A hybrid solar-plus-storage microgrid will replace some of the power generated by diesel in a remote community above the Arctic Circle in Alaska.
The microgrid features a 225kW solar array and a 375 kW/384 kWh lithium-ion battery system that serve the energy needs for Shungnak, a village of fewer than 300 people.
Blue Planet Energy developed the microgrid using its lithium iron phosphate battery system, Blue Ion LX. The battery cabinets are deployed in 32 kWh increments.(Courtesy: Blue Planet Energy)Designed with a "diesel off" function, the microgrid is able to coordinate with the local utility, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, to turn off diesel power generation when possible. The microgrid is expected to save 25,000 gallons of fuel and $200,000 in fuel costs per year.
This is the first time AVEC has integrated a solar-plus-storage microgrid. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Northwest Arctic Borough. In 2019, the Borough received $1.29 million in federal funds for the battery and solar project, which serves both Shungnak and the nearby village of Kabuki through a 10-mile tie line. The initial feasibility study and engineering were completed by NAB, NANA Regional Corporation, and Deerstone Consulting.
Alaska Native Renewable Industries installed the microgrid with support from AVEC.
Blue Planet Energy developed the microgrid using its lithium iron phosphate battery system, Blue Ion LX. The battery cabinets are deployed in 32 kWh increments. AVEC said earlier that without some kind of energy storage, installing a 224kW solar array on the small Shungnak-Kobuk grid would not be very efficient. Community loads in the summer average 125 kW with peaks up to 200 kW.
The Blue Ion LX is temperature rated for storage and discharge at -4°F, and requires a minimum 32°F temperature to charge. Lithium iron phosphate batteries tend to be cheaper, safer, and have a longer cycle life than alternative lithium-ion technologies.
In addition to the solar and battery energy systems, AVEC earlier upgraded the diesel generators. The generators installed all have marine manifolds, which means that the engine exhaust manifolds are cooled using the same water-antifreeze mix that cools the main engine blocks. The heat from the exhaust and engine block can then be transferred to other power plant buildings and community buildings.
