Battery storage

What is a battery storage system?

A battery storage is a system that temporarily stores electrical energy in order to make it available again at a later date. It usually consists of one or more battery modules, a battery management system, and an inverter that converts electricity between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Battery storage systems are often used in combination with photovoltaic systems, but can also play a role in other contexts such as industry or e-mobility. Battery storage systems are used in a wide variety of areas — from private households to industry. This article focuses on industrial applications where battery storage is a central element of modern energy management strategies. They help to make better use of renewable energy, to optimize load flows and to achieve savings.

Why is a battery storage system worthwhile?

Battery storage systems are no longer a technology of the future — they are increasingly playing a key role in modern energy strategies. The share of renewable energies in the electricity mix is constantly growing, but their generation is dependent on weather and time of day. In phases of high energy generation, it is increasingly not possible to draw off all electricity, while in other moments too little energy is available. These fluctuations lead to significant price swings on power exchanges. It is all the more important to store electricity when it is available in large quantities and at favourable conditions. According to a study by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne Does the rise volatility on the electricity market — an environment in which flexible storage solutions are becoming increasingly important.

Benefits of battery storage

• Increasing self-consumption of self-generated electricity
• Reducing electricity consumption from the grid
• Protection against rising electricity prices
• Reducing the load on network infrastructure
• Improving security of supply
• Increasing the efficiency of PV systems
• Contribution to decarbonization

Especially in the case of volatile energy prices and fluctuating generation through renewable energy sources, a battery storage system creates independence and flexibility.

When does battery storage make sense?

A battery storage system is particularly useful when:

• a PV system is available or planned
• Self-consumption should be increased
• Measures to Peak load capping should be implemented in the company
• There is a high demand for electricity
• Electricity costs should be reduced permanently

What kind of battery storage systems are there?

There are different types of battery storage:

• lithium-ion battery storage: Most common variant, high energy density, long lifespan
• lead-acid batteries: Cost-effective but lower cycle stability
• saltwater batteries: Eco-friendly but lower efficiency
• redox flow batteries: For large applications, scalable, durable

The choice of battery storage depends on the application, budget, and technical requirements.

How do I find out whether a battery storage system makes sense for me?

Whether a battery storage system is worthwhile in a specific case depends on several factors: power consumption, load profile, PV output, remuneration situation and self-consumption percentage. Eine battery simulation can help answer these questions in a well-founded manner. It provides important indicators of efficiency and sizing and serves as a basis for decision-making.

A battery simulation that dynamically takes various influencing factors into account is particularly helpful: such as fluctuating load patterns, future electricity price developments or variable feed-in tariffs. Modern tools also make it possible to simulate various scenarios (e.g. expansion of the PV system or planned production increases). This gives companies a realistic assessment of whether a battery storage system makes economic sense in their specific case — and how large it should be.

conclusion

A battery storage system is a sustainable solution for companies to store electricity efficiently, optimize their own consumption, processes for Efficiency optimization to support and reduce energy costs. Depending on the application and requirements, there are different systems with individual benefits. If you want to operate autonomously and sustainably in the long term, you should think about investing in a battery storage system — ideally based on a well-founded battery simulation.