Battery energy storage systems are a crucial solution in the quest for energy transformation and sustainable development. A BESS stores excess energy generated by renewable solar and wind sources to achieve peak shaving, load shifting and smart energy management. A turn-key energy storage system provider in the United States leveraged Advantech solutions to integrate IoT technologies into a BESS, to optimise efficiency and achieve balanced energy utilisation.
Requirements of the project
A BESS consists of several critical components that enable efficient energy management and storage. These include a battery management system (BMS), a power conversion system (PCS), an energy management system (EMS) and an environmental control system (ECS). In this case, sustainable IoT solutions were required to prevent battery unit damage and optimise BESS performance, as well as deliver stable operating conditions by monitoring and controlling the ECS.
The project implementation
The products used in the solution include:
- ADAM-6717 Linux I/O gateway with Node-RED
- EKI-2525 unmanaged Ethernet switch
- ECU-150 NXP i.MX 8M high performance IoT gateway
- UNO-2271G V2 pocket-size fanless edge computer
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a crucial role in the ECS as it determines temperature control, humidity regulation, ventilation and alarms for a BESS. To effectively control a HVAC system in a BESS, there are certain system requirements. These include the utilisation of I/O signals, such as analog inputs for temperature data acquisition of the batteries, and digital outputs for alarm detection and HVAC control.
The ADAM-6717 I/O gateway serves as the HVAC controller for each battery rack, effectively managing the HVAC system’s operation. This gateway incorporates I/O modules and basic computing functions to handle I/O control processes and alarm/event handling.
To facilitate seamless communication between devices, the integration of an EKI-2525 unmanaged Ethernet switch is crucial. This Ethernet switch acts as a central hub, connecting Ethernet devices within the BESS infrastructure, enabling effective coordination, data exchange and control between the various components of the BESS system.
Within each battery energy storage container (containing several battery racks), the ECU-150 high performance edge gateway plays a crucial role in managing devices, including the ADAM-6717, and transmitting information to the UNO-2271 edge computers. Equipped with high-performance NXP i.MX 8M processors and serial ports, the ECU-150 edge gateways facilitate data collection and device management within the battery energy storage container, ensuring seamless communication and control.
UNO-2271G V2 edge computers are well known for their fanless design and industrial-grade reliability. They provide robust management capabilities for the energy management system (EMS) of a BESS. These computers run EMS that monitor the equipment status of each battery energy storage system, enabling real-time monitoring, fault detection, and system optimisation.
Connected IoT infrastructure for maximum efficiency
Building a connected IoT infrastructure is pivotal in achieving maximum BESS efficiency. By incorporating I/O gateways, edge protocol gateways, edge computers and a robust network infrastructure, a BESS can be optimised to its fullest potential. This integration of IoT technologies ensures seamless communication and real-time monitoring and control of the BESS.
As the energy industry strives towards a greener future, Advantech IoT solutions for BESS provide a perfect strategic solution for front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter customers. Advantech solutions can help build different types of BESS applications, from grid-scale to commercial buildings and homes.
ESIS is the leading supplier of outstanding industrial electronic equipment in the Australian market since 1971. Check out our exclusive range of Fanless PCs, Industrial PCs (IPC solutions), Rugged Notebooks, HMIs, Panel PCs and other electronic components. Our products are certified and made with high-quality custom materials for accurate results. Contact us for a detailed product catalogue or to share your queries.
Article courtesy of Advantech.
I have developed a revolutionary electrical energy storage unit that is capable of receiving electricity for storage and then redistributing it back into the grid at a predetermined time. The system uses existing environmental footprints, solves environmental issues, and is environmentally safe from fires or explosions. It solves major concerns for governments in North America as well as issues and liabilities for oil and gas companies. The technology enhances the storage capabilities of Solar, and Wind generated energy, making these energy generators very attractive and profitable. It has great potential to meet the high-power requirements of large commercial and AI projects. The system is simple but very unique, and all components are readily available. I am very interested in having future discussions with you and providing you with the technology.
This