Reduce electricity bills and take BCP measures with BESS and energy management systems! Thorough explanation of implementation merits, issues, and subsidies

Electricity prices continue to rise, intensifying natural disasters, and the trend of decarbonization that accelerates across the entire supply chain. The energy environment surrounding corporate management is now at a major turning point. Under these circumstances,A trump card that balances “defense” and “attack” managementWhat is attracting attention is BESS (power storage system)withEMS (Energy Management System). However, I think there are many people who feel that “I listen to words, but I don't know what specific things can be done or what advantages the company has.” In this article, I will explain the information necessary for considering implementation comprehensively and in an easy-to-understand manner, from the basics of BESS and EMS, to the specific advantages of implementation, issues to be known in advance, and subsidy systems to be used wisely.

Why are BESS and energy management systems an essential management theme now?

There are three major environmental changes that cannot be avoided in the background of BESS and EMS becoming “essential subjects” for all companies due to the efforts of some advanced companies.

Continued soaring electricity prices and unstable energy supply and demand

Electricity prices are soaring to unprecedented levels due to changes in the international situation and rising fossil fuel prices. In particular, for factories and commercial facilities that consume a lot of electricity, electricity costs are a serious cost factor that puts pressure on management. This trend is expected to continue in the future,The viewpoint of not only “buying” electricity, but also “controlling” it yourselfhas become essential.

Requests for “decarbonization” required throughout the supply chain

Global companies such as Apple and Google require their business partners to use renewable energy, and the decarbonization movement cannot be completed by itself. In an age where reduction of CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain is required, **the introduction of renewable energy and a system for effectively utilizing it (BESS/EMS) ** are important factors for continuing transactions and maintaining corporate competitiveness.

Intensifying natural disasters and the importance of business continuity plans (BCP)

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and torrential rains, are increasing in intensity year by year. In the event of a large-scale power outage due to a disaster, business shutdown is inevitable. In order to protect critical equipment and data and fulfill supply responsibilities to customers,Securing power to continue business even in an emergency, that is, strengthening BCP (Business Continuity Plan)It has become an important management issue that affects the reliability of companies.

The basics of BESS and energy management systems that I can't hear anymore

So what exactly are BESS and EMS, which are the keys to solving these management issues? I will explain the basics in an easy-to-understand manner.

What is BESS (storage battery)? How to “save” and “use electricity wisely”

BESS (BESS)Battery energy storage systemIt is an abbreviation of, and is translated as “electricity storage system” in Japanese. As the name suggests, it is a system that can temporarily “store” the electricity produced or the electricity purchased from an electric power company and “supply” it when needed. It mainly consists of the following elements:

• Battery body: The battery part that stores electrical energy as chemical energy. Lithium-ion batteries are the mainstream.
• Power Conditioners (PCS): A device that converts DC electricity and alternating current electricity into each other. We will prepare electricity from solar power generation and storage batteries in a form that can be used in facilities.
• Battery Management Systems (BMS): It monitors battery status (temperature, voltage, etc.) and safely controls charging and discharging.

What is an Energy Management System (EMS)? FEMS in factories, BEMS in buildings

What is EMSEnergy management systemsIt is an abbreviation of. By measuring and visualizing energy usage within the facility with sensors, etc., and optimally controlling equipment such as air conditioning and lighting, it plays the role of a “control tower” ** that eliminates energy waste and promotes efficient use. Depending on the target facility, they are called as follows.

• FEMS (FEMS): For factories (Factory EMS)
• BEMS (Bems): For buildings and commercial facilities (Building EMS)
• HEMS (hems): For home use (Home EMS)

Optimal control realized through collaboration - a future where AI holds the key

By linking BESS and EMS, the true value is demonstrated. For example, EMS uses AI to predict the next day's weather and the facility's electricity demand. Based on that prediction, “charge cheap electricity at night to BESS and use it during the daytime when demand for electricity peaks” and “if the next day is fine, refrain from charging and make maximum use of solar-generated electricity.”Automatically execute smart charge and discharge plansI will do it. This collaboration is the key to optimizing energy use.

[By application] 3 main advantages obtained by implementation

The introduction of BESS and EMS brings concrete and significant benefits to enterprises. Here, let's take a look at three typical benefits.

Advantage 1: Significant reduction in soaring electricity costs (peak cut/peak shift)

As for electricity charges for businesses, the basic charge is often determined by the 30 minutes (maximum demand) that uses the most electricity in a year. Utilizing BESS, the time period when factory machines operate all at once, etc.By discharging from storage batteries during peak periods when electricity usage is outstanding, maximum demand is suppressed, and basic electricity charges are drastically reducedYou can do it (peak cut). Also, charge it at night when the unit price of electricity is low and use it during the daytime when the unit price is high (peak shift), further cost reduction is possible.

Advantage 2: Does not stop business even in the event of a disaster or power outage (enhanced BCP and resilience)

In the event of a power outage, the BESS acts as an emergency power source. It supplies power to equipment essential for business continuity, such as production lines, servers, and minimal lighting and air conditioning,Minimize losses due to business suspension. When combined with solar power generation, electricity generated during the day can be stored and used even when power outages are prolonged, dramatically increasing corporate resilience (resilience).

Advantage 3: Achieve decarbonized management and improve corporate value (effective use of renewable energy)

Renewable energy, such as solar power, is an unstable power source where the amount of power generated fluctuates depending on the weather. If BESS is introduced,Store surplus electricity generated during the day and use it at night or during bad weatherYou can do it. As a result, the self-consumption rate of renewable energy has been improved, and CO2 emissions have been reduced. As a company that promotes environmental management, it enhances evaluations from investors, customers, and local communities, leading to an increase in corporate value.

Issues and countermeasures to keep in mind before implementation

While there are many advantages, there are also several issues when considering implementation. Understanding and considering countermeasures ahead of time is key to success.

Challenge 1: “Real” implementation costs and cost effectiveness

BESS is by no means an inexpensive facility, and a reasonable initial investment is required for implementation. The important thing isSimulate the return on cost (ROI) of “in how many years it will be possible to recoup the investment” in advanceThat's it. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the amount of reduction in electricity charges, utilization of subsidies, loss avoidance due to BCP measures, etc., and formulate an optimal investment plan for the company.

Issue 2: Securing safety and installation space

Mainstream lithium-ion batteries do not have zero risk of ignition if they are not properly managed. Therefore, it is an absolute requirement to comply with relevant laws and regulations such as the Fire Service Act and select highly safe products from reliable manufacturers. Also, for installing BESS units and power conditionersSecure sufficient space and carry-in routesIt is also necessary to check in advance.

Issue 3: System aging and maintenance

Similar to smartphones, the performance of storage batteries gradually deteriorates as they are repeatedly charged and discharged. Many manufacturers have a guarantee of 10 years or more, but in order to use it stably over the long term,Regular maintenance is essentialThat's it. Be sure to check with the vendor beforehand about maintenance systems and costs after implementation.

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How to choose the right system for your company in 3 steps

In order to select the best BESS and EMS for your company from among a number of products, it is effective to proceed with the study in the following 3 steps.

Step 1: Clarify implementation objectives and challenges

First, let's clarify “what are you introducing it for.” “I want to give top priority to reducing electricity bills,” “BCP measures are the primary purpose,” “I want to appeal decarbonization,” etc.The specifications and scale of the optimal system vary greatly depending on the purpose.

Step 2: Consider the right storage capacity and functionality

Next, we will examine the capacity (kWh) and output (kW) of the battery required to achieve the objective. Analyze the facility's electricity usage data (30 minute demand value, etc.)Appropriate size with no excess or shortageI will select it. At the same time, the functions required for EMS (demand forecasting using AI, remote monitoring, etc.) will also be specified.

Step 3: Select reliable manufacturers and vendors

In addition to product performance and safety, implementation results and long-term support systems are important selection criteria. We received proposals from multiple manufacturers and vendors,Partners who make proposals that are most in line with the company's challengesLet's find out. It's a good idea to check if you can also request cost effectiveness simulations and support for subsidy applications.

[Case Study] BESS and EMS are being used like this

Finally, let's take a look at specific examples of how BESS and EMS are being used in actual fields.

Case 1: [Factory] Double reduction of CO2 emissions and electricity costs through cooperation with solar power generation

At a manufacturing plant, a solar power generation system installed on the roof and BESS are linked via EMS. By storing electricity generated during the day in BESS and using it on nighttime production lines, the amount of electricity purchased from electric power companies is drastically reduced.Reduce both CO2 emissions and electricity costsFurthermore, environmental contributions and profit improvements were realized simultaneously.

Case 2: [Data Center] Balancing BCP countermeasures and contributing to system stabilization

In data centers where uninterrupted operation is required 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, BESS is utilized as a high-capacity UPS (uninterruptible power supply). Ensure backup power in the event of a power outage,Ensure business continuityI'm doing it. Furthermore, when demand for electricity is tight, electricity is discharged (demand response) from BESS to the power grid,Contributes to stabilizing power systemsFurthermore, new revenue streams have also been secured.

BESS and energy management systems are strategic investments in the future

The introduction of BESS and energy management systems is no longer simply a way to save energy or reduce costs. It is a “strategic investment” to overcome times of high uncertainty and grow sustainably.

In addition to solving immediate issues such as reducing electricity bills and strengthening BCP, it also has the potential to increase corporate value by responding to the long-term management theme of decarbonization.

Why don't you consider introducing BESS and EMS in earnest in order to review your company's energy issues and take a step into the future?

[Source link]

• Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Agency for Natural Resources and Energy: Various policies and information on storage batteries
• Each BESS manufacturer (Nidec, Moxa, etc.): Product Information, Technical Explanations, and Case Studies

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