Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are rapidly emerging as a dynamic sector in the global energy industry. In the case of medium-to-large BESS installations exceeding 10 MW, these projects can represent millions or even tens of millions of dollars in investment, with a substantial portion allocated to the batteries themselves. However, akin to all rechargeable batteries, large-scale energy storage systems are vulnerable to battery degradation. This degradation results in diminished capacity as charge-discharge cycles progress, ultimately leading to accelerated depreciation of these capital-intensive assets.

Unlike small consumer electronics that can be replaced every few years, the routine replacement of BESS systems is far from cost-effective. In response, BESS owners and suppliers have turned to battery performance warranties, some offering a 10-year, 50 MWh performance guarantee. To meet these warranty obligations, suppliers employ strategies such as oversizing (installing additional batteries in advance) or augmenting (adding new batteries to existing arrays). Leveraging comprehensive data is paramount for effectively implementing these strategies, curbing costs for suppliers, and safeguarding returns for owners.

Data Management: The Cornerstone of Long-Term BESS Operation

Efficiently collecting and analyzing battery performance data is pivotal in supporting warranty contracts for both BESS owners and suppliers. BESS system suppliers typically establish operational guidelines for battery use, delineating precise parameters related to factors like operating temperatures and state of charge (SoC). In cases where a warranty claim arises, owners are required to furnish data as substantiation. The supplier guidelines empower owners to seek compensation or replacements if battery performance falls short, contingent on the validation of data that confirms appropriate charge and discharge controls. Moreover, data plays a pivotal role in enabling BESS system suppliers to assess battery health. Robust data analysis allows for preventive maintenance, which reduces the risks of system failures. Business decisions are also influenced by metrics related to battery state of health (SoH). Battery modules can fall outside of warranty coverage when their SoH dips to 60%-65%. Given the critical role of data in fulfilling contractual obligations, BESS enterprises must ensure that data collection, storage, and transmission are dependable.

Enhancing BESS Data Transmission and Storage

While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to data transmission and preservation, drawing from Moxa’s substantial experience in supporting large-scale BESS owners and suppliers, we recommend two pivotal strategies for effective data storage and transmission:

• Build resiliency into facilities: Large-scale BESS facilities are often situated in remote or coastal areas, potentially exposed to environmental corrosive elements like salt. Apart from selecting equipment with wide operating temperature ranges and high mean time between failures (MTBF), it's critical to opt for devices capable of withstanding field conditions in the deployment area. This may involve deploying anti-electromagnetic interference fiber optics or employing anti-corrosion coatings. These measures are essential to preserving the stability and integrity of transmitted data.

• Incorporate redundancy into systems: In unpredictable remote settings, it's vital to prepare for contingencies like an unstable power supply or unforeseen power outages. Prioritize equipment with multiple power inputs or dual power backup designs. For larger BESS installations, contemplate network redundancy capabilities such as dual network backup (LAN-A/LAN-B network) or a ring network topology with swift disconnection backup. These features ensure the prompt activation of backup networks during network irregularities, minimizing data loss. Tailoring network architectures to the specific data transmission stability requirements of each site strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and averting substantial losses.

As our world increasingly embraces renewable energy, BESS systems that enhance grid stability and optimize energy use take on even greater significance. Proficiency in aggregating, transmitting, and managing data is poised to emerge as a decisive force, empowering governments, investors, and suppliers to drive substantial, long-term investments and expedite the transition to sustainable energy.

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