The work is being carried out on behalf of island’s resident-owned cooperative Kodiak Electric Association (KEA).
Switzerland-based ABB said the integration will also address stability challenges that will come from a crane upgrade being carried out to improve port operations in Kodiak.
A new electrically driven crane, which replaces a diesel driven one, is anticipated to generate power fluctuations that may destabilise the isolated grid.
ABB said its PowerStore technology responds to transient events like those expected from the new crane and the ability to undertake infinite charge and discharge cycles.
KEA operates the microgrid, which generates all of its 28MW of energy capacity from hydropower and wind.
The PowerStore units, which will offer voltage and frequency support for the new crane, will extend the life of the two 1.5MW battery systems and help in managing the intermittencies from the island’s 9MW wind farm.
ABB Power Systems business head Claudio Facchin said: "Remote locations like islands may be rich in renewable energy sources, but the intermittent nature makes their integration into the power grid a challenge.
"ABB’s innovative microgrid solution as in this case includes grid stabilization technology that enables high penetration of renewable power generation, and distributed control systems that provide intelligent power management and efficient hybrid power plant operation."
Image: ABB’s solution will allow Kodiak island to integrate more renewable energy and stabilise power supply across its remote and isolated microgrid. Photo: Courtesy of ABB.
