Case Study: Sodium Flow Battery Pilot for Industrial Energy Storage Integration
Introduction
A confidential clean technology company initiated a pilot project to evaluate sodium-based energy storage as part of its broader technology platform.
The project focused on adapting an existing sodium-based process for energy storage within an active industrial facility.
C&R Projects provided electrical, automation, and control system design to support the development of a functional pilot system and enable future scalability.
The Challenge
The project involved implementing a new energy storage system with no defined architecture, evolving requirements, and limited regulatory precedent.
Undefined System Design: The system evolved from testing into a multi-cell configuration without an established electrical or control framework.
Limited Internal Capability: The client required support for power systems, conversion technologies, and control integration.
Integration Constraints: The system needed to operate safely within an active industrial facility not designed for energy storage.
Emerging Technologies: Power electronics and DC systems had limited standardization and certification pathways.
Regulatory Uncertainty: Existing standards did not fully address sodium-based energy storage systems.
Evolving Requirements: System design changed continuously as testing progressed.
Our Solution
C&R Projects developed an approach that enabled system delivery within an active operating environment while supporting safety, flexibility, and ongoing development.
Bidirectional Power Operation Enabled: Supported charge, discharge, and system operation through an integrated electrical architecture.
Scalable System Integration Achieved: Enabled expansion from individual cells to a coordinated multi-cell system.
Operational Control Enabled: Provided system monitoring, operating modes, and integration with plant safety systems.
Safety and Compliance Defined: Established a clear and defensible framework aligned with applicable standards.
Flexible System Configuration Enabled: Supported reconfiguration and iterative testing as system requirements evolved
Key Results
System Successfully Deployed: A sodium-based energy storage system was implemented within a live industrial environment.
Safety and Compliance Established: Defined a clear framework for operating a novel energy storage system.
Testing Flexibility Enabled: System design supported ongoing iteration without requiring full redesign.
Future Development Enabled: Pilot outcomes supported the evaluation of larger-scale energy storage applications.
Looking Ahead
The project provides a practical foundation for the continued development of sodium-based energy storage systems. The insights gained will help guide future work in system integration, safety frameworks, and scaling approaches for similar technologies.
