The Centre for Urban Energy (CUE) at Ryerson University and Toronto Hydro announced September 21 a partnership to test a homegrown battery system in the heart of the city. The partners say it represents the first time this kind of research has been conducted in an urban setting.
The project’s goal is to demonstrate how off-peak electricity can be stored to help improve grid performance during outages, fix power quality issues and mitigate capacity constraints on the grid. Potential long-term benefits of the system may include the ability to harness more renewable energy such as wind and solar, thereby reducing stress on aging infrastructure and enhancing performance throughout Toronto’s grid.
The battery system was manufactured by Mississauga, Ontario-based Electrovaya.
The project provides CUE researchers and students with a unique, real-world learning opportunity in Toronto’s downtown core. CUE is located in the Merchandise Building, a mixed-use facility that is also home to a supermarket, apartments, offices and retail spaces. As such, CUE says it is an ideal setting for the pilot project due to the range of tenants and varying electricity needs. This mix allows for a greater scope of testing and real-life application of the battery system.
The battery system demonstrates the promise of energy storage on the Toronto Hydro grid. Potential benefits to Toronto residents and businesses could include improved system reliability, further integration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicle charging stations, as well as reduced usage during peak hours, leading to a cleaner and more cost-effective grid.
“Energy storage projects are a good option for meeting peak demand and improving reliability on our grid," said Jack Simpson, Director of Generation and Capacity Planning at Toronto Hydro. "We can store electricity off-peak when demand is low and then utilize that power when demand is high during on-peak periods, or even during short-term power outages.”
The project also delivers invaluable experience to Ryerson engineering students. "This project shows true collaboration with industry and academic researchers working hand in hand. It spans the full spectrum from knowledge creation to knowledge translation," said Thomas Duever, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science. “In working with Toronto Hydro, our students gain extremely valuable practical knowledge and experience that makes them highly employable.”