Utility Operation of Battery Energy Storage at the Best Facility

Battery Energy Storage Test (BEST) Facility experiences with utility-sited and operated battery energy storage produce information about shipment, installation, safety, operation, maintenance, efficiency, capacity, responsiveness and power quality of the systems tested. This paper presents information in each of these categories derived from baseline testing of 500 kWh developmental zinc chloride and peak-shaving demonstration lead-acid batteries, and from one-year of cycling the BEST Facility's 1.8 MWh lead-acid, facility shakedown battery. Conclusions from testing are guiding the further development of these technologies.