Overview of BESS
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) represent a pivotal innovation in the realm of energy storage technology.
These systems serve as a crucial bridge between energy demand and supply, enabling efficient energy management, grid stability, and the integration of renewable energy sources into existing power networks.
What is BESS?
At its core, BESS operates on a simple principle: storing excess electrical energy when supply exceeds demand and releasing it when demand surpasses supply. This process involves the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy during charging and the reverse during discharging. BESS typically comprises rechargeable batteries, power conversion systems, and sophisticated control electronics.
During periods of low demand or high renewable energy generation, such as during sunny days for solar or windy conditions for wind power, surplus electricity is stored in the batteries of the BESS. Conversely, when demand peaks or renewable sources become unavailable, stored energy is discharged to supplement the grid.
"Europe is on the brink of a significant surge in grid-scale battery energy storage, with projections indicating a sevenfold increase in capacity by 2030" Aurora Energy Research
BESS Explained
BESS finds applications across various sectors and scenarios, ranging from residential to utility-scale installations.
These can be separated into two easily defined areas: Front of the Meter and Behind the Meter. Use the slider below to discover the difference between these two types of BESS.
Individual BESS networks can be separated into 4 distinct areas of operation. Battery Management System (BMS), Energy Mangement System (EMS), Power Conversion System (PCS), and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
While each one of these systems works independently, they are all connected within the network to provide optimised, reliable and safe production, storage and distribution of energy.
Battery Management System (BMS)
- The BMS is responsible for managing the individual cells or battery modules within the energy storage system.
- It monitors the state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), and state of function (SoF) of the batteries.
- BMS ensures the safe operation of the batteries by controlling charging, discharging, and balancing of cells to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and thermal runaway.
- Additionally, it collects data on battery performance and communicates with other system components.
Energy Management System (EMS)
- EMS acts as the brain of the BESS, coordinating the operation of all system components to optimize performance and maximize economic benefits.
- It receives input from various sources, such as grid conditions, electricity prices, and system constraints, to make decisions on when to charge or discharge the batteries.
- EMS implements control strategies to achieve objectives like peak shaving, frequency regulation, voltage support, or energy arbitrage, depending on the requirements of the grid or the end-user.
- It also communicates with external entities, such as utility dispatch centers or energy markets, to participate in grid services or trading electricity.
Power Conversion System (PCS)
- The PCS converts the DC electricity stored in the batteries into AC electricity that can be fed into the grid or used locally.
- It also performs the reverse operation, converting AC electricity from the grid or other power sources into DC electricity for storage in the batteries.
- PCS controls the flow of power to and from the grid, ensuring smooth integration of the energy storage system with the grid.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining optimal operating conditions for the battery modules or cells.
- Heating elements may be included to keep the batteries within their recommended temperature range during cold weather conditions, which can improve their performance and lifespan.
- Ventilation and air conditioning systems help dissipate excess heat generated during charging and discharging processes, preventing overheating and thermal degradation of the batteries.
Scenarios for BESS Deployment
BESS plays a crucial role in facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the grid.
By storing excess renewable energy during periods of high generation and discharging it when needed, BESS help mitigate the variability and intermittency inherent in renewable sources.
There are a number of scenarios where BESS Deployment takes place within a network. These deployments can assist with a range of situations which may occur over the course of any given day.
- Grid Stabilization: BESS can respond rapidly to fluctuations in supply and demand, thereby stabilizing the grid and ensuring consistent power delivery.
- Peak Demand Management: During peak demand periods, BESS can provide additional power to meet the increased load, reducing the need for costly peaker plants.
- Renewable Energy Smoothing: BESS smooth out the variability of renewable energy generation, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply.
In the dynamic realm of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), mastering the intricacies of its life cycle presents a significant challenge. Industry leaders must tackle issues such as talent scarcity, meeting time-to-market demands, and strategizing for long-term viability. To thrive in this landscape, a proactive stance is essential, enabling the adaptation to the unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources and streamlining energy management processes.
Resilient Global Support
The complexity of BESS demands prompt support, 24/7 across all locations.
Experience in Diverse Grid Standards
Expertise ensures smooth grid adaptation and EPC collaboration for streamlines commissioning.
Secure, Adaptable Integration
As battery degradation is inevitable, integrating a secure and flexible communication solution is essential.
Long-term Durability
Communication must always be reliable, even in harsh conditions, to monitor battery health.
5 Key Insights into BESS
Harnessing Renewables
The use of BESS allows the storage of energy produced by renewables during peak production times to then be utilised during low generation periods.
With energy production from wind and solar fluctuating due to weather and other factors, BESS allows for a reduction in lost energy production which can be utilised at a later time.
Lithium Battery Pricing
Between 2010 and 2020 the cost of Lithium i-on batteries dropped by an astonishing 90%.
This means that the costs of BESS have also dropped significantly during this period as lithium batteries dominate the BESS industry.
Capital Investment
Many governments have started increasing budgets and offering tax breaks for BESS around the world.
This has seen an increase in facilities being built in urban areas to help reach the demand from consumers.
Market Diversification
Since the BESS market started to grow, the initial suppliers of battery storage systems have seen their share in the market drop.
In 2022 the top 7 of these groups saw a market share drop from 61% to 33%. This is in part due to the decrease in initial investment cost and better regulatory support.
Data Connectivity
While BESS is an innovative industry feature leading technology, the connection between these storage systems and existing networks and grids is key.
From auxiliary systems, BMS, PCS and EMS, these monitoring and control systems are crucial. The key to a successful BESS setup is utilising leading devices alongside the batteries themselves.
IIoTzone.com for BESS
Futureproof Solutions
Our partners integrate advanced IIoT technologies that support seamless updates and scalability, allowing your energy solutions to evolve with emerging innovations and industry standards.
Instant Inventory
Our vast stock holding and rapid delivery ensure you get the critical components you need exactly when you need them, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency for your energy storage solutions.
Project Friendly Procurement
Not ready to receive your entire order? Not a problem. We offer call-off ordering so you can spread the cost of your project and guarantee yourself stock when you need it.
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership
We meticulously vet our suppliers and to ensure they enhance efficiency, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of your industrial equipment, ensuring long-term savings and increased profitability.
Planning an upcoming BESS project?
Complete our simple contact form and one of our dedicated Account Managers will get back in touch with you to see how our wide range of solutions can help.
Products and Solutions for BESS
IIoTzone.com offer a wide range of products and solutions for every aspect of BESS.
ioLogik Series
The ioLogik Series supports the most often-used protocols for retrieving I/O data, making it capable of handling a wide variety of applications.
NPort Series
NPort® device servers are designed to make serial devices network-ready in an instant. The small size of the servers makes them ideal for connecting devices to an IP-based Ethernet LAN.
MGate Series
The MGate series are standard Modbus gateways that convert between Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII protocols.
UC Series
The UC Series computing platform is designed for embedded data-acquisition applications.
EDS Series
The EDS Series of Unmanaged Switches are specifically designed for industrial Ethernet infrastructure.
NAT Series
The NAT Series is a compact and powerful industrial set of devices designed to streamline network integration within your factory automation environment.
ADAM Series
The ADAM series is designed to provide a solid IoT solution, enabling users to directly control I/O devices from the cloud.
EKI-1524
The EKI-1524 features two independent Ethernet ports and MAC addresses to provide a redundant network mechanism to guarantee Ethernet network reliability.
ECU-150
The ECU-150 features high-performance processing capabilities and multiple I/O interfaces, making it ideal for real-time data processing and connectivity in harsh environments.
UNO-2271
The UNO-2271 offers flexible expansion options and robust performance, making it ideal for use in space-constrained and demanding industrial environments.
EKI-7720
The EKI-7720 is a high-performance industrial managed Ethernet switch with 20 ports, designed for reliable network connectivity in demanding environments.
ICR-3200
The ICR-3200 is a versatile industrial cellular router designed for secure and reliable wireless communication in IoT and M2M applications.
View our full range of BESS Devices
No matter the scale or requirements of your BESS solution we have devices to suit your needs.
Visit our dedicated BESS category to find the right device for your requirements.
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