GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS MAP
Storing Battery Energy
The main philosophy behind battery energy storage systems ( BESS ) is fairly simple : These systems capture and store energy in rechargeable batteries until that energy is needed . The energy is often captured during off-peak times using renewable energy sources and used during peak times when energy usage is in high demand . The intricacies begin with the many components that are essential to a battery energy storage system ’ s success . The battery management system ( BMS ) provides a crucial element to ensure the batteries are operating properly . Valves can be found at the core of these complex systems , playing their integral role to keep intricate systems operating safely and efficiently . They contribute to hampering fires and preventing explosions , and they work to ventilate systems when required . In addition , a BMS opens and shuts valves to keep the temperature within a narrow range to maintain the battery ’ s temperature .
As energy demands increase , so do the BESS projects to meet these demands . These systems serve as another facet working alongside other renewable energy alternatives to mitigate CO 2 emissions . Follow Valve World Americas to explore just a few of the numerous BESS projects across North America .
By Kristen Charles-Vardon
CROWNED HERON 1 AND 2 – FORT BEND COUNTY , TEXAS ; AND CARTWHEEL 1 – SULPHUR SPRINGS , TEXAS
RWE has implemented their plan to construct three battery energy storage systems ( BESS ) in Texas . Crowned Heron 1 and 2 are scheduled to be operational late in 2025 , and Cartwheel is scheduled to begin operating mid-2025 . Each facility will have a capacity of 150MW , or 300 MWh . The addition of these three facilities supports RWE ’ s target goal of reaching 6GW of battery storage by 2030 . The completed facilities will provide stabilization to and vital energy storage capacity for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ( ERCOT ) grid . The projects will greatly assist Texans as they depend on increased power to battle extreme heat incidents . RWE will obtain battery components and inverters from Samsung and SMA Americas . 2
WÄRTSILÄ BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM – CURAҪAO
Wärtsilä and Aqualectra , Curaçao ’ s government-owned utilities company , have entered an agreement in which Wärtsilä will equip the island with a battery energy storage system ( BESS ). The 25 MW / 25MWh system combined with Wärtsilä ’ s GEMS Digital Energy Platform will stabilize the island ’ s power grid , alleviating brownouts and blackouts , deliver consistent energy supply to consumers even when the demand is higher , as well as increase the grid ’ s reliability . The system will enable Aqualectra ’ s ability to provide Curaçao with additional renewable energy options and capacity and reduce carbon emissions . Curacao is expected to receive Wärtsilä ’ s equipment at the beginning of 2025 , and the system should be operational by the middle of 2025 . Aqualectra and Wärtsilä ’ s pre-existing partnership includes three Wärtsilä engine power plants . 4
BESS COYA – ANTOFAGASTA REGION , CHILE
Battery Energy Storage System ( BESS ) Coya is currently the largest battery energy storage system in Latin America . The National Electricity Coordinator ( CEN ) has granted ENGIE approval to begin commercial operation of the project . The Coya PV solar plant , situated in the Antofagasta Region , generates 180 MWac of renewable energy , and the BESS technology will employ lithium batteries to store the renewable energy emitted by the solar plant . BESS Coya has an installed capacity of 139 MW that will allow for the addition of five hours of electricity into the power grid during peak times using 232 modules , which amounts to approximately 200 GWh per year . The system is also capable of carrying a storage capacity of 638 MWh and will also have the ability to reduce CO 2 emissions by 65,000 tonnes per year . 3
18 Valve World Americas | November 2024 • www . valve-world-americas . net