Battery energy storage systems, used to capture and store electricity for later use, are utilized for various applications in different settings to provide a wide range of benefits. Below are some common uses, but not all.
Time Shifting of Energy
One of the primary purposes of a BESS is to enable time shifting of energy. At certain times when people don’t need much electricity or when renewable energy sources like solar and wind produce a lot of extra power, this system saves that extra electricity. Then, when more electricity is needed or when the renewable energy sources aren’t making as much power, it gives back that stored electricity to help meet the higher demand or make up for, the lower amount of renewable energy available. This helps optimize energy utilization and reduces the need for peak power generation. This is used mostly in off-grid scenarios that do not benefit from back-feeding the grid.
Grid Stabilization
Battery energy storage systems can act as fast-responding resources to help stabilize the electrical grid. They can provide rapid injections or withdrawals of power, helping to balance fluctuations in electricity demand and supply. This improves grid stability and power quality, reducing the risk of blackouts and voltage fluctuations.
Integration of Renewable Energy
BESSs are used in conjunction with renewable energy sources like solar and wind to store surplus energy when renewable sources produce more than needed and release it when their output is insufficient. This helps smooth out the variability and intermittency of renewables, making them more reliable and predictable contributors to the energy mix.
Peak Demand Reduction
During periods of high electricity demand, especially in hot summer months, the grid often experiences peak load conditions. Battery energy storage systems can discharge power during these peak demand periods, reducing the strain on the grid and avoiding the need to bring additional and often expensive power plants online.
Microgrid and Remote Operations
In remote areas or places with unreliable grid connections, a BESS can be integrated into a microgrid, working alongside renewable energy sources to provide a stable and consistent power supply. In the event of a grid outage, the BESS can support the microgrid by islanding, providing essential power to critical loads. This is also an ideal scenario with generators that run in a prime power scenario, and there is no grid. In many of these scenarios, a generator runs most of its life in low-load scenarios, where fuel efficiency is not good. This system allows a generator to run at full load to handle large spikes in power usage or when the batteries need charging. This is where a generator is most efficient.
Frequency Regulation
Battery energy storage systems can respond rapidly to frequency deviations in the power grid. They can either absorb excess energy or release stored energy to help maintain the grid’s frequency within the required range, which is crucial for the stable operation of electrical equipment.
Backup Power
For critical infrastructure and sensitive applications, a battery energy storage system can serve as a backup power source during grid outages or emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and preventing data loss or disruptions. This is usually a good solution for short power outage scenarios.
Demand Charge Management
Electricity bills in some commercial and industrial settings include demand charges based on peak power usage. A BESS can help manage and reduce these demand charges by discharging stored energy during peak demand periods, thus lowering overall electricity costs.
Conclusion
The different uses for battery energy storage systems can cover a vast array of equipment: RVs, Off-grid or Tiny Homes, Remote Construction or Camps, Entertainment and noise-sensitive locations, etc.
If you have any questions about battery energy storage systems, please contact us or browse our Victron Battery Energy Storage Systems. We offer FREE SHIPPING and expert customer support.
