Greener Upgrades blog series #11
Introduction
When upgrading or maintaining power infrastructure, the need for reliable temporary power is crucial, especially to support variable loads. Traditional approaches often rely heavily on generators, which can be inefficient and increase emissions. However, integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with generators offers a more sustainable and efficient solution, particularly in scenarios requiring consistent power during shutdowns, maintenance, or fluctuating loads.
The role of BESS in modern power solutions
BESS can be seamlessly integrated with single or multiple generators, providing a flexible and resilient power solution. This setup is particularly beneficial in scenarios where there are significant power demands during electrical switchgear repairs or swap outs. BESS acts as a spinning reserve, allowing generators to be turned off when loads are low, thereby reducing fuel consumption and minimising wear and tear. Additionally, BESS enhances system resilience, enabling it to handle sudden spikes in demand or unexpected power losses.
For low power needs over extended periods, such as overnight lighting, BESS can operate independently, allowing generators to be completely shut off. This not only conserves fuel but also extends the operational life of the generators.
Addressing temporary power challenges
Temporary power solutions often face inefficiencies, particularly when operating Stage V generators under variable loads. These generators, while compliant with strict emission standards, can struggle with reliability and performance when not operating within their optimal load range. BESS mitigates these challenges by managing load fluctuations, ensuring that generators run efficiently, and providing a more reliable and environmentally friendly power source.
Applications across sectors
- Manufacturing & petrochemical plants: During shutdowns or maintenance periods, facilities can maintain essential services such as lighting, security, and emergency systems using BESS, thereby reducing generator usage and emissions.
- Utilities: Utility companies can use BESS to manage power distribution during maintenance or shutdowns, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational without relying solely on generators.
- Building services and construction: construction operations usually take place on sites with limited or no grid power available, BESS can be used in conjunction with generators to provide overall site power. Once a commercial or industrial building is established, hybrid power can supply power to site during temporary outages or shutdowns.
- Film & TV: a combination of BESS and generators can provide power in remote locations where no power is available, it can also power studio and stage set ups with no gird supply.
Advantages of integrating BESS with generators
- Efficiency managing variable loads: BESS smooths out fluctuations in power demand, ensuring consistent generator performance.
- Optimal generator operation: generators can operate within their most efficient load range, avoiding the inefficiencies of frequent cycling or partial load operation. By minimising the impact of variable loads, BESS reduces generator cycling, enhancing overall reliability.
- Extended maintenance and servicing intervals: by potentially using the generator less, maintenance, refuelling and servicing intervals can be extended, meaning less downtime for the generator, particularly important with critical loads or remote areas with difficult access.
- Use of Stage V generators: BESS helps ensure that Stage V generators, which help to significantly reduce emissions operate efficiently within their optimal performance range.
- Lower emissions and fuel use: by reducing low-efficiency operation, BESS significantly lowers emissions.
- Reduced fuel expenditure: improved fuel efficiency leads to operational cost savings.
Example scenario: A greener solution for a film production site
Scenario: A film production company, on location for six months, requires a power package to support variable daytime loads and minimal overnight loads. Daytime demands range from 30 kW to 200 kW, while nighttime loads are between 2-6 kW. The company is focused on reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
Traditional approach
The conventional solution would involve using a single 320 kVA generator, which would run inefficiently during low-load periods at night, leading to higher fuel consumption and emissions.
Greener solution
A more sustainable approach involves deploying three 100 kVA Stage V generators in a load-on-demand setup, integrated with a 150/150 kVA Battery. This configuration is designed to handle variable loads efficiently.
How does the solution work?
BESS Operation in ‘Gen Assist’ Mode: The BESS powers load below 30 kW independently. When the load exceeds 30 kW, the BESS activates the first generator, ensuring it meets the minimum 30% load requirement. As demand increases, additional generators are brought online, each maintaining optimal load conditions.
If all three generators are unable to meet peak demand, the Battery supplements their output, ensuring continuous and efficient power delivery. This setup not only ensures compliance with Stage V emissions standards but also significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with the company’s environmental goals.
By adopting a hybrid set-up with BESS and generators, industries can achieve more reliable, efficient, power solutions. Whether for short to long-term projects temporary power needs.
If all three generators are unable to meet peak demand, the Battery supplements their output, ensuring continuous and efficient power delivery. This setup not only ensures compliance with Stage V emissions standards but also significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with the company’s environmental goals.
By adopting a hybrid set-up with BESS and generators, industries can achieve more reliable, efficient, power solutions. Whether for short to long-term projects temporary power needs.