A new battery energy storage system (BESS) engineered to be part of a flexible and scalable architecture, has recently been announced by Schneider Electric.

The energy management and automation company says that BESS is the foundation for an integrated microgrid solution that is driven by its controls, optimisation, electrical distribution, and digital and field services.

As an integral part of a microgrid system, BESS captures energy from different sources, accumulates this energy, and stores it in rechargeable batteries for later use. Battery energy storage is said to be the only distributed energy resource (DER) that enables a range of customer energy-use cases, including resiliency, demand-charge reduction, services, renewable self-consumption, decarbonisation of electrical energy, and variable generation smoothing.

“Our aim is to deliver this cornerstone technology to the market that enables multiple use cases for resilience, sustainability and energy cost savings. We are providing greater demand-side flexibility at scale to the microgrid sector by enabling our local expert partners to deliver a safe and compatible system," said Schneider Electric senior VP: microgrids Bala Vinayagam.

Comprising battery modules, battery racks, a battery management system, power conversion unit, and controller, Schneider Electric says its BESS has been tested and validated to work as an integral component with its microgrid systems. It is also fully integrated into the software suite, which includes EcoStruxure Microgrid Operation, and EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor. With defined commercial references and options, selections including configuration, and advanced safety controls, BESS is said to minimise energy costs and deliver the following features:

• Full integration capabilities: The all-in-one enclosure incorporates pre-integrated components streamlining site engineering, construction and installation processes while minimising labour and material expenses. The paralleling capability enables multiple BESS units to function as a unified entity. The integration encompasses inverters, batteries, cooling systems, transformers, safety features, and controls, aimed at optimising performance and efficiency. 
• Easy installation and maintenance: The ready-to-deploy system features tested, validated and documented architecture, or TVDA, and facilitates installation processes designed to deliver efficiency compared to traditional custom-engineered designs. The solution also integrates with Schneider Electric’s Energy Management Systems (EMS), reducing integration time and minimising field errors. 
• Safety compliant: The solution is fully certified and compliant using ANSI/UL standards for deployment across multiple geographies and incorporates a safety system design.
• Resilience: The system offers bidirectional connectivity to the grid, enabling grid-connected or offgrid operation. With the capacity to store energy for immediate access during outages, BESS can deliver up to 2 MW of power when needed.
• Service and support: Available throughout the lifecycle of the project.

The BESS is available as a 20-foot NEMA 3R enclosure that is AC coupled and available from 250 kW to 2 MW in 2h and 4h configurations.