Battery storage - BESS
Unlock resilient, renewable power with smart storage solutions
Introduction to BESS in Microgrids
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are crucial for the efficiency of microgrids. They store excess electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind, releasing it during peak demand or when grid-distributed energy prices fluctuate. This ensures a balanced and reliable energy flow for businesses, reducing volatility in power prices. Intelligent software and battery storage enable this seamless operation.
Historical day ahead market electricity prices
Historical day-ahead market electricity prices have shown significant volatility due to various market dynamics. This poses risks for businesses relying solely on grid-supplied electricity. Integrating microgrids, which combine grid and renewable energy sources, allows businesses to hedge against price fluctuations and achieve a more stable and predictable energy cost structure. This approach not only mitigates the impact of market price volatility but also leverages renewable energy to reduce overall electricity costs.
Critical factors to include when installing BESS
When installing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), several critical factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance and safety
sAFETY
Adherence to safety standards such as IEC62619 for cell and pack safety is paramount. Ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved in the usage, maintenance, operation, and construction of BESS is a fundamental cornerstone.
Compatability
The system must comply with local codes and standards, including CE standards. This ensures that the BESS is compatible with the regulatory environment and meets all necessary legal and technical requirements.
Efficiency
Continuous monitoring of load, cell voltages, pack voltages, and active power is essential to maintain system efficiency. Additionally, leveraging intelligent software for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance can optimize energy dispatch and reduce operational costs
Lifecycle
BESS are designed to sustain a specific number of charge and discharge cycles. For instance, a typical industrial BESS might have a cycle life of 6000 to 8000 cycles at 80% Depth of Discharge (DoD). Proper monitoring and control of charge and discharge patterns are crucial, as they can significantly prolong the BESS’s lifetime by preventing overuse and ensuring balanced energy flow.
Future demand
Predicting future electricity demand and usage patterns can be challenging, as operational needs and peak demand for electricity changes over time. By implementing a Plexar Energy microgrid, businesses can achieve a scalable solution that adapts to their evolving operational requirements, growing in tandem with their demand for electricity
Integrating a BESS into a microgrid unlocks a range of operational and economic benefits.
These advantages make BESS an attractive investment for both utility-scale projects and
private commercial setups looking to optimize energy flows.
Energy Management system and storage go hand in hand
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) doesn’t reach its full potential without intelligent coordination — and that’s precisely why an Energy Management System (EMS) becomes essential. The EMS acts as the control center of a microgrid, determining in real time whether to charge or discharge the battery, when to draw energy from the grid, and when to maximize onsite renewable consumption.
As a result, this synergy ensures that energy flows are always optimised for cost, reliability, and sustainability. For instance, the EMS might schedule the BESS to store excess solar generation during midday and discharge it in the evening when demand, and grid prices, are highest. This approach not only reduces energy bills but also supports grid stability and decarbonisation.
Take control of your energy
Battery Energy Storage Systems are vital to the successful operation of microgrids, especially those relying heavily on renewable energy sources. By enabling storage, load-shifting, and optimization, BESS improve energy reliability, reduce dependency on external grids, and make clean energy more economically viable. When integrated into a well-designed and well-managed microgrid, a BESS can serve as a cornerstone of a resilient, future-proof energy strategy.
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