BESS stands for Battery Energy Storage System. It is a type of energy storage technology that uses batteries to store electrical energy.
BESS systems are designed to store excess electricity generated during periods of low demand or high renewable energy generation and release it during periods of high demand or low generation.
BESS systems consist of rechargeable batteries, power conversion systems (PCS), and control systems. The batteries store the electrical energy, the power conversion systems manage the flow of energy between the batteries and the electrical grid, and the control systems monitor and optimise the operation of the BESS.
A set of batteries are put together in accordance with the amount of energy required for a particular application. These applications can vary from a single household to whole communities and will determine the number and type of batteries required. Energy is gathered from renewable energy sources, including solar panels and/or wind generated power, or electricity from the main grid gathered during off peak times, and is stored in the batteries until required.
The electricity generated from renewables or the main grid needs to be converted to the correct voltage, current and waveform using inverters, converters and controllers to make it suitable for charging the batteries.
Electricity is stored in the batteries, most commonly a lithium-ion battery type because these are capable of charging quickly, they have a high energy density and a long life. Other battery types may be used depending on the application.
DEUTZ Australia is currently developing an innovative modular design for battery storage for our soon to be released DEUTZ Battery Energy Storage System. This design allows users to easily and conveniently upgrade battery storage capacity in case there is a change in the energy output requirement.
The BESS also requires an energy management system which will control and manage the input and outflow of electricity. Optimal battery operation will ensure greater efficiencies in energy storage and distribution and is reliant on many factors, including grid demand, source generation, conditions and even pricing. The system monitors the batteries’ level of charge and state of health. All this is achieved with powerful computer programs that are able to collect and evaluate large amounts of data.
The way all of this is stored is also of high importance. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are sensitive to extreme changes in temperature, so monitoring of conditions is another aspect of the BESS. Evaluating and controlling air flow and temperature is vital to maintaining performance and ensuring longer life for the batteries.
DEUTZ’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) are specifically designed to meet the weather conditions and unique environment of our region. Our batteries are stored in canopies with special design to provide durability, airflow and protection against exposure to the elements.
Stored energy then needs to be converted back to the correct voltage, current and waveform for discharge to the main grid or microgrid infrastructure.
This grid integration provides the capacity for the BESS to improve the efficiency of the main grid by load shifting, which is when stored energy is distributed during times of peak demand.