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A battery energy storage system (BESS) captures energy from renewable and non-renewable sources and stores it in rechargeable batteries (storage devices) for later use.
A battery is a Direct Current (DC) device, and when needed, the electrochemical energy is discharged from the battery to meet electrical demand to reduce any imbalance between energy demand and energy generation.
The increase in renewable energy sources and the drive to achieve net-zero carbon make BESS an essential technology for commercial and industrial organisations. By adopting BESS, it can provide a vital pathway in the transition to green energy and accelerate your journey towards net zero.
A BESS collects energy from renewable energy sources, such as wind and or solar panels or from the electricity network and stores the energy using battery storage technology. The batteries discharge to release energy when necessary, such as during peak demands, power outages, or grid balancing. In addition to the batteries, BESS requires additional components that allow the system to be connected to an electrical network.
A bidirectional inverter or power conversion system (PCS) is the main device that converts power between the DC battery terminals and the AC line voltage and allows for power to flow both ways to charge and discharge the battery. The other primary element of a BESS is an energy management system (EMS) to coordinate the control and operation of all components in the system.
For a battery energy storage system to be intelligently designed, both power in megawatt (MW) or kilowatt (kW) and energy in megawatt-hour (MWh) or kilowatt-hour (kWh) ratings need to be specified.
Battery storage systems have several advantages when paired with renewable energy and non-renewable forms of generation. Solar and wind can be unpredictable, so battery storage systems are a key component in steadying energy flow by providing a steady supply whenever required, irrespective of weather conditions. Additionally, BESS can protect users from potential supply interruptions that could threaten the energy supply. Here are some of the benefits of battery storage systems:
Installing a battery energy storage system powered by renewable energy generation technologies helps reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels and contributes to net-zero pathways in combatting the effects of global warming.
BESS allows consumers to store low-cost solar energy and discharge it when the cost of electricity is high. In doing so, it allows businesses to avoid higher tariff charges, reduce operational costs and save on their electricity bills.
Battery storage systems guarantee a continuous energy supply, even at times when the network is unstable due to peaks in demand or extreme weather events.
BESS solutions include these core components:
containing individual low voltage battery cells arranged in racks within either a module or container enclosure. The battery cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The batteries are connected in series and parallel for the required capacity.
either as an outdoor module or containerised solution along with thermal management.
which ensures the battery cell’s safe working operation, ensuring it operates within the correct charging and discharging parameters. In doing so, the BMS monitors the battery cell’s current, voltage, and temperature and estimates its state of charge (SoC) and State-of-Health (SoH) to prevent safety risks and ensure reliable operation and performance.
The battery cell produces direct current (DC), which the PCS converts into alternating current (AC) used for the power grid and commercial or industrial applications. Bidirectional inverters allow for the charging and discharging of the battery cell.
controls and monitors the energy flow of the BESS and systems. The EMS coordinates the BMS, inverters and other components of the battery energy system by collecting and analysing data used to manage and optimise the overall system performance.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) are the two most common and popular Li-ion battery chemistries for battery energy applications. Li-ion batteries are small, lightweight and have a high capacity and energy density, requiring minimal maintenance and providing a long lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries can also be rapidly charged and have a low self-discharge rate.
The disadvantages of this battery technology include excessive cost, inflammability, intolerance to extreme temperatures, overcharge, and over-discharge.
Lead-acid batteries are well-proven within the automotive industry and behind-the-meter grid and UPS applications. PbA batteries are widely available, low cost, widely recyclable, and can perform effectively at both hot and cold temperatures. However, due to advances in Li-ion battery technology, lead-acid batteries have a low energy density and are slow to charge.
A sodium-sulphur battery is a molten salt-based device. Na-S batteries have several advantages, including high energy and power density, a long lifespan, and reliable operation under extreme 300 to 350 degrees Celsius temperatures. However, this battery technology is primarily suited to large-scale stationary grid storage applications due to high operating temperatures and corrosion sensitivity. Sodium is also a dangerous component because it is highly flammable and potentially explosive.
Most energy systems have a varying demand with some short-term but significant peak power requirements, which results in a capacity requirement which might only be used for a fraction of the time. Energy storage enables energy to be saved for later use.
Energy storage creates capabilities and efficiencies of low-cost energy for the electric grid and assists in mitigating climate change.
Renewable energies are intermittent in nature, i.e., their capacities to produce energy vary with time. Energy storage from renewable energies can avoid any curtailment of renewable energies during favourable weather conditions when excess wind or solar energy is generated.
The UK government estimates that technologies like batteries will form part of the UK’s smarter electricity grid, and heat and transport technologies, supporting the integration of more low-carbon power, could save the UK energy system up to £40 billion by 2050.
Energy storage technologies allow us to store excess energy and release it when energy production is too low or demand is too high. They provide flexibility across different time scales – seconds/minutes, hours, weeks, and even months. Energy storage can help consumers increase self-consumption of solar power or create value by providing system flexibility. Industrial consumers can install storage systems to reduce consumption peaks and ensure backup power in case of a power outage. Furthermore, storage at any level can offer system services, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the electricity system. Storage can help defer costly investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, extend the lifespan of existing resources, and help grids operate more efficiently. The implementation of energy storage could facilitate the electrification of heating and cooling sectors and support the deployment of ultra-fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, especially in areas with weak grids.
Energy storage creates capabilities and efficiencies of low-cost energy for the electric grid and assists in mitigating climate change.
Renewable energies are intermittent in nature, i.e., their capacities to produce energy vary with time. Energy storage from renewable energies can avoid any curtailment of renewable energies during favourable weather conditions when excess wind or solar energy is generated.
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