Suitability of hybrid powered flywheels
1. The Global Energy Storage Database compiled by United States Department of Energy was analysed to identify suitable flywheel manufacturers. As the database is not exhaustive SE expanded the search by reaching out to other manufacturers known to the company.
2. Flywheels which met the basic criteria were then further analysed. The specifications were compared to the defined requirements for the provision of various SS under the DS3 programme.
3. A desktop study was conducted to identify typical technical and regulatory challenges in Ireland and UK. This assisted in the development of an assessment methodology which can be applied to new markets of interest.
Financial modelling
1. A financial model was developed by the SE team, based on SS rates indicated by EirGrid and the capabilities of the Hybrid flywheel-battery.
2. The international demand for SS was investigated using electricity generation and consumption, recorded and forecast data from: Eurostat, International Energy Agency, CIA World Fact book and World Bank database. The market size relative to Ireland was determined for each country and a factor based on grid type (island, interconnection, RES-E penetration, etc.) applied to estimate SS demand.
The detailed financial model can then be applied to particular markets of interest and modified using appropriate market design and compensation rates.
SE are currently investigating the UK market and gaining familiarity with the required services and methods of compensation.
Development of the business model
1. SE unique business case was quantified.
2. Partnership options were investigated and executed.
3. Current technology and their capabilities were explored.
4. A means to protect IP from the hybridisation project was investigated.
5. Project and company financing options were examined.
Socio-economic analysis
1. The benefit of the hybrid flywheel-battery demonstration project and the subsequent integration of a commercial System Service Facility on the site has been modelled by the SE team applying the environmental impact assessment methodology, considering all phases of existence of plant, considering the risks for human, flora, fauna, soil, water, air, climatic factors, landscape, material assets and cultural heritage (or any interaction of the foregoing).
The benefit of integrating the hybrid flywheel into the grid to the end user is a complex model, necessitating assumptions.
The system has potential to benefit:
a) system operator – more predictable dispatch of generation portfolio
b) government – realising RES-E and decarbonisation targets
c) market – depressing electricity costs resulting from a) and b)
2. The technology’s potential to reduce emissions was modelled using the current system data as a baseline to compare scenarios with varying capacities of hybrid flywheel integrated.
Planning further scale-up of the business
1. The application opportunities for the hybrid flywheel have been investigated.
2. A company growth path was considered
3. An analysis of competitor activity was conducted
4. International opportunities for the Hybrid flywheel-battery were explored
Detailed plan for trial facility and the first commercial plant
1. The resources required for the mid-sized Hybrid flywheel-battery plant are expected to be a scaled up version of what was required for the pilot.
2. A tendering process was carried out for detailed electrical engineering design and the successful contractors provided drawings which are filed by SE.
3. A number of flywheel manufacturers were investigated and meetings held with them. A company was selected and an agreement was negotiated and signed.
SE visited a range of battery manufacturers as part of the feasibility study, the technologies were analysed by experts at the University of Limerick – Department of Physics and Energy.
4. The Goals have been realistic defined, the target potential customers have been selected and the message SE wants to deliver to them. The strategy is to use the existing facilities to deliver the show the hybrid and SE’s capabilities.
5. The project commissioning schedule was set out.
6. Initial control algorithms have been developed and have been refined.
7. This project has been designated as a “Demonstration Project” by EirGrid
