Underwater energy storage toronto

Can a tidal energy storage system be used underwater?

The two-year pilot is not another tidal energy project -- it's the first test of an underwater compressed-air energy storage system by Ontario-based startup Hydrostor. The company uses off-the-shelf technology to pump air into underwater balloons. When energy is needed, the air can be released from balloons and expanded to create electricity.

What is Hydrostor energy storage?

Located 2.5 km offshore from Toronto, the Hydrostor Corp. underwater compressed air energy storage system is designed to store electricity during off-peak hours when demand is low and electricity is cheapest, and return the stored electricity during times of high demand or during short-term power outages.

What is Toronto Hydro's Hydrostor energy storage project?

Hydrostor is the first energy storage project Toronto Hydro has been involved with that is located underwater. QUICK FACTS At peak output the storage unit is capable of powering approximately 330 homes (660kW).

What does Garvey think about underwater storage?

Garvey sees the underwater storage as part of a holistic system. “An offshore wind farm should not simply be a subsystem that produces electricity when the wind blows. It should be a system which takes energy from the wind and does whatever is needed to deliver energy to shore as that [energy] is needed.”

Could energy bags be used to store electricity underwater?

In the Bag: Energy bags like this 5-meter-diameter one, from Thin Red Line Aerospace, of Canada, could be used to store electricity underwater as compressed air. Engineers hope the technology could one day smooth out the intermittency of electricity produced by offshore wind farms and other renewable energy sources.

How does Toronto Hydrostor work?

The storage system, which includes a mechanical facility on Toronto Island, and be operated by Toronto Hydro. Hydrostor is unique as it uses compressed air and the pressure of water to run its system, and produces zero emissions. The technology works by running electricity through a compressor and converting it into compressed air.