Peak shaving with battery energy storage systems is a strategy used by commercial properties to reduce peak electricity demand during periods of high energy usage, such as hot summer afternoons when air conditioning is in high demand. The strategy involves using a battery energy storage system to store energy during periods of low demand and then discharging that energy during periods of high demand, effectively "shaving" the peak off the electricity demand curve.
Here's how it works in more detail:
- Energy storage: Commercial properties install a battery energy storage system, typically located on-site, to store excess energy during periods of low demand. This energy can come from renewable energy sources like solar panels or from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.
- Monitoring and control: A monitoring and control system is set up to monitor energy usage and demand in real-time. This allows the system to predict when demand will be highest and adjust energy usage accordingly.
- Energy management: The energy management system uses the data collected by the monitoring and control system to determine the optimal time to discharge energy from the battery storage system. During periods of high demand, the system will discharge energy from the battery storage system to supplement the energy needed to power the commercial property.
- Cost savings: By using battery energy storage to supplement electricity usage during peak demand periods, commercial properties can avoid paying expensive demand charges from the utility company. Additionally, commercial properties can take advantage of time-of-use electricity pricing, where electricity rates are lower during off-peak hours and higher during peak hours.
Peak shaving with battery energy storage systems can be an effective strategy for commercial properties to reduce their electricity bills and improve their energy efficiency. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and discharging it during periods of high demand, commercial properties can reduce their reliance on the grid and save money on energy costs.
