US technology conglomerate Honeywell’s flow battery will be tested by Duke Energy to determine its capabilities of storing renewable generated power.
The long-duration 400kWh flow battery unit will store power from wind and solar generation for use during power outages or when the grid is at capacity.
The system, which can store and discharge electricity for up to 12 hours, is designed with recyclable components and could provide a reliable and cost-efficient system for 20 years, say North Carolina-based Honeywell.
The flow battery technology will be tested at power company Duke Energy’s Emerging Technology and Innovation Center in Mount Holly, North Carolina.
Honeywell will deliver the unit to Duke’s facility next year.
Honeywell aims to deploy a utility-scale pilot project of 60MWh starting in 2023.
Ben Owens, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions, said: “As utilities and corporations seek cost-effective alternatives to coal-fired plants with long-duration energy storage solutions, they are switching to renewable energy targets that work around the clock to reduce carbon emissions.
“By partnering with Duke, we can implement this innovative energy storage technology at scale and bring to market a revolutionary flow battery to meet growing energy storage demands, while assisting companies in meeting their carbon neutral goals.”
Over the next five years, Duke Energy plans to install almost 400MW of battery storage capacity in its service territory and is interested in so-called breakthrough technologies.
