Batteries chosen for oil pipeline

36 batteries have been ordered for the 680km NK1 oil pipeline project in Algeria.

Saft Sunica.plus batteries have been selected by BEES (part of the CEG group) to provide energy storage for photovoltaic-powered cathodic protection systems on the 680km NK1 oil pipeline project in Algeria.

The order for 36 batteries is Saft's largest single order to date for its new generation Sunica.plus rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, developed to meet the specific needs of renewable energy installations.

The NK1 pipeline, which passes through the Sahara desert, is being built to connect the oil fields at Haoud El Hamra in the centre of Algeria to the port city of Skikda on the Mediterranean coast.

The cathodic systems that protect the pipeline against corrosion will be installed at 20km intervals along the route.

They receive their primary power from a large solar panel, while energy storage will be provided by a Saft battery installed in an underground cabin.

Sunica.plus batteries offer high efficiency, low maintenance and absolute reliability combined with the capability to operate in the extreme temperatures found in the desert (from - 50C to +70C) and at any state of charge, while also offering a completely predictable 20-year service life.

The NK1 energy storage batteries have been specified by BEES and will be installed by ABB, the main contractor for the photovoltaic project.

Each battery will comprise three strings of Sunica.plus 920 cells in parallel, providing a total capacity of 2760Ah - at a nominal 24V.

Delivery is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2008.

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