The Upside Group has commissioned one of the largest battery energy storage systems in Europe, thus continuing its growth strategy. The lead-carbon storage system has a capacity of 25 MWh. Like the other systems already included in the Upside system portfolio, it provides grid management services. SMA Solar Technology (SMA) supplied the system technology for this project. The batteries come from Narada Inc.
Powerful system technology for optimal grid integration
The Upside Group has been conducting battery tests under real-life conditions for four years and invests in the expansion of the German storage infrastructure. Based on the measurement results and the simulations building on them, it was possible to select components that were particularly suited and exactly dimensioned for future-proof use in the battery system. The result is an energy storage system with extraordinary features.
“Nine powerful Sunny Central Storage battery inverters and two Fuel Save Controller units from SMA optimally integrate the storage system into the utility grid,” said Dr.-Ing. Enrique Garralaga Rojas, Head of Project Development at SMA Sunbelt GmbH. “They ensure battery charging and discharging tailored to the grid requirements at all times.”
Battery containers with a total weight of 1,000 mid-size cars
The 90 kg battery cells from Narada Inc., a joint venture partner of the Upside Group, were selected for their excellent performance parameters and maintenance-free features. Since construction started at the end of March, over 10,500 of these battery cells have been installed in 18 giant steel containers, and the entire system has now been successfully prequalified. The project’s implementation and future operation will be conducted by a special-purpose company founded together with Narada.
Connection at the heart of the distribution grid
Due to the deregulation of the electricity market in Germany as well as the removal of traditional energy producers that was agreed upon as part of the energy transition, major fluctuations occur in the utility grid at times. The steady addition of renewable energy sources feeding in irregularly, such as wind and solar energy, further intensifies this development. Counteracting these effects is the purpose of the large-scale storage system installed in Langenreichenbach, Germany. It contributes to both grid relief in the entire region and the stabilization of the Central European electricity network system.
The battery-storage system provides what is known as the primary control reserve, which stabilizes the frequency in the utility grid and therefore creates the basic requirement for a reliable energy supply. “The installation right on the premises of the electrical substation coupled with the connection at the heart of the MitNetz distribution grid enables the provision of not only the primary control reserve but also other grid management services,” said Marc Reimer, General Manager of Upside Invest GmbH & Co. KG. “MitNetz Strom has recognized this, and we have found an important partner in them for our contribution to the energy transition.”
Monitoring down to cell level
During operation, the system is monitored down to the single cell by means of the SMA Sunbelt Monitoring System. Thus, the slightest deviations are already detected before a cell fails.
Further projects in the pipeline
The project in Langenreichenbach serves as a model for at least four other projects of this kind, which are to be realized in the coming months. The construction of a second, identical 16 MW large-scale storage system will start soon near Leipzig. Commissioning is also scheduled for 2018.
About Upside
The Upside Group develops, maintains and operates its own portfolio of PV power plants and battery storage systems for the provision of grid management services. In addition, the Upside Group consults companies worldwide on challenging issues in the energy industry.
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
Powerful system technology for optimal grid integration
The Upside Group has been conducting battery tests under real-life conditions for four years and invests in the expansion of the German storage infrastructure. Based on the measurement results and the simulations building on them, it was possible to select components that were particularly suited and exactly dimensioned for future-proof use in the battery system. The result is an energy storage system with extraordinary features.
“Nine powerful Sunny Central Storage battery inverters and two Fuel Save Controller units from SMA optimally integrate the storage system into the utility grid,” said Dr.-Ing. Enrique Garralaga Rojas, Head of Project Development at SMA Sunbelt GmbH. “They ensure battery charging and discharging tailored to the grid requirements at all times.”
Battery containers with a total weight of 1,000 mid-size cars
The 90 kg battery cells from Narada Inc., a joint venture partner of the Upside Group, were selected for their excellent performance parameters and maintenance-free features. Since construction started at the end of March, over 10,500 of these battery cells have been installed in 18 giant steel containers, and the entire system has now been successfully prequalified. The project’s implementation and future operation will be conducted by a special-purpose company founded together with Narada.
Connection at the heart of the distribution grid
Due to the deregulation of the electricity market in Germany as well as the removal of traditional energy producers that was agreed upon as part of the energy transition, major fluctuations occur in the utility grid at times. The steady addition of renewable energy sources feeding in irregularly, such as wind and solar energy, further intensifies this development. Counteracting these effects is the purpose of the large-scale storage system installed in Langenreichenbach, Germany. It contributes to both grid relief in the entire region and the stabilization of the Central European electricity network system.
The battery-storage system provides what is known as the primary control reserve, which stabilizes the frequency in the utility grid and therefore creates the basic requirement for a reliable energy supply. “The installation right on the premises of the electrical substation coupled with the connection at the heart of the MitNetz distribution grid enables the provision of not only the primary control reserve but also other grid management services,” said Marc Reimer, General Manager of Upside Invest GmbH & Co. KG. “MitNetz Strom has recognized this, and we have found an important partner in them for our contribution to the energy transition.”
Monitoring down to cell level
During operation, the system is monitored down to the single cell by means of the SMA Sunbelt Monitoring System. Thus, the slightest deviations are already detected before a cell fails.
Further projects in the pipeline
The project in Langenreichenbach serves as a model for at least four other projects of this kind, which are to be realized in the coming months. The construction of a second, identical 16 MW large-scale storage system will start soon near Leipzig. Commissioning is also scheduled for 2018.
About Upside
The Upside Group develops, maintains and operates its own portfolio of PV power plants and battery storage systems for the provision of grid management services. In addition, the Upside Group consults companies worldwide on challenging issues in the energy industry.
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
