The conventional electricity sources are expensive. So, the world is heading towards renewable energy sources. In such cases, the latest technology, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), is becoming highly valuable. It stores the energy in the form of electricity for later use. But the question is: what is a battery energy storage system, and how does it work?
Interestingly, the use of these battery systems is getting popular. With the introduction of solar panels, these systems are a necessity for every home. Their primary advantage is that they balance the demand and supply of energy in homes, as well as at grid stations. In this article, we will discuss everything about BESS and how it works. So let’s get started!
What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
It is a technology that stores electrical energy in a battery. This energy can be used later. The batteries can be charged through renewable energy sources (such as solar) or from conventional sources. BESS helps meet electrical demand and supply more efficiently. They help prevent electrical outages on both small and large scales.
As you are aware, solar energy is typically available during the daytime. It means that this energy, in the form of electricity, can be used during the daytime. However, at night we have to depend on conventional sources of electricity. Therefore, more burden is placed on the grid station, resulting in electrical outages and load shedding.
In such cases, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) makes a big difference. The solar energy in the daytime is stored in the batteries (as DC). At night, this stored energy is utilized, reducing dependency on the grid stations. Remember, these batteries can be charged from electricity from grid stations during times of low demand.
Additional grid stations also use Battery Energy Storage Systems. They store excess energy in these batteries for later use. Remember, wind or solar energy is renewable, but its production depends on wind or sunlight. When the grid stations face more loads, they can use the stored electrical energy to prevent outages.
As you are aware, solar plates are gaining popularity. Modern homes often feature solar panels on their roofs. Sunlight is only available during the day. So, they use the batteries to store their excess energy for use at night. In this way, they cut or reduce their electrical bills. The batteries can be used on both minor (residential) and larger (commercial) scales.
How Does a Battery Energy Storage System Work?
The working of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is straightforward. This system uses powerful batteries to store the energy for later use. Let’s dive in and discuss the working of this system in detailed steps.
1- Energy Generation or Collection
The first step is to generate energy. It can be sourced from either renewable energy sources or conventional means. Wind or solar energy is the most popular source that people use. However, you can also use grid station energy.
Interestingly, grid energy (electricity) has different rates or prices depending on demand. During periods of low demand, the cost of electricity is very low. On the other hand, when demand is high, the cost of grid electricity is very high. For battery charging, use the grid energy during a low-demand period.
2- Charging the Battery
As I mentioned earlier, the energy is stored in the batteries in the form of DC. So, if you use electricity from a grid station, you’ll have to use an inverter. This inverter will convert AC to DC for charging the battery.
However, the electricity obtained from solar or wind sources doesn’t need to be converted. The reason is that this electricity is already in the DC form. It can charge the batteries directly and effectively. However, charging a battery through a grid station requires a dedicated inverter.
3- Energy Storage & Discharging
Suppose you have a solar system at home. The excess energy produced by the sun will be directly stored in the batteries. This may take longer to charge, but it is a completely free source of energy. On the other hand, electricity from grid stations will charge the battery quickly. However, this electricity is not free, and you’ll also need a dedicated inverter.
This inverter will convert AC into DC for storage purposes. During discharge, the current is then converted into an AC. Modern appliances use the AC for their operation. During discharge, the stored energy (DC) will be converted into AC. This AC will be used to run different appliances. Even if the BESS system is at a grid station, powerful inverters will be used to make the energy usable.
4- Energy Management & Monitoring
The batteries are not 100% safe. They require a special environment and conditions for their optimal work. If the temperature becomes too high, the batteries can even explode. Similarly, voltage and other parameters should also be kept in control.
For this purpose, different sensors are used. They detect the temperature, voltage, and other parameters to ensure safety. Many advanced software programs are also available for smooth energy management. They detect and manage the charging and discharging of the batteries. In this way, they keep you alert about when to charge the battery.
Advantages of Battery Energy Storage System
The use of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is becoming increasingly popular. You’ll see these battery systems in almost every home. This is due to higher rates of conventional energy. In the section below, we’ll take a look at some key benefits of this BESS.
1- Reliable Backup Power
The grid stations are the primary source of energy for many people. However, these stations can fail during storms and other factors. In such cases, the BESS proves to be a reliable backup power. When the power to the grid station is lost, the battery system becomes active almost immediately. So you don’t face any electricity outage for a longer duration. This is more useful for hospitals, schools, and businesses.
2- Lower Electricity Bills
During the daytime, the sun reaches its peak, providing us with solar energy. We can use this energy and store excess energy in the batteries. This stored energy (electricity) can be used at night. In such a case, your dependency on the grid station electricity becomes minimal to zero. This will reduce the electricity bills.
3- Scalability and Flexibility
The Battery Energy Storage System is highly scalable. For example, you use a few solar panels and a single battery to create a small power bank. But later, you can increase the number of solar panels and batteries. In this way, you’ll enjoy higher battery storage.
You can increase the batteries if your energy demands increase. Remember, if you don’t have solar panels, you can use a grid station during off-peak hours. The electricity is cheaper during that time and can be used to store energy. You can then utilize this stored energy during periods of higher demand.
4- Better Use of Renewable Energy
Solar energy is dependent at times. The sun reaches its peak in brightness during the day. However, at night, solar energy is not available. If you don’t have batteries, you’re missing a big opportunity. The solar panels will provide you with energy (electricity) during the daytime. The excessive energy will be wasted. However, if you have BESS, you can store that excessive energy. This stored energy can be used at night. You won’t have to rely on grid station energy at night.
5- Consistent Supply with Better Load Management
BESS ensures a consistent energy supply at all times. Suppose you use grid station electricity at night. If this grid station fails, you’ll get the electricity from the BESS. This shift from grid station electricity to stored energy is quick and efficient. This results in an “always on” supply of energy even during extended outages. Additionally, the BESS helps better manage extra loads efficiently.
How Long Does a Battery Energy Storage System Last?
There is no fixed answer, but you can expect this system to last between 12 and 15 years on average. The life of BESS depends on two major factors. Those include:
- Care & Maintenance
- Battery types used in BESS
As I said earlier, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) uses powerful batteries. The energy is stored in these batteries in the form of DC. Later, this energy is reused to power various appliances. If you change the electrolyte in the batteries, they will last longer and perform better. It will enhance the life of your BESS system.
Additionally, you should regularly inspect the inverter and other tools. This will help you know if BESS and its components are functioning correctly. Additionally, you should be very mindful of the temperature in BESS. It should not be too high, as it can cause battery failure or even an explosion.
Secondly, various types of batteries are used in BESS. However, lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used type in these systems. The reason is that they charge faster and last longer, which is a significant advantage. The BESS system, which utilizes lithium-ion batteries, has a longer lifespan. On the other hand, inferior batteries can result in a shorter lifespan for a BESS system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery energy storage system?
It is technology that uses energy from batteries. This stored electrical energy is in the form of DC. This energy can be used later as a power backup and reduce dependency on grid stations.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System used for?
This system can be used on a smaller or larger scale efficiently. For example, home energy storage systems are ideal for meeting the energy demands of small homes. On the other hand, large systems can be utilized at a commercial scale as a full-fledged energy infrastructure.
How long can a battery energy storage system power a home?
It depends on the size of the energy storage or the type of batteries used in the system. More batteries will provide more power, and vice versa. An ideal storage system with a 10 kWh capacity can give power to a complete home for 8 to 12 hours.
Are battery storage systems safe?
Yes, battery storage systems are safe due to modern features. They have dedicated sensors that monitor temperature and voltage. Dedicated temperature control systems ensure that the temperature remains in a safe range. Moreover, their fire suppression system reduces the chances of fires.
Conclusion
The popularity of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is increasing. As you know, the cost of energy obtained from conventional sources (grid stations) is rising. Additionally, there is more loads on the grid stations, resulting in electricity outages and blackouts.
In such cases, the BESS gets more attention than ever before. Interestingly, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) can be used at both large and small scales. It meets the energy demand and supply even for small homes. In this article, I’ve discussed everything about Battery Energy Storage Systems.