SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS IOT FOR BESS: THE KEY TO IMPROV
Creating a connected IoT infrastructure is crucial for improving the efficiency, security and resilience of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). However, achieving these ambitions requires the integration of many carefully selected hardware and software
components, including I/O gateways, edge protocol gateways, edge computers and software. Application-specific IoT solutions for BESS can help facilitate the energy industry’s transition towards a successful future driven by digitalisation, decentralisation and decarbonisation, catering to both front-of-meter and behind-meter prosumers. Paul O’Shaughnessy, IIoT sales director Northern Europe and Energy & Utilities sector head, Advantech, comments
success and cost. A scalable BESS is essential for future growth and development. A well-connected BESS also needs to utilise
reliable and secure communication infrastructure, as well as robust computing power that can work autonomously. Connectivity is necessary in both the sensing and network layers – the latter aggregates data from the various IP devices present in the system. During integration, most projects will encounter a multitude of different connectivity interfaces, including serial, one-wire, CAN bus, digital input, analogue I/O, Ethernet and fibre. As a further point, it is necessary to embed network security in multiple layers at each connection point to thwart potential threats. A VPN, firewall and data encryption are among the crucial tools of effective system security.
G
rid digitalisation means establishing energy storage solutions that can support
the integration of renewable energy into smart, flexible power systems. The effects of digitalisation will have an impact on the whole process, from generation and storage, to transmission, distribution and consumption. If businesses want to take control of energy demands on both sides of the meter, they will need to deploy energy systems capable of real-time AI. Another trend/opportunity is decentralisation,
which will necessitate a major contribution from businesses, especially larger enterprises, in the adoption of self-generation solutions. These solutions will permit businesses to manage their own energy requirements through the construction of micro grids. In tandem, a key consideration will be partnering
with suppliers that can help deliver energy efficiency targets via the deployment, operation and management of renewable energy systems.
THE CHALLENGES BESS cost is always a primary concern, and when implementing an IoT-based BESS, users need to consider costs that include hardware, software, installation and maintenance to reach an estimate of TCO (total cost of ownership). After
10 ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 2024
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all, if the system is not profitable, the business model is not sustainable. Simplifying design and maximising system efficiency are key elements of driving profitability. Future scalability also comes into the equation regarding both system
DATA, DATA AND MORE DATA To help achieve the optimal system solution, there is a need to achieve real-time data communications, or as close to it as possible. Certain technology providers are spearheading the development of hardware and software that can facilitate the roll-out of integrated renewable energy/BESS solutions. This capability includes the collection of analogue data in solar arrays and wind turbines, as well as in battery management systems (BMS). The BMS is responsible for the real-time
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