A Comprehensive Look at ABB’s BESS: Features, Capabilities, and Compliance

As the new energy industry evolves, the need for robust and reliable energy storage solutions becomes more apparent. With a heightened focus on sustainability and the integration of renewable energy sources, industrial applications demand systems that can ensure power reliability, foster grid stability, and seamlessly integrate with the existing power infrastructure. ABB’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) emerges as a frontrunner in this technological revolution, offering a comprehensive suite of features and capabilities designed to meet the complex needs of modern energy management. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of ABB’s BESS, exploring its features, capabilities, and compliance with major grid codes and standards.

 

Why Energy Storage Now?

 

The demand for energy storage is driven by several factors, chief among them the need for energy availability and self-sufficiency. With the rise of renewable energy sources, the challenge of stable integration into the grid has become more pronounced. The unpredictable nature of wind and solar power generation necessitates a system that can store excess energy and deliver it when needed, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply.

 

Advances in technology have made renewable energy storage more feasible, with digitalization and data analytics playing a pivotal role. Predictive analytics, advanced algorithms, and artificial intelligence have accelerated the possibilities for efficient and reliable energy availability, which is essential for industrial operations. Additionally, the declining costs of battery technology have led to more affordable solutions, while smarter grids have enhanced the potential for energy storage, supporting both retail and wholesale electricity markets.

 

Sustainability: A Responsibility and an Opportunity

 

The urgency to transition to a zero-carbon economy has never been greater. Businesses recognize the necessity of decarbonizing the energy value chain, with renewable energy as a key component in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Governments worldwide are encouraging renewable energy policies and supporting the deployment of beneficial energy technologies. In this context, energy storage not only fulfills a corporate responsibility towards sustainability but also presents a significant opportunity for innovation and growth.

 

ABB’s BESS: Optimizing Integration and Performance

 

ABB’s BESS is a sophisticated and flexible pre-packaged solution designed to optimize the integration of power loads and renewable energy. Drawing from decades of grid interconnection experience and market leadership in energy storage and conversion, ABB’s BESS offers adaptable modular E-House solutions that ensure seamless system integration and excellent battery control. These modular designs and advanced controls maximize the availability, value, and performance of energy storage systems, making them suitable for a wide array of applications.

 

Key Features and Capabilities

 

ABB’s BESS solutions are engineered with modularity, scalability, and safety at their core. They offer a range of features that enhance the availability, reliability, and efficiency of electrical energy. Some of the standout features include:

 

Grid-tied inverters: ABB’s proven grid-tied inverter technology facilitates flexible operating modes, which are ideal for microgrid applications in remote areas or island grids.

 

Flexible energy sources: The system is configurable with various energy sources, such as lithium, CRLA (carbon-reduced lead-acid), kinetic, or fuel cells, catering to diverse applications.

 

On-grid and off-grid operation: BESS allows for flexible operational states without hard state changes, enabling seamless transition between on-grid and off-grid modes, including built-in anti-islanding functionality.

 

High overload capability: The system can support dynamic loads during off-grid applications with a high overload capability of 200% for 2 seconds and 150% for 30 seconds from a 75% preload operation.

 

Built-in black start: The system can initiate microgrid start-up applications without secondary power, activating the control and protection systems.

 

Scalable modularity: Modules enable scalability up to 4000kVA in a single system and parallel block verification at the system level to 30MVA and above.

 

Resultant Inertia: The system simulates synchronous machines through dynamic system response, providing voltage stability over time.

 

Compliance and Standards

 

ABB’s BESS equipment undergoes rigorous testing according to IEC standards and meets offshore rating requirements, ensuring compliance with strict industry regulations. The system has been certified by classification societies such as ABS, DNV, and Lloyd’s, demonstrating its reliability and safety in various operational environments.

 

Digital Solutions for Energy Management

 

ABB’s BESS achieves seamless integration from power stations to enterprise-level energy management through innovative digital technologies. The system improves grid efficiency, availability, and reliability, while significantly reducing maintenance and operating costs. ABB offers several integrated modular design options, including:

 

ABB Ability™ Process Power Manager: Ensures reliable and stable energy supply.

ABB Ability™ Process Power Simulator: Provides a digital twin of the real environment for operator training and performance optimization.

ABB Ability™ Condition Monitoring: Offers insights into critical operating conditions for optimal energy storage utilization.

ABB Ability™ OPTIMAX®: Integrates and optimizes dispersed energy resources in real-time to balance energy supply and demand.

Additionally, ABB provides on-site installation assistance and commissioning for factory start-ups, ensuring that the integration of BESS is smooth and effective.

 

Applications and Industry Impact

 

ABB’s BESS is the ideal solution for industrial applications that require power system load balancing, grid stabilization, grid loss detection, compliance with renewable energy grid regulations, or improvements in generation systems and power quality. It can be deployed either as a standalone system or in parallel blocks, catering to industries such as mining, pulp and paper, metals, and cement.

 

The vast installed capacity of ABB’s modular battery energy storage systems, exceeding 2GW worldwide, is a testament to its efficiency and flexibility in both grid-connected and off-grid energy storage applications.

 

Conclusion

 

ABB’s BESS represents a significant leap forward in the field of energy storage solutions. With its advanced features, capabilities, and compliance with international standards, it is poised to play a critical role in the energy transition towards a more sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. Businesses looking to embrace the benefits of energy storage are encouraged to explore ABB’s offerings and contact the relevant ABB sales personnel for more information. As we continue to witness the evolution of the energy landscape, ABB’s BESS stands as a beacon of innovation, reliability, and sustainability.