Yes, peak shaving and load shifting can be used together effectively to optimize energy management for industrial facilities and communities. Both techniques are demand-side management strategies aimed at reducing stress on the electrical grid and lowering energy costs, but they work in different ways.
How Peak Shaving Works
- Purpose: Peak shaving involves reducing energy consumption during peak demand periods by using an alternative energy source, such as a demand-side battery charged during off-peak hours. This reduces reliance on the grid when energy prices are highest.
- Approach: Facilities use stored energy or on-site generation systems to power operations during peak times, thereby reducing the peak load on the grid.
- Benefits: Reduces peak demand charges, enhances energy efficiency, and can provide additional revenue streams by allowing facilities to sell excess energy back to the grid.
How Load Shifting Works
- Purpose: Load shifting involves moving energy consumption from peak hours to off-peak hours when demand and prices are lower. This redistributes the demand without reducing total energy usage.
- Approach: Non-essential operations are scheduled for times when demand on the grid is minimal, such as during the night or early morning.
- Benefits: Helps manage grid stability, lowers energy costs by avoiding peak demand charges, and supports the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources.
Using Peak Shaving and Load Shifting Together
Combining both strategies allows facilities to optimize their energy management:
- Scenario: A facility might use load shifting for non-critical operations (e.g., running machinery during off-peak hours) while employing peak shaving for essential operations (e.g., using stored energy during peak times).
- Benefits: This dual approach maximizes cost savings by both reducing peak demand charges and redistributing energy consumption to less expensive times. It also helps maintain consistent operations by ensuring that critical systems remain operational during peak periods.
In summary, integrating peak shaving and load shifting can significantly enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, reduce operational costs, and support grid stability in a comprehensive manner.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-peak-shaving-and-load-shifting-be-used-together-effectively/
