Product Spotlight - Energy Storage Systems

• What is an Energy Storage System?

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) generally capture  energy produced for use at a later time. This can then improve inefficiencies between energy demand and energy production.

In reality, there are many’ types’ of Energy such as Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Thermal, Nuclear and more. Then there are many ‘Sources’ of Energy, such as an engine (Generators), Solar, Wind, Biomass/Biofuels, Water and Geothermal etc, however, some of these technologies provide either a short term or longer term, practical energy solution, all at a variety of costs of course!

Therefore, the most important focus is choosing the right one for your application!  This is where Atlas Copco have done much of the considerations already.

Our focus is harnessing electricity using specialist batteries, often called ‘BESS’ (Battery Energy Storage Systems), to be used at a more convenient time and later and increase its value economically. When used correctly, you will maximise many benefits mentioned below in these FAQ’s.

• What’s the difference between as Energy Storage System and a Generator?

It’s pure electrical power, ready to use and without an engine! Instead of fuel, it requires periodic charging from another power source. 

• How do you service them compared to a generator?

You don’t! – as there is no engine, there are no engine filters, Oil, coolant, therefore no scheduled engineer needing to ‘switch off and cool down’ when power is still needed. Not even battery liquid levels to check and top-up. They are sealed and managed by the sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS). This can be viewed at any time, including while in operation.

• How does an Energy Storage System work?

Electrically it converts DC (Direct Current) from battery bank into a more useable AC (Alternating Current) that we all use every day in our homes, commercially and Industrially.

Practically it is designed to work in several ways, the most common is working in tandem with temporary power generators. The BESS acts is a disruptor to the traditional use of the generator by monitoring our customers’ power demand, then automatically taking over if:

·         The power demand is lower on occasion e.g. nights and weekends. The battery simply does the job of the generator until charging is required or increased demand

·         ‘Peak Shaving’ – Often generator sizes (measured in kVA) have to match ‘Peak’ demand when heavy duty Motor(s) start i.e. Electric Cranes, Hoists, Pumps and a wide range of machinery. Our BESS has an increased kVA capacity to reduce the need of the oversized generator.

If there is a preference to provide power for longer without the generator running, we have the range to increase the battery capacity too (measured in kWhr’s), even synchronise our BESS together (sometimes called ‘Paralleling’) to keep increasing their capability!

• Is this classed as ‘Renewable energy source’?

As this is essentially a battery, it needs an external power source from somewhere. If being charged from fossil fueled generators, then the answer is no, having said that, Atlas Copco work hard on reducing their exhaust emissions and carbon footprint by introducing the latest EU compliant Stage V engines and can additionally use alternative fuels instead of diesel such as HVO for example, so the cleaner the generator, the cleaner the source of charging is for the BESS.

It does not stop there though, BESS can be charged by renewable energy sources like Solar PV, Wind and even from the National Grid (‘the grid’), even all connected together called a Microgrid, and so the answer is yes too. 

• Can they be used instead of generators or connecting/plugging-in to the National Grid?

Yes, we work with our customers to assess what ‘Load profile’ they need and then advise that when fully charged, they last the time needed. Then a renewable source be used or just return it to base for charging from the grid.

As our latest technology can provide power for longer, always remember it will need charging again!

• What are the advantages of using an Energy Storage System?

If we consider that BESS can take their charge from many sources, it often reduces the need for an oversized generator or ‘grid’ supply and importantly, less noise, less fuel less exhaust emissions and of course from a safety perspective.

Less noise means remote power can be provided in built-up areas, where noise abatement applies or simply having a choice not to hear or feel vibration from a nearby generator.

Less fuel means less operational costs, less refueling, less servicing visits and less impact on the Green House Gases (GHG’s) by emitting less Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Less Exhaust emissions means less of the harmful deposits in the air associated with pollutants that what we breath in. Less Particulates from diesel, Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) and Benzene (C6H6). All associated with using fuel.

Safety - There are many battery types – Atlas Copco only use Lithium Phosphate Ion (LIFePo4 abbreviated as LFP) as it is scientifically proven to be a more stable when charging and non-explosive compared to other Lithium-Ion or cheaper battery types.

The end user is also safer as protection devices are fitted as standard to protect against short circuit, overload, Earth leakage. All that disconnect the power to keep you safe if it detects external electrical danger.

Long lifespan – batteries are measured in ‘cycles’ meaning 1 cycle represents one full charge then discharge until empty. When we compare LFP to Lead Acid batteries for example, the advantages are enormous. They last longer, up to 7000 cycles, they can easily deal with a fuller discharge and recharge without limitations. This means replacements are less likely and therefore. much further away.

Telemetry – called Fleetlink will demonstrate the end user’s power demand (load Profile) and the performance of the BESS and additional sources of power. This will form a more factual understanding of power management and not only show performance and environmental savings detail, it will help establish if further cost improvements can be made in future.

If you would like to find out more about our Energy Storage Systems, contact Barry Hughes.