Feb. 29, 2008: Xcel to Use Massive Batteries to Store Wind-generated PowerMedia Clip
Posted February 29th, 2008 by ElenaVelkov
Xcel Energy is installing 20 large batteries in southwestern Minnesota to help capture and store wind energy. Pioneer Press The problem with electricity generated from wind turbines is, the power can fluctuate. Xcel Energy says it's got a way to even out the flow — an 80-ton battery the size of two semi-trailers. The Minneapolis-based utility said Thursday that it will begin testing a sodium-sulfur battery being used in Japan to even out the flow of electricity between windy days and nonwindy days. Xcel plans to put 20 50-kilowatt batteries in Luverne, Minn., about 30 miles east of Sioux Falls, S.D., this spring and connect them to an 11-megawatt wind farm owned by Minwind Energy. The batteries are expected to go online in October. |
