Nidec ASI chosen by Energy Vault for power conversion systems and motors
Nidec ASI - head of the Nidec Industrial Solutions platform belonging to the Nidec Group - has signed a contract with Energy Vault (a startup that promotes a sustainable approach to electricity generation) for the supply of motors and inverters which will form the basis of the prototype of an innovative renewable energy storage system which aims to revolutionize the world energy market. This agreement represents another important milestone towards a greener future. The inverters and motors are Made-in-Italy excellence: these solutions are in fact produced in the Nidec ASI plants in Italy.
More specifically, Nidec ASI will supply six 1.3 MW motors and a highly efficient conversion system based on special latest-generation high-power inverters. Thanks to these technologies very high overall system efficiency is guaranteed, making this innovative "mechanical" storage system competitive in relation to "chemical" storage systems based on traditional batteries (lithium, lead acid, sodium, etc.).
The system is inspired by an ancient yet effective and sustainable model similar to the principles involved in hydroelectric power plants which exploit the movement of water to transform potential energy into electricity in a completely green way. In fact, the 160-m tall structure conceived by Energy Vault is made up of a six-arm support crane that, by lifting concrete bricks, each weighing 30 tons, captures potential energy which is then released and transformed into electricity when the bricks are subsequently lowered to the ground. The crane continuously stacks and destacks these towers of bricks, accumulating and releasing huge amounts of electricity.
The system therefore functions as a massive battery with 20MWh and 0.2C (4MW) of maximum power charge and discharge, with very high overall efficiency. This solution offers enormous benefits compared to current energy storage systems, both in terms of costs and in terms of safeguarding the environment. In fact, it has an estimated life expectancy of over 30 years and being as traditional batteries are not used, problems of rapid deterioration usually associated with the latter are avoided (on average a battery lasts for about 5 years)–this also means that costs can be amortized over a longer period of time. Furthermore, emissions of any type of polluting chemical substance such as lithium or lead (contained in normal batteries currently on the market) are completely eliminated. In fact, the materials used are cement and iron, which can be recycled in a much simpler way, without the risk of contaminating our planet's ecosystem.
"Once again, Nidec ASI's ability to offer completely customized solutions tailored to our customers' various needs has proved to be an effective and winning strategy. Thanks to this first project launched with Energy Vault, we are continuing to contribute to the development of the energy market in a direction of greater sustainability, pursuing the goal of an electric and zero-impact future," stated Dominique Llonch, CEO of Nidec ASI and Chairman of Nidec Industrial Solutions. "I am really satisfied with the work of the entire Nidec ASI team and I am very proud that our company has been chosen as a reliable partner also by such an interesting startup as Energy Vault, to develop a project with an exceptionally high level of innovation."
This initiative once again confirms Nidec ASI's position among the world leaders in the production of motors and inverters, which have always been among the strategic assets offered by the company and one of the most important solutions for supporting a more sustainable development model on a worldwide scale.
