZnMnO2) batteries developed and integrated into an energy storage system by Urban Electric Power (UEP) for long-duration applications. UEP’s technology leverages the same chemistry used in familiar “AA” alkaline battery cells, drawing on abundant and affordable raw materials but instead rechargeable for grid-tied energy storage. Cells are compliant with applicable safety standards and, unlike lithium-ion technology, are not susceptible to thermal runaway. UEP manufactures its batteries and assembles its storage systems in New York, and balance-of-system components also are made in the United States. In addition to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) products, UEP is developing energy storage solutions expected to reach commercial readiness in 2022 for customer and utility applications.
Project Overview
The ZnMnO2 system under test has the following specifications:
• Rated power: 10 kW
• Maximum power: 20 kW
• Rated energy: 40 kWh
• Maximum energy: 60 kWh
• Operating voltage range: 600-350 VDC
Due to technology challenges encountered with characterization testing at EPRI’s SolarTAC facility in Colorado, a duplicate ZnMnO2 system was manufactured and installed at UEP’s factory in New York to support a parallel testing program.
Results & Learnings
To learn more about Urban Electric Power’s rechargeable alkaline battery technology, see https://urbanelectricpower.com
To set up an interview with one of its engineers, journalists may contact Peter Kelley at peter@renewcomm.com, +1 202-270-8831.