TMCnet News
KCP&L Pilots New Energy Storage System(Transmission & Distribution World Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) KCP&L, MRIGlobal, and Exergonix Inc. have announced the installation and trial of a new smart grid energy storage technology in Kansas City. The new technology is a nano-battery cell developed by Exergonix, a Lee's Summit-based firm. The one-megawatt battery is in its first live smart grid test and was installed this summer at the KCP&L SmartGrid Innovation Park near 48th Street and Troost Avenue. The battery will support KCP&L's SmartGrid Demonstration Area, which encompasses the MRIGlobal facilities in Kansas City. The battery installation was unveiled at a community ribbon cutting for the SmartGrid Innovation Park. The park is part of an educational effort to explain new technology in the urban core and to help consumers get smarter about energy. With the installation, KCP&L is testing the battery system's effectiveness for managing energy on the electric grid. The battery stores solar energy produced in the Demonstration Area, and is used to support energy delivery during peak demand times of the day. Exergonix uses a patented lithium ion storage system, which integrates a higher energy density battery and advanced electronic controls. MRIGlobal supports the trial by conducting independent tests and analysis on the performance of the battery. MRIGlobal experts will examine environmental and economic performance, as well as the technical operations, durability, and reliability of the system. MRIGlobal has significant expertise in energy, including in solar and wind energy and other sustainable sources like algae and biomass. MRIGlobal has managed and operated the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy since its inception in 1977. © 2012 Penton Media |