GridStar Flow, Design for Manufacturing at Volume and Scale: Lessons Learned from 1MW, 10-hr Pilot at Ft. Carson, Colorado

D. Petcovic
Lockheed Martin Energy,
United States

Keywords: GridStar flow, long duration energy storage, energy resilience, flow battery, grid scale energy storage

Summary:

The presentation will spotlight the recent commissioning of a 10MWh pilot demonstration aimed at enhancing grid resilience for the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado. This 1 MW, 10-hour system stands as the largest long-duration energy storage system installed at a Department of Defense facility, with performance validation conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers. This significant milestone underscores the advancements in energy storage technology and its critical role in supporting military infrastructure. Lockheed Martin, a global leader in innovative technology development, manufacturing, and deployment, has dedicated significant efforts to refining the manufacturing processes and supply chains necessary for large-scale production of our advanced redox GridStar Flow technology. Throughout our 98-year history, we have consistently found that early investments in addressing design-for-manufacturing challenges yield substantial long-term benefits. Our commitment to excellence in engineering and project management has been pivotal in achieving these breakthroughs. Constructing and commissioning a MW-scale product at a customer location for the first time provides invaluable insights. This pilot project at Fort Carson has been no exception, offering us the opportunity to identify and address real-world challenges. In this presentation, we will delve into the initial manufacturing and supply chain strategies, detailing the challenges encountered and the solutions implemented during the commissioning of the Fort Carson 10MWh pilot. Furthermore, we will discuss how these lessons have driven significant improvements in the design and methodology for GridStar Flow 2.0, setting new standards for future projects. This discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of our approach and the critical learnings that will shape the next generation of energy storage solutions.