A guide to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

• A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores electrical energy in batteries and releases it on demand, supporting applications including grid stabilisation, load shifting, backup power, and renewable energy integration.
  
  
• BESS are rated on energy storage capacity (kWh), which determines how much energy can be stored, and power rating (kW), which determines how quickly that energy can be delivered.
  
  
• Integrating BESS into a hybrid power package requires careful consideration of control systems, which manage battery performance, charge balance, and compatibility with generators and renewable sources.
  
  
• Aggreko's BESS fleet ranges from 45 kVA to 1 MW, supporting customers across transient loading, spinning reserve displacement, EV charging capacity, and low-emission zone compliance.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is a technology that allows for the storage of electrical energy in batteries, which can then be used to power electrical loads. BESS can be used for a variety of applications, including grid stabilisation, load shifting, backup power, and integration with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. BESS typically consists of a battery bank, power conversion systems, and control systems that manage the charging and discharging of the batteries. 

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have gained significant attention as they offer numerous benefits including reducing emissions, fuel usage and cost. However, this is a complex technology, and it is important to consider numerous factors before choosing the right BESS for your application. In this article, we discuss key terminologies and equipment needed for battery storage integration. By using batteries, we are helping our customers optimise their temporary power setups.

• Battery cells: Battery cells store electrical energy by converting it into chemical energy and are commonly assembled in modules and packs to meet the desired capacity.
• Inverters: These convert direct current (DC) energy to alternating current (AC). This allows electrical energy to be converted, stored, and reused.
• Controller: Controls the battery cells’ performance for safe operation. It also maintains the balance of charge and allows the BESS to be monitored remotely. Controls are key to how the BESS will operate with other assets.