La City of Energy Foundation (CIUDEN) has successfully completed the testing and commissioning phase of its new facility sodium-sulfur (NaS) battery storage, certifying that it operates within the limits required in the bidding process.
Located in the Technology Development Center of Cubillos del Sil, the system is part of the project of green hydrogen production and storage of the entity, with a budget of 4,84 millones de euros, awarded to CYMI (COBRA IS Group) and equipped with batteries of NGK (distributed in Europe by BASF).
The NaS storage system works efficiently and securely
The set operates at 305 ° C and has passed cold and hot tests: verification of heating and thermal control of the modules, operational tests and performance tests of the complete system.
Its nominal power reaches 1.000 kW under load. y 750 kW in discharge, with a minimum stored energy of 5.800 kWhAfter the tests, the installation has been completed. certified according to the tender specifications.
Integration with renewables and green hydrogen production
NaS storage will work alongside other systems to harness a plant's energy. 2,1 MWp photovoltaic and supply electricity to two electrolysers: one of polymeric membrane (PEM) and another high temperature solid oxide cell (SOEC), intended for the production of renewable hydrogen.
With this configuration you will be able to optimize energy management, improve security of supply, reduce costs, boost the consumption and validate the compatibility of the technology with different generation scenarios.
Sodium-sulfur technology: how it works
NaS batteries are based on electrochemical reactions between a molten sulfur cathode or with a molten sodium anode, separated by a ceramic electrolyte of beta-alumina which allows the passage of sodium ions.
To ensure proper functioning, the electrodes are kept between 300 and 340 ° C through independent heaters, ensuring that both remain in a molten state and stabilizing the cell's behavior.
Advantages and objectives of the project
Highlighting aspects such as high energy densitya whirlpool bath, Long useful life and the availability of raw materials at affordable costs, which favors their use in stationary applications.
- Great capacity storage for long-term load management
- High energy density compared to other stationary solutions
- Long useful life and good response to deep cycles
- Thermal robustness and widely available materials
The project is financed by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) with funds Next Generation US. Its purpose is to obtain technical data on an industrial scale that facilitate the extrapolation of optimal operating conditions and contribute to the decarbonization of the industry.
Hiring and suppliers
The supply and integration of the system was awarded to CYMI (Industrial Control and Assemblies, COBRA IS Group) by 4,84 M€, with batteries manufactured by NGK and European distribution by BASF, at the CIUDEN facilities in Cubillos del Sil. Validation of NaS storage prepares an infrastructure capable of cushioning renewable intermittency, feed the production of green hydrogen and generate operational knowledge that can be applied in new industrial deployments.