GE has delivered battery-gas turbine hybrid system to Southern California Edison, which is designed to increase renewable energy capacity.
Claimed to be the world’s first battery-gas turbine hybrid system, the company has unveiled the LM6000 hybrid electric gas turbine (EGT) in Norwalk of California.
With quick start and fast ramping capabilities, the system helps SCE to increase renewable energy capacity when required.
The unit incorporates a 10 MW/ 4.3 MWh battery energy storage system, which can instantly provide power with GE’s 50MW LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine.
To meet the changing energy needs in California, GE and SCE have developed hybrid EGT, which enables to balance variable energy supply and demand
The system will help to balance energy supply and demand in various conditions, including during evening hours when solar power production decreases while electricity usage increase as customers return home and turn on lights and appliances.
Hybrid EGT features an advanced control system that can fuse output between the battery and the gas turbine.
The company has specifically designed the energy storage capacity of the battery to provide maximum time coverage, helping gas turbine to start and reach its required power output.
Due to this, the system will not burn fuel and consume water in stand-by mode and provides power immediately when demand increases.
GE Power Services president and CEO Paul McElhinney said: “We look forward to working with customers to develop tailor-made solutions that will allow them greater flexibility when incorporating renewable energy and other quick power needs.”
SCE president Ron Nichols said: “The new system will help SCE better utilize the resources on the grid, provide enhanced reliability, reduce environmental impact, and reduce cost for our operations and for our customers.
“This technology also allows us to continue to expand our use of solar, wind and other renewable resources.”
Image: GE and Southern California Edison have unveiled world’s first battery-gas turbine hybrid system. Photo: courtesy of General Electric.