Aquion Energy Inc., developer and manufacturer of Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) batteries and energy storage systems, and Ideal Power Inc., a developer of power conversion technologies, have installed their products as part of a microgrid at Stone Edge Farm, a 16-acre organic winery and farm in Sonoma, Calif.
The solar PV + storage installation includes 14 of Aquion’s 25 kWh M-Line battery modules providing approximately 350 kWh of energy storage capacity, connected to a 32 kW solar array using Ideal Power’s 30 kW multi-port power conversion system.
The project is designed to provide energy for a number of buildings on the site, including the primary residence, offices and workshops. During daylight hours, solar PV provides energy for the buildings and charges the batteries. During nighttime hours and periods of cloud cover, the batteries provide energy for building loads.
The companies say Ideal Power’s multi-port system architecture enables the direct DC-level connection of solar PV and energy storage in one compact, transformerless package, while Aquion’s battery technology is a unique saltwater chemistry made from nontoxic materials. The batteries are designed for daily deep cycling in long duration (4+ hour charge/discharge) applications, making them ideal for solar installations, the companies add.
The microgrid project, developed by Wooster Engineering Specialties, a general engineering contractor, provides solar self-consumption, peak shaving and load shifting services to Stone Edge Farm for energy self-sufficiency and to reduce its carbon footprint. The project partners say the grid-tied microgrid is capable of islanding and operating autonomously, and it is also generating so much energy that Stone Edge Farm is able to sell a substantial amount of it back to local utility Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
“The Stone Edge Farm project is an excellent example of how long-duration advanced batteries plus solar PV can enable on-site renewable energy generation and maximize solar self-consumption,” says Scott Pearson, CEO of Aquion Energy.
Dan Brdar, CEO of Ideal Power, adds, “Microgrids utilizing renewable energy and energy storage technologies will be a crucial part of the global energy infrastructure moving forward.”
Photos include the Aquion battery modules, the Ideal Power power conversion system mounted on the outside of the container, and the 32 kW solar array that is integrated with the system.
