Peak shaving is a cost-saving strategy that involves reducing electricity consumption during periods of high demand to minimize peak loads and associated costs. Here are the main strategies used in peak shaving:
1. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- How It Works: Batteries store energy during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and discharge it during peak demand periods.
- Benefits: Flexibility to respond to changes in demand, suitability for intermittent renewable energy sources, and ability to maintain critical operations without straining the grid.
2. On-site Generation
- How It Works: Uses local power generation such as solar panels, wind turbines, natural gas generators, or fuel cells to provide electricity during peak times.
- Benefits: Reduces reliance on the grid during peak periods, offers a cleaner alternative compared to traditional grid power, and can integrate with energy storage for optimal results.
3. Load Curtailment (or Load Shifting)
- How It Works: Temporarily reduces non-essential energy consumption during peak periods by adjusting HVAC settings, dimming lights, or pausing non-critical equipment.
- Benefits: Can be less expensive than investing in new infrastructure, allows for flexibility in managing energy use, and can be a short-term solution until other strategies are implemented.
Additional Strategies
- Using Renewable Energy Sources: Integrating solar or wind power helps balance the energy load and provide power during peak times.
- Energy Management Systems: These systems can optimize energy consumption by automatically managing non-essential loads and integrating with storage solutions.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce energy costs, contribute to grid stability, and enhance their resilience during peak demand periods.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-strategies-used-in-peak-shaving/
