NAS Batteries - Stabilization of natural energy by using large-capacity electricity storage system

NGK INSULATORS, LTD.

Outline

“NAS batteries” that have commercialized the megawatt-class electricity storage for the first time in the world through using unique and sophisticated ceramic technology. In addition to being characterized by large capacity/high energy density/long life, NAS batteries are compact in size (approx. one-third of that of a lead-acid battery) and enable high power output for long hours. NAS batteries enable a quick response to react to a steep fluctuation on the order of seconds without any delay, which will be required for wind power and solar power generation.

In the case of wind power and solar power generation, which are unstable due to the affection by climate, the output can be stabilized by charging it into NAS batteries once and then discharging it. NAS batteries are attracting attention as a storage battery that is useful for further spread of renewable energy and construction of micro grids (local production for local consumption).

Currently, NAS batteries, which boast an installation capacity of approximately 600MW / 4,200MWh (domestic 430MW / 3,000MWh) and an operating record of more than 200 locations worldwide, contribute to new energy solutions as a pioneer of large capacity-storage batteries.

Description

Renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind power generation, whose output change depending on natural conditions, have large output fluctuations due to weather conditions, and they cause fluctuations on voltage of the power system and frequency affecting the balance of supply and demand. In order to realize further introduction of renewable energy sources, it is necessary to secure balancing power of the entire power system depending on variation of power demand and output of renewable energy to maintain the voltage and the frequency of the power system. Storage batteries are attracting attention as one of the solutions for such situation, and they enable mitigation of output fluctuation of the renewable energy by combining with renewable energy and also enable avoidance of output suppression of the renewable energy by charging it into the storage battery for the temporary system congestion which may result in output suppression of the renewable energy.

On the demand side, there is a way to maintain a balance of supply and demand by controlling the electricity consumption on the demand side according to the supply of energy generated by renewable energy. When integrated control of electrical equipment on the demand side such as renewable energy power plant, storage batteries, and electric vehicles is implemented, it will be able to function as if it were a single virtual power plant (VPP). The VPP enables effective use of renewable energy by adjusting the power demand according to the output increase of renewable energy without suppression of the output.

Establishing comprehensive stabilization technology for infrastructure with storage batteries on both supply side and demand side, we are aiming to contribute to the expansion of the introduction of renewable energy.