Battery storage systems are designed to capture energy from various sources (like the grid, generators or renewables) and store it for later use. When demand for power is high or when primary power sources are unavailable, the BESS can discharge its stored energy, providing instant, clean and reliable electricity. This flexibility allows for optimised power management, reduced fuel consumption and quieter operations, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of temporary power needs.

Read our dedicated blog post to learn more about battery energy storage solutions.

A BESS works by capturing and storing electrical energy in rechargeable batteries and then releasing that energy when it’s needed. It’s an integrated system with several components working together:

• Battery cells/modules: these are the core units where the electricity is stored, typically using lithium-ion technology due to its high energy density and efficiency.
• Power conversion system (PCS): also knows as an inverter, this component converts the direct current (DC) electricity stored in the batteries into alternating current (AC) electricity. It also performs the reverse function, converting AC from the grid or a generator into DC to charge the batteries.
• Battery management system (BMS): this is the ‘brain’ of the battery pack. It continuously monitors the battery’s health, including its state of charge (SoC), voltage, current and temperature. The BMS ensures safe and efficient operation by preventing overcharging, over-discharging and overheating, which are vital for the battery’s longevity and safety.
• Energy management system (EMS): this higher-level control system optimises when the system charges or discharges based on various factors like energy demand, electricity prices, renewable energy availability, and grid signals. The EMS coordinates the functions of the BMS and PCS to ensure the system operates efficiently and economically.
• Thermal management system: batteries generate heat during charging and discharging. This system, often using air conditioning or liquid cooling, maintains the batteries within their optimal operating temperature range to prevent overheating, which can degrade performance and shorten lifespan.

Finding the right capacity battery energy storage unit for your project is important for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal capacity depends heavily on your specific needs.

To determine the right BESS capacity, you’ll need to consider several factors:

1. Total power consumption (kW): what is the maximum instantaneous power demand for your site or equipment? This is the peak load you anticipate.
2. Energy duration (kWh): how long does the battery need to supply power at that consumption level? For example, if you need 100 kW for eight hours, you’ll need at least 800 kWh of usable energy storage.
3. Application type:
   1. Peak shaving: are you looking to reduce peak demand charges? You’ll need enough capacity to cover your peak consumption for the duration of the peak tariff period.
   2. Backup power: how long do you need backup power in case of a grid outage or generator failure, and for what critical loads?
   3. Generator optimisation/hybrid: if partnering with a generator, the BESS can handle low loads and sudden peaks, allowing the generator to run as its most efficient load. The capacity depends on the variability of your load and how much generator runtime you want to reduce.
   4. Silent power: for events or night work, how long do you need completely silent operation for specific equipment?
4. Load profile: does your power demand fluctuate significantly throughout the day or night? Understanding your typical load profile helps determine if you need a smaller unit for short, intense bursts or a larger one for sustained output.
5. Recharge capability: how quickly can the unit be recharged? If you have limited access to charging sources or tight turnaround times, this affects the required usable capacity.
6. Site constraints: are there any physical space limitations for the unit?

The best way to determine the precise capacity you need is to consult with an energy storage expert like Aggreko. We can conduct a detailed load analysis, review your project’s specific requirements, and recommend a tailored solution that ensures optimal performance and cost efficiency. You may need to provide:

• Historical energy consumption data (e.g. electricity bills)
• Details about the equipment you plan to power
• The intended duration of the project
• Specific operational goals (e.g. emissions reduction, noise reduction, fuel savings)

By providing this information, our specialists can help you avoid oversizing (and overpaying) or undersizing (leading to insufficient power) your battery energy storage solution.

Battery energy storage systems are versatile and are being increasingly adopted across a wide range of industries where temporary, reliable and sustainable power is needed. Here are some typical applications for hiring large-scale battery energy storage solutions:

• Construction sites: powering site offices, welfare units and tools without grid access or where grid connection is too costly or slow.
• Events: supplying power for stages, lighting, sound systems, food vendors and VIP areas at festivals, concerts, film sets and corporate events.
• Industrial and commercial facilities: providing uninterruptable power supply for critical processes, data centres or essential equipment during grid outages.
• Utilities and grid support: providing temporary grid support, voltage regulation or frequency response in specific areas.
• Remote and off-grid support: supplying reliable electricity to remote facilities, telecommunication towers or specific research stations where grid connection isn’t feasible.
• Disaster relief and emergency services: delivering critical power for temporary shelters, communication hubs, medical facilities and essential services in areas affected by power outages or natural disasters.