VRB Power Systems Inc. (Vancouver, BC) announced that PacifiCorp has agreed to advance a milestone payment to complete phase one of a two-part commissioning plan for the Moab installation. Phase one will constitute complete testing of the entire system; cell stacks, inverter, hydraulics and controls, with connectivity to the grid.
The testing of charge and discharge cycles will involve full power testing, with minimal storage capacity. Phase one is expected to complete the first week of April 2003, and through successful testing, will have proven the integration of all components and the viability of the VRB Energy Storage System (VRB/ESS) in it's first North American installation.
Phase two will constitute the integration of new tanks, which also requires the secondary containment facility to be reconstructed and additional civil work to be completed. This will allow for the transfer of the balance of the electrolyte (full storage capacity at eight hours) to be integrated into the system. Upon completion of phase two, PacifiCorp staff will be trained on safety and operational procedures, and further enhancements and studies on the VRB/ESS in Moab will commence. The completion schedule and budget for phase two is currently being determined.
