Battery technology – storing ample power
In order to build competences within the development of new battery technologies, DONG Energy has invested in the cleantech company LiTHIUM BALANCE A/S. We believe that in the future this technology will be of great significance to the transport and energy sector.
- Batteries with larger capacity and longer service life
- Better integration of wind power
Today, it is not possible to store power in large amounts. So when the wind turbines generate power, the power must be used right away. Therefore, a key to increase the share of renewable energy is to find methods to store excess power, so that production and consumption of power no longer have to occur simultaneously.
DONG Energy is involved in finding solutions to the problem, and one solution could be new battery technology. By being able to store excess power in batteries, it will be possible to increase the utilisation of wind power from our offshore wind farms in the electricity grid.
LiTHIUM BALANCE A/S
DONG Energy is an investor in LiTHIUM BALANCE A/S, a Danish cleantech company that develops, produces, and markets large battery systems based on lithium batteries. We see this new battery technology as the key to a breakthrough in electric and hybrid cars. Lithium batteries are more compact and weigh less than other battery types. They also have a longer service life.
Batteries that last longer
LiTHIUM BALANCE A/S has developed a special electronic control system called Battery Management System that enables easy charge and discharge of the batteries. The system can ensure optimum interaction between the electrical system and groups of batteries. It also makes the batteries last longer before they need charging, which is an important feature in relation to the proliferation of electric cars.
Storing ample power
The main challenge relating to wind power is its instability. The wind blows at its own will. Therefore, production and consumption of power do not necessarily match.
The expected increase in wind power production in Denmark will benefit from DONG Energy's investment in LiTHIUM BALANCE A/S, because efficient use of wind power is very dependent on our ability to flexibly adapt the power demand according to how much wind power we have at our disposal.
This effective management of charging and discharging of batteries can help shift electricity consumption to for instance night-time, when there is often ample wind power.