Renewables are intermittent and dynamic:
Imagine not curtailing renewable energy generation and using energy storage resources more efficiently to make it practical and dispatchable.
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Solar
When clouds pass over solar panels, their power output drops 25-75%. Solutions like curtailing production and going to batteries for a few minutes while the cloud passes is wasteful, limiting the utility of the solar array.
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Wind
Wind energy generation is variable due to wind changes and integrating wind power requires constant frequency regulation. Plus, wind power can cause voltage fluctuations that risk grid integrity. New solutions are needed to improve power quality.
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Wave
Wave energy is predictable but every wave brings a new power fluctuation. Energy storage is needed but space and weight is limited. Without energy storage, grid compliance challenges restrict the potential wave energy converters offer utilities.
The PowerLink is a high power, space conscious, and rapid response energy storage solution that is compatible with energy harvesting resources. It can enhance these resources by smoothing generation, increasing yield, and dispatching power as the grid needs.
Our Plan: Smooth Sources and Power Loads
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More power and higher performance, in less space with less money
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Energy and power are not the same. Power is how much energy is used in an instant, while energy is how much power you are using over time. Hence the unit watt-hours. There are times when the grid needs more power than the energy harvesting resource can provide to serve a brief spike in supply. The PowerLink opens the door to offer ancillary services like demand response, frequency response, and inertia to do more than sell energy wholesale but to participate in stabilizing the grid.
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Solar power fluctuates and as it does, energy storage devices help smooth it out. The PowerLink does exactly that, perfect for covering dips in power due to moving cloud coverage. By reducing those dips, we help save the battery from unnecessary discharges and improve the quality of power going to the inverter.
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Blackout and brownout conditions happen, even with batteries connected to the system. The PowerLink protects against power fluctuations, freeing you from oversized batteries.
Engage new markets with ancillary services enabled by the PowerLink
PowerLink: The Practical Solution
There are a few solutions to the intermittency problem facing energy harvesting resources, although they are not equipped to handle the challenges mounting on the grid. Batteries are easily worn out when used to smooth intermittency. They are best for shifting demand over a few hours, not responding to a sudden drop in power because a cloud passes over a solar array for a few minutes. Some operators choose to curtail generation so that if there is a drop in power, it does not impact the power being delivered to the grid. The PowerLink smooths generation to minimize intermittency challenges so that more energy can be sold while also offering ancillary services.
Major Features:
Reshaped for Impact
PowerLink is truly a one of a kind solution for its space saving, rugged, and easy to install enclosure. Each module can be bent, making new installation options possible. Instead of a single, very large, very heavy supercapacitor system - the PowerLink can be installed in a discreet and distributed manner. For example, the PowerLink can be part of the solar trunk bus for a solar farm instead of requiring additional land or competing for space with solar panels on site.
