ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMPONENTS

It is known that Electrical-Automation systems are critically important for the provision of continuous production and service in Industrial or Infrastructure Facilities. The continuous energy supply in these facilities and the production / service realized by ensuring adequate energy quality can directly affect the income statements and balance sheets of the companies. Therefore, one of the important solutions that ensure that the energy is not interrupted and at a quality level is the integration of energy storage systems into the existing system.  

Energy storage systems must first be installed under appropriate environmental conditions and have a reliable structure. Trouble-free operation of the air conditioning system of the environment where the inverter, transformer, MV-LV panel and batteries are located is one of the important parameters. However, for the continuity of operation of the system, it is recommended to have a redundant battery system and to connect each battery group with separate inverters. In addition, it is recommended to apply batteries that can last for a long time and have a higher number of cycles than other conventional battery types in order to ensure an adequate operation and a feasible investment. During the day, the system controller can often change its operation mode, causing the batteries to operate at full or half full levels. When we evaluate these features, the positive contribution of Li-ion batteries to the system is indisputable.

Since it can be used in an existing enclosed facility or container, the low volume footprint of the battery system will also be important for space utilization efficiency. The fact that their maintenance is less costly and less expensive than conventional products with new technologies is also economically important for the operator. Although Li-ion batteries have these features, the energy required to cool the environment is relatively low. In addition, it is known that the damage to the environment is less in terms of chemical components than other battery systems. These batteries are approximately 99% efficient and can be activated in milliseconds.

Below you can see definitions of the main components of an energy storage system:

SYSTEM MAIN COMPONENTS

SCU (System Control Unit)

The system control unit evaluates the voltage and current information at the connection point of the system to the network with the information obtained from the battery management system and performs the correct operation (active and reactive power control) as a result of the operation of the program written on it with a certain algorithm.

BMS (Battery Management System)

Battery Management System monitors the voltage, current, temperature, charge-discharge status, homogeneous operation information of the batteries and ensures the correct operation according to this information. The battery management system can transfer the information it obtains to the system control unit and, if necessary, intervene in the battery group by turning on the DC switch in front of the battery group when there is a situation that needs instant intervention in the battery system.   

HMI (System Interface)

With the system interface on the control panel, the working conditions of the batteries, medium voltage-low voltage panel, inverters as well as auxiliary systems (air conditioning, fire detection system, etc.) can be accessed quickly and the requested control can be provided from this interface.

MCU (Main Control Unit)

The main control unit communicates with more than one system control unit and the main control units in other facilities (Scada, Microgrid Controller, etc.) and decides on the most suitable operation for the energy storage system. Communication may also be permitted so that the relevant energy storage system manufacturer can set up remote support. Thus, the respective manufacturer can collect all the data and perform a complete analysis of the problem. Thus, the problem is solved much faster, optimizing in terms of service

Performed.

Battery System

A battery system is a unit in which energy is charged and discharged, each consisting of a battery group, battery management system and protection element. The working environment and temperature of the batteries are one of the most important parameters and it is necessary to install the necessary air conditioning system for the batteries to operate at the appropriate ambient temperature. The frequency and depth of charge-discharge of the batteries, the temperature of the environment in which they are located, affect the life of the batteries and the most efficient operation is determined by the control systems.

Inverter System

The four-zone inverter system is modularly available in the system and is specifically regulated for reactive power control. According to the capacity of the energy storage system, it is recommended to be designed as modular and redundant when necessary and to connect to each battery group individually.

Fire Detection and Extinguishing System

The fire detection and extinguishing system is another important component of the energy storage system. Smoke detectors, heat rise detectors, pressure sensors, optical and acoustic alarm systems can be used in the system. Waterless extinguishing systems (FM-200) can be installed to protect critical equipment. Thus, the corrosive effect is also eliminated.

Switchgear (LV Panel/Transformer/MV Panel)

The LV Panel used in the system is connected to the AC side of the batteries with cables and makes the necessary protection with switches. Through the transformer, the Low Voltage 0.4kV level in the system is increased to the Medium Voltage 34.5kV or 6.3kV level and connected to the network by means of the switch, which is the protection element of the MV panel.

You can see the Energy Storage Systems control modes and application examples below:

Control Mode Type Storage Application

P/Q mode Instant Load Management, Load Shift, Reactive Power Compensation, Time Shift

P/V mode Power Quality and Critical Power

V/f mode Power Quality, Voltage Regulation and Critical Power

P(f)/Q(V) mode Frequency Regulation and Hot Offload

Above, we have mentioned the components of the energy storage system, the areas of industrial application, as well as the criteria required for the efficient and continuous operation of the system. According to the results of the research conducted by the Research Institute EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) on battery types, while R&D studies are carried out on Li-ion batteries, these batteries are frequently seen in practice. This result shows that Li-ion batteries could also be used as an important component of the energy storage system in the future. Apart from Australia, Argentina, China and Chile, which have important "Li" reserves in the world, it is known that the "Li" mine is also being investigated in some other countries. With the potential of "Li" reserves and the development of production technologies, Li-ion prices are expected to decrease over time.

The electrical systems of the Industrial and Infrastructure facilities, which have become complex with both cogen systems and renewable resource integrations, will become a more reliable structure with the energy management of battery systems that adapt quickly to rapid reaction, long life and control modes in order to ensure energy continuity and quality.