Toronto Hydro on Nov. 18 unveiled its first underwater compressed air energy storage system located in 180 feet of water about two miles off the coast of Toronto Island in Ontario. The system, which was supplied by Toronto, Ontario-based Hydrostor,
is connected to Toronto Hydro’s electricity grid under a two-year pilot
study.
Toronto Hydro said the system is expected to improve power quality and resiliency for island residents. Engineers will monitor its performance through a variety of tests, the company said. Toronto Hydro President and CEO Anthony Haines said in a statement:
"We're very excited to see this new technology in action. Toronto Hydro
has been very busy exploring new ways to power our grid, and I think
this is the most creative project we've been involved in so
far. Supporting innovative solutions for Toronto's power needs will
continue to be a focus for our organization."
Toronto Hydro said it is actively exploring energy storage as a way to extend the life of some of its equipment. The project uses compressed air and the pressure of water to run its
system with zero emissions. According to Toronto Hydro, the technology
works by running electricity through a compressor and converting it into
compressed air. The compressed air is sent underwater where it is
stored in large balloon-like structures that are made out of the same
type of material used in marine lift bags to raise shipwrecks. When
electricity is needed again, the weight of the water pushes the air to
the surface through a large pipe and an expander converts the air back
into electricity.
The company said that, at peak output, the storage unit is capable of
powering approximately 330 homes (660 kW). Depending on how much power
is drawn, the system can currently run for a little over an hour, and
future expansion of the underwater air cavity is expected to increase
that duration.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/11/toronto-hydro-unveils-compressed-air-energy-storage-system.html
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