Protection for a grid-scale battery energy storage system

Scaling up: A close look at the effects of transient voltage damage to grid-scale systems

The high energy capacity of grid-scale energy storage technologies means that they are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of transient voltages. Protecting these systems is not merely a matter of maintaining operational efficiency; it's essential for safeguarding the entire electrical grid from widespread instability and failure.

Here are some common effects your company may experience when transient voltage strikes within your grid-scale BESS:

Operational disruption and system downtime

When a grid-scale battery storage system experiences a transient voltage spike, the immediate consequence is often system disruption. This disruption can lead to partial or complete system shutdowns, which impact the entire grid. This means you’ll lose the ability to manage energy supply and electricity demand effectively, which can lead to further power imbalances and grid instability.

Extended outages not only compromise the reliability of the energy grid but can also lead to significant service interruptions for end users. The ripple effect of these interruptions can result in a loss of customer trust, reputational damage, and potential regulatory penalties for your business.

Financial implications of repairs and maintenance

Research compiled by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that BESS' are an expensive, although worthwhile, investment.

As a result, repairing a grid-scale electricity storage system can be a costly process. It involves not only direct costs but also indirect costs such as labor, logistics, and potential downtime. The need for specialized parts and expertise can further increase expenses. For your operation, this means diverting the budget from other critical projects and potentially facing budget overruns.

Impact on revenue and operational efficiency

During periods of downtime, your grid energy storage systems cannot store or dispatch energy, leading to missed opportunities for peak shaving, energy trading, or demand response programs. This loss of functionality directly affects your revenue streams and operational efficiency. The unplanned nature of these disruptions only expands on the effects as your BESS’ are often used to address issues on an urgent basis.

Long-term consequences and risk management

Beyond the immediate financial and operational implications, repeated transient voltage issues can lead to longer-term operational challenges. Frequent repairs and maintenance can erode a system's overall reliability, reducing its lifespan and potentially necessitating early replacement. This not only incurs additional capital expenditure but also impacts your long-term planning and budgeting, which can inhibit your growth over time.

Transient voltage will happen, but to prevent the risk of negative effects as a result, the infrastructure supporting your grid-scale BESS must be equipped with reliable and effective power quality protection. To start your journey toward proven protection, talk to DEHN.

Our experienced team is here to help with proactive, comprehensive solutions that apply our in-depth understanding of transient voltages and grid-scale systems to a tailored protective concept that works for you.

Contact us to schedule a risk assessment today.

The power of DEHN’s proactive solutions on system stability

At DEHN, we leverage our extensive expertise and industry authority to provide robust protection solutions against transients and other electrical events. Our solutions are meticulously designed to meet the stringent demands of utility-scale battery storage applications, ensuring your systems remain secure and operational in the face of transient voltage threats.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive protection that combats transient voltage and minimizes the risk of resulting damage. Some of our tailored grid-scale system solutions include the following products:

• DEHNguard
• DEHNcombo
• BLITZDUCTORconnect
• DEHNpatch
• DEHNgate
• Grounding systems
• Equipotential bonding systems
• Air-termination rod
• HVI conductor

While our solutions have been carefully crafted over more than 100 years, we don’t settle or stay stagnant. We’ve continuously improved and evolved our products and services to remain a leader in the power quality preservation industry.

Part of what makes us stand out is our dedication to your satisfaction and safety. We take the time to get to know your specific situation and ensure you feel comfortable and informed about the project before moving forward. It all starts with our risk assessment in which we evaluate potential vulnerabilities in your systems and existing protection to determine the best course of action forward.