Sustainability remains a top priority for the UK government, and it’s a crucial consideration for the nation’s business community too. Both those factors go some way to illustrating why Battery Energy Storage Systems are increasingly common installations for new builds up and down the country. While they were already firm features for a lot of utility-scale projects, in recent years they’re being included in more and more residential and commercial builds too.
So, let’s take a closer look at this ever more important technology, and the role it has to play in the UK’s future.
What Is A Battery Energy Storage System and Why is it Important?
In a nutshell, a Battery Energy Storage System is a catch-all term used to refer to devices capable of storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, so that this energy can then be utilised at the most opportune moment. Most BESS devices are lithium ion batteries.
On a national scale, one of their primary applications is to help balance supply and demand on the National Grid, enabling them to provide backup power during outages, and maximise the resilience for homes, businesses and the grid at large.
On the other hand, individual businesses tend to utilise Battery Energy Storage Systems to optimise their energy costs. For example, enabling them to offset higher energy prices during peak times by relying on their own privately stored energy instead. It’s a particularly valuable approach in a time where energy costs are generally trending towards being higher than ever before. Some businesses are also choosing to integrate their BESS with smart meters and energy management systems to further optimise their energy usage.
As we’ve touched on above, sustainability is one of the main drivers for the increasing adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems. They’re helping to make green energy more viable for the UK at large, facilitating the integration of more renewable capacity into the grid while simultaneously reducing our reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants. That brings us a big step closer to helping us reduce our carbon emissions, and meet our legally-binding Net Zero commitments.
How Does A Battery Energy Storage System Work?
Battery Energy Storage Systems are simple in principle, but highly sophisticated in their design. The systems use a combination of advanced batteries, inverters, and intelligent management systems, ensuring that all electricity that’s routed and stored is done so in a way that maximises safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Here’s a quick rundown of the basic process:
- Stage 1: Charging the batteries
Any renewable energy that’s been generated is routed through the system’s internal wiring and power electronics, which automatically direct it to the batteries for storage, which can be anything between a few minutes to several hours.
The system’s inverters within the BESS housing then convert the alternating current (AC) from these sources into direct current (DC), which the batteries can store on a chemical level.
The batteries retain this energy in a stable chemical form until the system detects that the power is required, which helps to keep losses low and readiness high.
- Stage 2: Monitoring and management
The BESS’ embedded battery management system (BMS) continuously monitors charge levels, voltage, and temperature across all cells, to prevent damage and optimise performance.
Automated control systems use the BMS data to determine how much energy to discharge or keep stored, ensuring a balance of immediate demand, efficiency, and cost optimisation.
Integrated cooling or ventilation units also work to regulate battery temperature, preventing overheating, slowing degradation, and prolonging the overall system lifespan.
- Stage 3: Discharging the batteries
When the building or facility draws power, sensors and meters detect the demand, and the BMS and control systems automatically initiate the flow of DC electricity from the batteries through the inverters.
The inverters then convert the DC into AC suitable for the building’s electrical systems, adjusting the output in real time to match consumption patterns and maintain a consistent supply.
- Stage 4: Safety and reliability
The safety of the system is ensured by individual battery cells, which are grouped into modules upon installation. These modules are mounted in racks, creating a scalable storage system suited to the building’s requirements.
A variety of additional mechanisms actively prevent hazards. These include overcharge protection, fault detection, and temperature monitoring. As well as protecting health and safety, they also help to maintain operational integrity, and extend the operational lifespan of the system.
At ACS Construction We Are Leading BESS Contractors
With more than 25 years of experience to our name at ACS Construction, we have a proven track record of delivering a range of Battery Energy Storage Systems, encompassing everything from standalone grid-connected battery storage sites to hybrid battery and solar installations. So, a BESS forms part of your vision for your own premises, you can rely on our team to help. Feel free to get in touch with us, and we’ll get started on making your project a reality.