300 kW battery energy storage system using an IGBT converter

Increasing automation in modern industry and deregulation have changed the requirements on power quality. Computer and process control equipment as well as drive converters are sensitive to deviations of the line voltage from the ideal sinusoidal. Voltage sags, harmonic distortion, flicker and interruption of power supply are the most common problems. In an increasing number of cases, where conventional equipment cannot solve these problems, PWM converter-based shunt- and series connected power conditioners named DSTATCOM (distribution static synchronous compensator) and DVR (dynamic voltage restorer) have been introduced. With energy storage added to the power conditioner even more flexibility in system operation and planning is provided for utilities and industry. This paper describes such a 300 kW power conditioner with a chemical battery and its benefits to an industrial plant. If, for example, load demand exceeds the power rating of the supplying transformer or the negotiated power with the utility only at certain times of day, the excessive active power demand can be provided by the power conditioner. In addition, the power conditioner can be used for reactive power compensation or other tasks, if it is not fully used for charging or discharging. The new technology can therefore be used to postpone or avoid major investments and to optimize energy consumption costs.