Yes, peak shaving can indeed be combined with other energy management techniques to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance grid stability. Here is how peak shaving integrates with other methods and technologies:
Combining Peak Shaving with Other Energy Management Techniques
1. Integration with Load Shifting
– Peak shaving and load shifting are complementary strategies. While peak shaving focuses on reducing power consumption during peak demand periods through immediate reduction or local supply use, load shifting involves rescheduling energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours with lower electricity prices. Combining both allows users to both reduce peak loads and redistribute demand more efficiently for cost savings and grid relief.
2. Use of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Batteries
– Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are central to effective peak shaving. They store energy during low-demand, off-peak periods and discharge during peak times, smoothing out demand spikes. This can be combined with peak shaving to deliver power during peak hours without drawing from the grid, lowering demand charges and improving energy autonomy.
– Thermal storage and emerging technologies like hydrogen storage can also be combined with peak shaving for specialized industrial applications.
3. On-site Generation and Renewable Integration
– Combining peak shaving with on-site power generation (e.g., solar PV, wind turbines, natural gas generators) further reduces grid reliance during peak periods. Excess renewable energy can be stored and dispatched during peak hours to shave peaks effectively. This synergy maximizes renewable utilization and supports green energy goals.
– Electric vehicles with bidirectional charging capabilities can serve as mobile energy storage assets, contributing to peak shaving efforts.
4. Demand-Side and Supply-Side Management Together
– Peak shaving can be managed through demand-side strategies (e.g., temporarily reducing or scheduling down heavy machinery or HVAC loads) alongside supply-side strategies (e.g., activating local generation or discharging stored energy). Using both approaches simultaneously provides greater flexibility and effectiveness.
5. IoT and Smart Energy Management Systems
– Integrating peak shaving with IoT technologies and advanced energy management systems enables real-time monitoring and dynamic control of loads and storage. This allows automated adjustments based on demand forecasts, pricing signals, and consumption patterns, enhancing the precision and responsiveness of peak shaving efforts.
– Smart algorithms optimize energy flows within 15-minute intervals (typical billing periods) to minimize peak charges and maximize self-sufficiency.
Summary Table of Combined Techniques
| Energy Management Technique | How It Combines with Peak Shaving | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Load Shifting | Reschedule loads to off-peak times | Further reduces peak demand and lowers costs |
| Battery Energy Storage Systems | Store off-peak energy and discharge during peaks | Flexible, quick response to demand peaks |
| On-site Generation (Solar, Wind) | Use local renewables during peaks, store excess energy | Less grid dependency, greener energy use |
| Demand-Side Management | Curtail or reschedule flexible loads | Immediate reduction of peak load |
| IoT and Smart Energy Systems | Automate and optimize load and storage management | Real-time control and maximized cost savings |
Conclusion
Peak shaving is not an isolated strategy; it is most effective when combined with other energy management techniques like load shifting, energy storage, on-site generation, demand-side controls, and smart IoT-based energy management systems. This synergy helps consumers reduce peak demand charges, optimize renewable energy use, enhance energy independence, and contribute to a more stable and sustainable grid.
Thus, businesses and homeowners aiming for cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solutions benefit greatly from an integrated approach to peak shaving and energy management.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-peak-shaving-be-combined-with-other-energy-management-techniques/
