Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) contribute to peak capacity management through several key mechanisms:
Peak Shaving and Load Management
BESS stores energy during low-demand periods and discharges it during peak hours to reduce grid strain and electricity costs. This limits reliance on peaker plants and avoids infrastructure upgrades. Intelligent software dynamically manages discharge to stay within contracted capacity, preventing overloading.
Resource Adequacy and Grid Stability
By providing fast frequency response and voltage stabilization, BESS ensures grid reliability during high-demand periods. It reacts within seconds to balance supply and demand, mitigating outages caused by renewable intermittency.
Demand Charge Reduction
Commercial and industrial users leverage BESS to avoid costly demand charges by capping power drawn from the grid during peak intervals. This is achieved by supplementing grid supply with stored energy.
Integration with Renewables
BESS smooths renewable energy output (e.g., solar/wind) by storing excess generation for use during peaks, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based peaking resources.
Scalability and Flexibility
- Utility-scale BESS (>10 MWh) participates in capacity markets and ancillary services, earning revenue through arbitrage and frequency regulation.
- Commercial/industrial BESS (30 kWh–10 MWh) supports EV charging infrastructure and critical facilities, delaying grid upgrades.
- Residential BESS (<30 kWh) optimizes self-consumption of rooftop solar, reducing evening peak demand.
Software-Driven Optimization
Energy Management Systems (EMS) like Ampowr Cosmos enable real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated discharge strategies. These systems prioritize cost savings while ensuring battery health and compliance with grid regulations.
By combining these capabilities, BESS enhances grid resilience, lowers operational costs, and supports the transition to renewable-heavy energy systems.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-bess-systems-contribute-to-peak-capacity-management/
