Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a critical role in voltage support within power grids by actively managing the balance and stability of voltage levels through charge and discharge control. Their main function in voltage support includes:
- Voltage Regulation via Charge-Discharge Control: BESS can adjust their charging and discharging to counteract deviations in grid voltage. When grid voltage is lower than standard, BESS discharge stored energy to boost the voltage; conversely, when voltage is too high, they absorb excess energy by charging the batteries. This dynamic response helps maintain voltage within a stable and acceptable range, ensuring reliable power quality.
- Power Factor and Apparent Power Control: Utility-scale BESS can also regulate apparent power by controlling the power factor, enabling more refined voltage control beyond simply injecting or absorbing active power. This capability improves voltage stability and grid reliability.
- Fast Response to Fluctuations: BESS provide rapid voltage support because their power electronic interfaces (inverters) allow near-instantaneous power injection or absorption. This fast response is crucial for mitigating voltage sags or surges caused by sudden changes in load or generation, especially with high renewable energy penetration.
- Grid Stability Enhancement: By maintaining voltage stability, BESS support overall grid stability, preventing disruptive events such as outages or blackouts. They complement traditional voltage regulation methods, which may be slower or less flexible.
- Integration with Renewable Energy: Since renewable sources like solar and wind can cause voltage fluctuations due to their intermittent nature, BESS smooth these variations by storing excess generation and releasing it during shortfalls, indirectly contributing to voltage stability.
In summary, BESS function as active voltage control assets within the power grid by dynamically adjusting their charging and discharging to stabilize voltage levels, control power factor, and rapidly respond to grid disturbances, thereby enhancing the reliability and quality of power supply, especially in grids with significant renewable energy integration.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-role-do-bess-systems-play-in-voltage-support/
