What BESS Systems are and How to Use them

by Marco Arezio

In a world increasingly oriented towards sustainability and the search for efficient energy solutions, battery energy storage systems, or BESS, emerge as fundamental pillars of this green transition.

These systems not only offer a response to the challenges posed by the intermittency of renewable sources, but they also represent a strategic resource for optimizing energy use in our increasingly complex and digitized networks.

The following article provides a detailed overview of this revolutionary technology, exploring its structure, operation, and the benefits it can bring at both individual and collective levels. Through concrete examples and practical applications, we will discover how BESS are shaping the future of energy, ensuring a more intelligent and sustainable management of available energy resources.

How BESS Systems Are Made

A typical BESS system is composed of several key components:

Batteries: The heart of the BESS system. They can be made using various technologies, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, sodium-sulfur, and others. Each technology has specific characteristics in terms of energy density, lifespan, cost, and safety.

Battery Management System (BMS): Essential for monitoring and managing battery performance. It controls voltage, current, temperature, and the overall health of the battery, ensuring safe and optimal system operation.

Inverter: Transforms electrical energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), making it compatible with the home or commercial electrical grid.

Control Software: This software coordinates when and how energy is stored or released, optimizing interaction with the electrical grid and other energy systems.

Connection Infrastructure: Includes all the devices necessary to connect the BESS to the electrical grid, such as cables, switches, and protections.

What BESS Systems Are Used For

BESS are used for various applications:

Frequency Regulation and Reserve: They help maintain stable network frequency by compensating for fluctuations in energy demand and supply.

Renewable Energy Storage: They store energy produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, for use when production is low or demand is high.

Backup Power Supply: They act as a reserve power source in case of power grid outages.

Energy Tariff Optimization: They allow users to consume energy during hours when energy costs are lower and use stored energy when prices are higher.

Installation of BESS Systems

Installing a BESS requires careful planning and must be performed by qualified professionals. The main steps include:

Energy Need Assessment: Determine the necessary storage capacity based on the energy consumption of the building or facility.

Site Selection: Identify the most suitable location for installation, considering available space and environmental conditions.

Installation of Batteries and Inverter: Ensure that all components are properly installed and connected.

Management System and Control Software Configuration: Set operational parameters according to the specific needs of the customer and the network.

Benefits of BESS Systems

BESS offer numerous benefits:

Improved Network Reliability: They contribute to the stability of the electrical grid and reduce the risk of outages.

Support for Renewable Integration: They increase the share of renewable energies in the energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Energy Cost Reduction: They enable more efficient energy use and participation in demand management programs, reducing overall costs for users.

Emission Reduction: They reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and facilities, contributing to the fight against climate change.

In conclusion, BESS systems represent a key technology for the future of energy. Their ability to store and manage energy efficiently makes them indispensable for a sustainable and resilient energy transition. The adoption of these systems continues to grow, driven by technological evolution and the need to respond to increasingly complex and variable energy needs.

Examples of BESS Installations Around the World

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have become a key component in large-scale energy management worldwide. They are used for a wide range of applications, from stabilizing energy networks to supporting the integration of renewable energies. Below are some significant examples of BESS installations in different parts of the world:

Hornsdale Power Reserve, Australia

Also known as Tesla Big Battery, it was inaugurated in 2017 and uses lithium-ion batteries to store electric energy produced by the nearby Hornsdale wind farm. With an initial capacity of 100 MW/129 MWh, the system was later expanded to 150 MW/194 MWh. This facility has significantly improved the safety and stability of the regional electrical grid, reducing reserve frequency costs and helping to prevent blackouts.

Gateway Energy Storage, USA

Located in California, this is one of the largest energy storage projects in the world. Launched in 2020, this 230 MW facility is part of a broader initiative to improve the resilience of California's electrical grid, especially during peak hours and extreme events such as heat waves. The system plays a crucial role in integrating a greater amount of renewable energy and providing power during demand peaks.

Minamisoma Substation, Japan

Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan has significantly invested in BESS to enhance the safety and stability of its energy networks. One example is the storage system located at the Minamisoma substation in Fukushima Prefecture. This project uses a combination of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries to provide frequency regulation services and support the integration of solar and wind energy.

Al Maktoum Solar Park, United Arab Emirates

Part of the larger Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, this storage system in Dubai is an example of how BESS can support the adoption of large-scale solar energy. Once completed, the facility aims to store energy during the day and release it at night, facilitating a constant energy supply despite the intermittent nature of solar production.

Virtual Power Plant (VPP), Germany

In Germany, several Virtual Power Plant (VPP) projects use distributed BESS systems to create a decentralized network that improves energy management. These systems are interconnected through digital technology to optimize the storage and use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs for consumers.

These examples demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of BESS systems in improving energy management, network reliability, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. With advancements in storage technologies and cost reductions, these systems are expected to become even more prevalent globally.