In an era where clean and sustainable energy plays an increasingly predominant role, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) emerge as key elements in transforming the energy sector and represent a fundamental resource for addressing challenges related to the integration of renewable sources, demand management, and grid stabilization.
At VINCI Energies Building Solutions Italia, in partnership with Omexom – a brand of the VINCI Energies Group specialized in the design and implementation of energy infrastructures – we have overseen the installation of a BESS system in Italy for a client operating in the electrical energy sector.
BESS: What It Is and How It Works
BESS are energy storage systems based on rechargeable batteries that store electrical energy for future use.
Typically, the system includes:
- Lithium batteries
- Battery management systems (BMS)
- Inverters to convert energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and vice versa
- Control systems
The batteries recharge using excess electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind farms or solar panels, or through the grid during periods of low demand.
Once charged, the battery can release energy when needed, such as during peak demand or when renewable sources are unavailable.
Among the advantages of BESS are their adaptability for various purposes, including frequency and voltage regulation of the grid, reduction of grid congestion, support for electricity service continuity during blackouts, balancing energy supply and demand, and supporting distributed generation.
Some Applications of BESS:
- Peak Shaving: The process of reducing energy consumption peaks during high-demand periods. BESS play a crucial role in this process by helping to lower overall electricity costs and reducing the need for new power plants or upgrades to the existing grid.
- Microgrids: Small, independent power systems that can operate either connected to or disconnected from the main grid. Integrating BESS into microgrids provides backup power during outages and stabilizes the grid during peak demand periods.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Devices designed to provide continuous power to connected equipment even in the event of a main power failure. BESS integration ensures that critical equipment continues to function without interruption, even during blackouts.
The VEBSI Project in Partnership with Omexom
For a client in the energy sector, at the Monfalcone (GO) plant in Italy, we managed specific aspects of the installation of a BESS storage system, carried out in partnership with Omexom.
The project involves the design and implementation of an electrical energy storage system through the above-ground placement of battery storage structures housed in prefabricated technical units.
The plant has a storage capacity of 12MW, divided into two 6MW lots, and consists of:
- 8 battery housing cabins (Battery Packs) placed on reinforced concrete plinths
- 4 power conversion cabins (Power Conversion Stations) placed on a reinforced concrete slab
- 2 user cabins (User Cabins) consisting of a prefabricated containment pit
- 2 delivery cabins (Delivery Cabin GCS) consisting of a prefabricated containment pit
The electrical connections between the aforementioned elements are ensured through underground cable ducts.
Meanwhile, the safety of the plant is ensured through fencing and an anti-intrusion system.
The project, currently in the final testing phase, is highly innovative precisely due to the use of a BESS system.
BESS offer several advantages, such as greater efficiency, flexibility, faster response times, and lower costs compared to other energy storage systems, making them the best allies in achieving sustainability and resilience goals for the energy system.
Project Phases Managed by VINCI Energies Building Solutions Italia:
- Coordination of civil works (construction of embankments, plinths, and slabs for the installation of cabins, transformers, inverters, and containers)
- Structural studies and testing on civil engineering structures
- Construction of cable ducts for the installation of interconnection cables between various system elements
- Installation of containers, transformers, inverters, and busbars connecting transformers to inverters
- Installation and connection of all DC and AC linking cables
- Electrical verification of installed cables
- Assistance in commissioning
In conclusion, battery-based energy storage systems (BESS) are a key component for energy efficiency and intelligent electricity management.