Florida public power utility OUC is collaborating with Capacitech Energy in a microgrid project to demonstrate Capacitech Energy’s largest deployment to date of the PowerLink, a cable-like and rapid response energy storage system.
Also included in the collaboration is Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity (OE), Energy Storage Division.
“OUC continues to explore emerging technology that helps ensure high grid reliability and resilience given new and intense demands on the system,” says Paul Brooker, OUC Manager Emerging Technologies.
“One way to accommodate new energy demands is by identifying creative solutions that allow us to store and dispatch power when, and where, it’s most needed. We’re excited to test this innovative product, developed by inventors in our own Orlando community, that could someday help energy storage needs across the nation,” he said.
Capacitech’s PowerLink improves microgrid reliability and stability by addressing the system’s momentary power needs. For example, it delivers the surge of current needed by transformers and industrial equipment or smooths power fluctuations, such as when a cloud passes over a solar array.
Microgrids are useful because they produce energy independent of the larger electrical grid and can power a specific use case such as a data center, wastewater treatment facility, manufacturing operation, or even a school serving as a shelter during severe weather, the company said.
The demonstration project will integrate Capacitech’s PowerLink with a floating solar array and battery energy storage system to power electric vehicle charges.
The pilot is being conducted at OUC’s Grid Integration Laboratory at its Gardenia Innovations & Operations Center, and follows limited testing performed with Capacitech. OUC’s laboratory includes a 100-panel floating solar array, capable of sending 31.5 kW of electricity back to the grid, which will be used for this project.
The team will deploy thirty-six units of the PowerLink module connected through a commercially available AC-DC converter, to support the microgrid's operations including black start, smoothing solar power fluctuations from passing clouds, and addressing power quality challenges.
Sandia National Laboratories will provide cost-share funding and will be an active partner in the testing and evaluation, culminating with a final report assessing the technology.
Capacitech Energy is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program. The program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth/impact enterprises.
