The Midwest is experiencing the coldest temperatures in modern history.
In addition to leaving millions of people across the region without electricity, extreme cold temperatures also pose some challenges to traditional power infrastructure.
In some cases, low temperatures can disrupt the normal operation of fossil-fuel generators.
Ice formed due to low temperatures can limit the rotation of wind turbines and make solar panels invisible to sunlight.
Utilities are taking preventive measures to ensure that all members remain in operation.
Xcel Energy, for example, informed its customers in Minnesota to turn the thermostat down to 63 degrees Fahrenheit at the end of January to "reduce significant stress on [its]
Natural gas system.
The two largest independent system operators (ISOs)
In the United States, PJM interconnect and independent system operators in mainland China have implemented emergency cold weather procedures based on sudden drop in temperature.
The power generator is authorized to insulate the pipe and fill the spare fuel tank to mitigate the loss of power throughout the cold period.
Advanced batteries can help solve this problem in cold weather. Lithium ion (Li-ion)
The battery is able to discharge at minimal efficiency loss over a wide temperature range;
According to Navigant Research, the efficiency loss is about 8%-
10% when the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Several companies have built battery business around providing energy storage systems (ESS)
Solutions capable of operating in extreme environmental conditions.
South Carolina, for example
A special Li-based battery manufacturer-
Ion battery system designed for cold weather operation.
On the other hand, according to the charging method, charging may cause problems to the battery. Several Li-
Ion battery chemicals that can be quickly charged;
This means pushing higher power current into the battery in a short period of time.
At a very cold temperature, Li
Ions cover the surface of the porous anode rather than embedded in it.
This is called lithium plating.
Due to this phenomenon, in order to ensure that the system remains mechanically stable and does not suffer irreversible damage, it is essential to reduce the charging current.
For ESS owners, it is important to have credible and proven software that can dynamically respond to physical and environmental changes in the battery system.
The battery is expected to play a role in infrastructure renewal. A series of problems facing power infrastructure in the United States highlight the important role of batteries in key infrastructure.
According to a recent report from Navigant Research, it is estimated that there are 35.
5 GW of advanced batteries will power critical infrastructure by 2027.
Problems that batteries can solve more easily, in many cases, are less costly than conventional power generation, including: in the future, for ISOs, power providers, facilities/business owners, this is important and residential customers assess their specific needs and provide robust solutions to withstand sudden changes in the environment.
Advanced battery solutions will increase reliability, safety, and reduce customer demand costs while generating revenue from the ancillary services market.
This will enable advanced batteries to provide much more value than conventional backup power systems.