Application of battery energy storage systems in industrial facilities

Abstract

For any facility, reliability and availability of power are key. Traditional gas- or diesel-driven power generation designs for facilities rely on generated spinning reserve to achieve power system stability and availability for defined operational scenarios and expected transients. Spinning reserve is extra generating capacity that is usually introduced by running additional power generator(s). Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) as energy storage units provide for a virtual spinning reserve in a hot standby arrangement to achieve the same effect for a set period during operating scenarios and transient events. Use of BESS technology is becoming more frequent within electrical network systems, remote sites and industrial facilities on the back of improved battery technology. This lends itself to better BESS reliability, effectiveness and lower associated cost to procure and install. Many of Clough’s projects are remote and islanded where they need to be self-sufficient, generating and distributing their own power needs. BESS units are scalable energy storage systems that can be used as a part of power generation solutions for facilities installed onshore or offshore. In addition to supplementing the primary generation on a facility as static storage units, BESS units offer benefits such as reduced emissions on facilities by not burning fossil fuels to achieve spinning reserve; they also allow for power management of generation systems, store any excess power from primary generators, allow for integration of renewables, offer constructability benefits and reduced operational/maintenance costs. The commercial and environmental benefits of BESS units are key drivers in Clough’s decision to embrace their use on future projects.