- Balancing supply and demand: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) store excess electricity during low-demand or high renewable generation periods and release it during peak demand, helping to balance supply and demand in real time. This load shifting reduces stress on the grid and diminishes the need to run fossil fuel power plants at peak times.
- Frequency regulation: Batteries help maintain a stable grid frequency (typically 50Hz or 60Hz) by rapidly injecting or absorbing power to counter deviations. This prevents equipment damage and outages caused by frequency instability.
- Voltage control: BESS can absorb or supply reactive power to stabilize voltage levels within safe limits, protecting sensitive electrical equipment and ensuring consistent electricity quality.
- Rapid response times: Batteries can respond within milliseconds to fluctuations or disturbances, much faster than traditional thermal generation plants, providing critical stability services during emergencies or sudden load changes.
- Backup power and black start capability: Batteries can provide emergency power to critical infrastructure during outages and can restart the grid after blackouts (black start), enhancing grid resilience and reliability.
- Facilitating renewable integration: By smoothing out the variability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, batteries reduce intermittency issues and enable a higher penetration of clean energy on the grid.
- Reducing carbon emissions and costs: By minimizing reliance on fossil fuel plants during peak periods and reducing the need for new power generation infrastructure, batteries contribute to a cleaner, more cost-effective energy system.
In summary, battery energy storage systems are essential for modern grids to remain stable, flexible, and reliable as renewable energy grows and demand patterns evolve. They provide fast, flexible, and multi-faceted support services that maintain power quality, prevent outages, and enable a sustainable energy transition.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-benefits-of-using-batteries-for-grid-stability/
