BESS: A solution to manage energy proactively
microgrids can power remote areas and communities, such as islands. When combined with a BESS and integrated with renewable energy, a microgrid can act as a resilient power system for multiple users. Transmission and distribution deferral Transmission and distribution (T&D) lines are prone to aging and depreciation because of peak loads and congestions. A battery storage solution can solve this problem by taking on the role of T&D assets. A BESS can offer additional storage capacity and balance loads, thus deferring the upgrade of the existing T&D lines and construction of new infrastructure. This means saving heaps of money.
electricity tariffs with energy time-shifting. BTM battery energy storage systems can be found in: ■ Industrial and manufacturing facilities
electric meter) and behind-the- meter (BTM) or on-site solutions (the energy consumed cannot be connected to a grid and thus measured by an electric meter). Here’s a list of FTM and BTM BESS applications (which is definitely not complete).
■ Businesses
■ Households
Front-of-the-meter applications
■ Electric vehicles
Battery energy storage systems can contribute heavily to the operation and maintenance of utility-scale facilities and equipment. A BESS can offer reserve capacity and black-start services, provide voltage and frequency stability, and save money through deferred maintenance. FTM BESS applications include:
■ Marine systems
Does it make sense to build a BESS? The short answer is yes, it does. The longer answer needs some clarification. Without a doubt, buying a ready- made BESS saves lots of time and, sometimes, money. If there are no special requirements for the system, an out-of-the-box solution can be chosen from plenty of energy storage products available on the market. That said, there are some reasons that could hold a consumer back from the purchase, for example: ■ specific customer requirements, including business niche demands and operating conditions ■ lack of desired features or needless features that add to the system’s cost
■ Utility grids
■ Substations
Where can a BESS be used best? BESSs rely on affordable
■ Transmission and distribution lines
■ Power stations
technologies, for example, the price for lithium-ion batteries has fallen by nearly 90% over the past 10 years and is going to drop further. Battery storage solutions have a broad range of configurations, including storage capacity and size, so they can fit many industries and applications. These applications can be divided into front-of-the-meter (FTM) or utility-scale systems (the energy consumed is measured by an
Behind-the-meter applications
BTM systems can supply power to consumers, bypassing an electricity grid. Along with green energy sources, a BESS can ceaselessly support standalone power systems or microgrids. Manufacturers can use battery storage for power backup to avoid downtime at production facilities. By using BESSs, companies and families can significantly reduce
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