The pilot project, known as the Intelligent Feeder, involves the installation of Tesla Powerwalls at 10 homes in the Elmsdale community and a Tesla Powerpack at the Elmsdale substation. These batteries will be connected and feed into an electrical line powered, in part, by the nearby Hardwood Lands wind turbines. Sensors will be placed on the powerline to monitor and gather data about local system activity and be fed back to Nova Scotia Power’s control center for analysis and planning of Nova Scotia’s future energy needs.
The wind farm provides the area with clean energy, but before the installation of the Tesla Powerpacks, there was no effective way to harness the energy it generated for later use. With the battery system in place, however, energy can be stored and distributed even when the wind turbines are not generating power
“Battery storage technology is the next big thing in terms of how Nova Scotia Power will be able to provide that reliable, ‘always on’ service to our customers,” said Jill Searle, Senior Program Manager with Nova Scotia Power. “Tesla Powerwalls and Powerpack will allow us to test the capability of providing customers with back-up power through a battery so they have electricity when they need it most. It will be a game changer for our industry and our customers.”
Ten Elmsdale families were selected to participate in the pilot project following an open application process. Each household received a Powerwall that will be theirs to keep after the project is over, and the opportunity to experience the customer benefits first hand.
Mark Candow’s family is one of the Powerwall recipients. “I travel all over Atlantic Canada, and seeing the amount of wind farms in Nova Scotia is an encouraging sign just in itself. Now paired with the Powerwalls, I think it's fantastic."
MPOWER Energy Solutions, Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer for the project, has confirmed that these are the first Tesla Powerwall 2 installations in Atlantic Canada. As Nova Scotia Power adds more renewable energy to the grid, batteries can provide the utility with more flexibility to reliably address peak electricity demand with stored energy. As this technology advances, Nova Scotia Power will be able to apply learnings from the pilot project to create value for its customers.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Nova Scotia Power on this project, and use our expertise to help them find the right technology solutions that will work for their customers and their electrical system,” said Hari Subramaniam, Opus One Solutions, which is providing the software that monitors and gathers electrical system activity.
All 10 Powerwall installations have been completed and initial data collection and monitoring is underway. The installation of the Powerpack battery at the Elmsdale substation is currently in progress and expected to be completed later this month.
The Intelligent Feeder project is being delivered by Nova Scotia Power in partnership with Sustainable Development Technology Canada and Opus One Solutions.
For more information on the Intelligent Feeder project and to watch a video of a home Powerwall installation, visit nspower.ca/intelligentfeeder
