Development of Battery Storage Systems
Flexible battery energy storage systems (BESS) optimally complement renewable energies: They stabilise the electricity grid and optimise costs. We show step by step how a battery storage system is developed and built, how it works and why it is so important for a net zero future.
Hybrid and Stand-Alone Projects
ABO Energy develops two types of battery projects: batteries combined with wind or photovoltaic projects, and stand-alone batteries. As an integral part of a renewable energy project, the battery stores electricity temporarily and injects it into the grid with a delay. This evens out production peaks and optimises the revenues from the renewable energy plant (in the picture: the German Gumpen hybrid project). Stand-alone storage facilities are developed independently of a wind or solar farm. These batteries stabilise the grid and provide so-called system services.
Finding a Location
For stand-alone projects, the grid connection point is the most important criterion when selecting a location. The battery storage facility pictured in Rechtenbach (Hesse) was built by ABO Energy next to an existing substation. As with wind and solar projects, we lease the identified areas. For this, we conclude land lease agreements with the landowners.
Checking Economic Feasibility & Finding Investor
The business model of wind or solar projects is simple: They generate income from the marketing of the electricity they produce. Battery storage operators have different ways of generating income, for example by participating in electricity markets such as the day-ahead or intraday market. Furthermore, batteries can provide system services to stabilise the grid and thus generate revenues. Our experts calculate various scenarios with different revenue streams. At an early stage of project development, our financing department talks to potential investors who could operate the battery storage system in the long term. These include, for example, utilities, infrastructure and investment funds or grid operators.
Basic Engineering
To obtain a construction permit, we need to submit basic technical engineering documents as well as various external expert opinions (e.g. on noise, fire protection, waste water, soils, environmental aspects such as land sealing). In some countries, such as Northern Ireland, visualisations are also required showing the impact of the battery on the landscape. Shown is a 3D model of the 50 megawatts Kells battery project (Northern Ireland).
Detailed Engineering
Based on the basic engineering, our experts create the detailed engineering. The civil and electrical engineers at ABO Wind determine the exact position of containers, transformers, access roads, and fences and award contracts for civil engineering and assembly work to regional subcontractors, if possible. Once we have received the construction permit, our purchasing department orders the battery modules from different manufacturers. The electrical department plans the and cable routes and draws up the earthing concept. Our internal storage specialists take care of the Battery Energy Storage System design.
Preparing the Ground
After receiving the permit, construction begins. First, the ground is prepared and the top layer of soil is removed.
Building the Foundations
Then the concrete foundations are built...
Excavating Cable Trenches
... and the cable trenches are excavated and the cables laid.
Delivery of Containers
Next, the empty containers are delivered and mounted onto the foundations.
Filling the Racks
This is what the containers look like from the inside before the battery modules are installed. The empty holders for the modules are called racks.
Delivery of Modules
Now the battery modules are delivered on pallets.
Installation of Modules
Then, the workers insert each 60-kilogram battery module into the racks by hand. They are assisted by a telescopic crane to reach the upper rows.
Cooling System I
A look at the back of the containers: On the left of the picture, you can see the green compressor of the cooling system, which works according to the same principle as a refrigerator and cools the storage unit.
Cooling System II
A cooling system and an extinguishing bladder with extinguishing water are installed between each two containers.
Delivery of Transformer
Finally, the transformers are delivered and installed next to the cooling unit.
Bird's Eye View
The eight containers with the battery modules are clearly visible from a bird's eye view, with the transformer and the cooling unit in the middle between two containers each.
Finished Battery Energy Storage System
Here you can see the entire system up close-
How the Battery System Works
Now the battery storage system is ready. It can feed electricity into the grid at times of high demand and charge electricity from the grid at times of high electricity production (e.g. at periods of strong wind and solar radiation). It thus fulfils an important function in stabilising the grid and enabling the further expansion of renewable energies.
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Development of Battery Storage Systems
Hybrid and Stand-Alone Projects
Finding a Location
Checking Economic Feasibility & Finding Investor
Basic Engineering
Detailed Engineering
Preparing the Ground
Building the Foundations
Excavating Cable Trenches
Delivery of Containers
Filling the Racks
Delivery of Modules
Installation of Modules
Cooling System I
Cooling System II
Delivery of Transformer
Bird's Eye View
Finished Battery Energy Storage System
How the Battery System Works
Video: Construction of a Stand-Alone Battery Energy Storage System