Frequency Regulation with Hokkaido Electric Power Network
Sustainable Grid Support: Hokkaido's Energy Storage Initiative
This project was undertaken by Sumitomo Electric as part of the Large-scale Energy Storage System Demonstration Project led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. The initiative aimed to explore practical applications of large-scale energy storage systems and contribute to the expansion of renewable energy adoption in Japan. Collaborating with Hokkaido Electric Power Network, Sumitomo Electric deployed vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) systems to provide grid-scale frequency regulation, ensuring stable and reliable power grid operations while paving the way for increased renewable energy integration.
Overview
With renewable energy sources such as wind and solar gaining traction, maintaining grid stability has become increasingly challenging. METI launched the Large-scale Energy Storage System Demonstration Project to address this issue, selecting Hokkaido as a key site due to its high potential for renewable energy generation.
As part of this project, Sumitomo Electric partnered with Hokkaido Electric Power Network to install 60MWh VRFB systems (15MW output sustained for 4 hours) for grid-scale frequency regulation. The systems demonstrated its ability to respond swiftly to frequency deviations, enhancing grid reliability and stability. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the practical application of energy storage technology for renewable energy integration.
Key Highlights
System Specifications:
- Capacity: 60MWh (15MW x 4h, Max 30MW)
- Location: Minami-Hayakita Substation, Hokkaido Electric Power Network, Japan
- Demonstration Start: December 2015
- Commercial Operation Start: 2019
Use Case: Grid Use
1. Suppress short-periodic fluctuations:
- Wind turbine and PV output fluctuations.
- Governor Free Equivalent Control.
- Load Frequency Control (LFC).
2. Suppress long-periodic fluctuations.
3. Over-generation measures.
4. Hybrid operation of long & short period fluctuations.
Seismic Performance:
- Design specifications: The systems' seismic design (horizontal 1.0G, vertical 0.5G) was verified under actual earthquake conditions, proving its durability in challenging environments.
- Following a significant M6.9 earthquake in Hokkaido on September 6, 2018, the battery systems demonstrated its resilience by restarting operations the very next day, with no damage or breakdown reported.
Unique Features:
- Large-scale implementation for grid stability.
- Versatile application in managing various types of power fluctuations.
- Proven resilience against significant seismic activity.
- Successful transition from demonstration to commercial operation.
This project demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of Sumitomo Electric's vanadium redox flow battery technology in real-world, grid-scale applications, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters. It showcases the systems' ability to enhance grid stability, support renewable energy integration, and maintain operational integrity even under extreme conditions.
Project Partners
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