Battery storage is playing an increasingly important role in this. With a well-designed energy storage system, you can gain more control over your energy consumption, increase the flexibility of your connection, and make your industrial site more resilient to changes in the energy market.
Why energy storage is becoming increasingly important for industrial companies
Industry is one of the largest energy consumers and is heavily dependent on a stable and available electricity supply. The electrification of processes, sustainability, and stricter energy efficiency requirements are placing an increasing strain on the electricity grid.
At the same time, many industrial companies experience limitations due to grid congestion and long lead times for grid reinforcement. Energy storage offers a way to circumvent these bottlenecks by storing energy locally and using it intelligently when needed.
What is meant by industrial companies?
Industrial companies include manufacturing companies and organizations that work with energy-intensive processes. Examples include factories in the manufacturing industry, process industry, food industry, chemical industry, metalworking, and recycling.
These companies often work with continuous or semi-continuous processes, use heavy equipment, and are connected to medium-voltage or high-voltage connections. Energy plays a crucial role in business continuity and cost efficiency.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for industrial applications?
A Battery Energy Storage System, abbreviated as BESS, is an integrated system that temporarily stores electrical energy in batteries and makes it available for use at a later time. In industrial applications, a BESS consists of batteries, power electronics, safety devices, and an intelligent energy management system.
This system ensures that energy is automatically stored or supplied based on pre-set targets, such as cost optimization, capacity management, or process continuity.
For industrial environments, it is important that a BESS is scalable, reliable, and easily integrated with existing installations and control systems. The control system must be precisely aligned with the production process and take into account power limits, safety aspects, and operational priorities.
Network congestion, peak loads, and continuity in industrial environments
Grid congestion is a growing problem for industrial companies that want to expand or further electrify their processes. Restrictions on consumption or feed-in can lead to project delays and limitations in production capacity.
In addition, high peak loads cause additional costs and risks to the stability of the grid. Battery storage allows you to absorb these peaks and reduce the load on your connection.
In addition to capacity issues, continuity plays a major role. Industrial processes are often sensitive to voltage fluctuations or short interruptions. By having energy available on site, you increase the reliability of your energy supply and reduce the impact of disruptions on your production.
How does energy storage contribute to lower energy costs and stable production?
Energy costs in industry consist not only of consumption, but also of costs associated with peak power and contractual agreements with the grid operator. Energy storage makes it possible to spread consumption more evenly and reduce peaks.
In addition, you can store energy when rates are favorable and use it when electricity is more expensive. This leads to more efficient energy use and more predictable costs.
Combining energy storage with a smart energy management system automates this process. The system continuously adjusts based on real-time data, ensuring stable production and optimal use of your energy supply without manual intervention.
Common applications of battery storage in industrial companies
Battery storage is used in industrial companies for a variety of applications aimed at cost control, capacity management, and process reliability. The exact application varies per sector and process, but the goal is always to use energy more intelligently and reliably.
Peak shaving and peak load control
Peak shaving is a common application in which a BESS temporarily supplies power to smooth out high peaks in electricity consumption. In industrial environments, these peaks occur, for example, when machines or heavy processes are started up simultaneously. By controlling peak loads, you stay within the limits of your connection and avoid additional costs.
Support for production processes and energy continuity
A BESS can support production processes by supplying extra power at critical moments or by compensating for short-term voltage problems. This contributes to a stable energy supply and reduces the risk of downtime. Energy storage is a valuable addition to the existing infrastructure, especially for processes where continuity is essential.
When is battery storage profitable for industrial companies?
The profitability of battery storage in industry depends on several factors, such as energy consumption, peak load levels, available grid capacity, and energy prices.
The extent to which continuity and flexibility are important to the production process also plays a role. In situations where these factors come together, battery storage can provide a strong business case.
- There are high and recurring peak loads in energy consumption.
- The company is experiencing network congestion or limitations on the existing connection.
- Production processes are energy intensive and sensitive to disruptions.
- There is a need for greater control over energy costs and power demand.
- Expansion or electrification of production is desirable without immediate grid reinforcement.
Frax BESS solutions for industrial companies
Frax specializes in Battery Energy Storage Systems and provides plug-and-play solutions that are specifically designed to simplify the lives of installers and industrial end users. With scalable systems and an integrated Frax energy management system, the BESS solutions are easy to implement and can be used immediately in complex industrial environments.
Frax supports projects from design to integration and provides reliable energy storage that helps manage grid congestion, reduce energy costs, and keep production processes stable and future-proof.
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