The system, which uses eCAMION technology, can supply approximately 12 homes with electricity when combined with a 50-kW transformer. The system stores energy during off-peak hours and then releases power back into the grid as required.
Toronto Hydro is trying to extend the lifespan of its infrastructure to a maximum. The company is now testing to see if the new battery system can average the transformer load and limit its load during peak hours. High peak-hour loads can significantly reduce the transformer lifespan. For a short time, the battery system can also supply power if there is a blackout in the grid. If the blackout does not last long, the customers need not even experience any interruption in service.
In a densely populated Toronto, it would be difficult to find room for standard battery systems that can even be as large as a shipping container. If the new prototype system acquits itself well, it could be gradually deployed on all of the nearly 175,000 poles owned by Toronto Hydro. It takes a trained line crew approximately eight hours to install one system.
-tk-