Durham, N.C., Aug. 4, 2020 – When Wawona Frozen Foods decided to commission its own power plant from MMR Power Solutions to protect inventory at its Fresno, Calif., warehouse, FlexGen was asked to deliver a battery energy storage system. With huge freezers full of frozen fruit at risk from power surges and blackouts due to wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters, Wawona knew it needed an autonomous energy source to keep its profits from melting away.
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“We created a microgrid to preserve Wawona’s revenue when another wildfire erupts, or an earthquake shakes the area’s power grid,” says Brian Beatty, director of operations at MMR Power Solutions. “FlexGen’s battery system, with solar PV and two natural gas engines, gives the Wawona facility control and peace of mind even when the area is without power.”
Energy Island
Having their own power plant, or microgrid, gives companies like Wawona their own energy island. That is, when the grid glitches due to a natural disaster or surges, FlexGlen’s HybridOS software smoothly transitions the plant to its own power source. This is especially important for industries like food processing, healthcare and datacenters that can’t afford to be without power.
Other project notables:
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A 1.0 MW energy storage system that supplies 30 minutes of power when the grid is down or when the company wants to avoid expensive utility demand costs.
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A single point of control for the entire power plant, including natural gas reciprocating engines, batteries, 130 kW of solar PV and the grid.
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Equipped with black start capability – this is where the battery can be used to jump start the plant’s gas engines if the grid goes down.
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FlexGen HybridOS energy management system can automatically start/stop engines while also integrating solar and battery storage.
About FlexGen
FlexGen is a leading energy storage technology company. Leveraging its best-in-class energy management software and power electronics, FlexGen delivers utility-scale storage projects integrated with traditional and renewable power generation globally. Our customers and partners include the most technically and commercially demanding developers, utilities, government agencies, and industrial companies in the world. For more information, visit www.site.flexgen.com.
