Specialty

Recently completed in a remote area of the Yukon, the goal of the Old Crow Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) / Microgrid Controller (MGC) Addition was to further support the renewable use and optimize diesel generation through the installation of a battery energy storage system and micro grid controller. The implementation required detailed re-wiring of the existing controls within the existing generation plants, connection to new equipment, and connections to the ungrounded medium voltage distribution system. SMP worked closely with the facility owner (a utility), the battery and controller designer, Electrical Contractor, and General Contractor to ensure a complete solution was designed prior to mobilization to site. Many challenges had to be considered, including the remote nature of the site, limited equipment/supply availability, muskeg, permafrost, design temperatures below -50C, and limited information on the existing system. Careful consideration had also been made to ensure owner satisfaction, simplified maintenance and operation, and safety of the community.