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:
- Total power consumption (kW): what is the maximum instantaneous power demand for your site or equipment? This is the peak load you anticipate.
- 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.
- Application type:
- 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.
- Backup power: how long do you need backup power in case of a grid outage or generator failure, and for what critical loads?
- 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.
- Silent power: for events or night work, how long do you need completely silent operation for specific equipment?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.