Context
NTPC Ltd terminated a ₹413.37 crore contract awarded to GR Infraprojects Ltd (GRIL) for a 400-MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Mouda Super Thermal Power Station, Maharashtra.
About Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- It stores electricity in rechargeable batteries and releases it when needed.
- It can store electricity from the grid, solar, wind and other sources for later use.
- Major components include:
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- Battery cells/modules: Store energy.
- Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors voltage, temperature and state of charge for safe operation.
- Power Conversion System (PCS): Converts DC to AC during discharge and AC to DC during charging.
- Thermal management: Maintains safe operating temperature.
- Control system: Manages charging and discharging based on grid conditions and schedules.
- Enclosure: Protects and houses the system.
Applications and Significance
- Renewable Energy Integration: Stores surplus solar and wind power for use when generation falls.
- Peak Shaving & Load Shifting: Stores electricity during low-demand periods and supplies it during peak demand, reducing grid load.
- Grid Reliability: Provides backup during outages and helps manage supply fluctuations.
- Energy Management: Enables electricity to be stored when supply is high or prices are low and used later.
- Applications: Used by utilities, industries, commercial facilities, microgrids and renewable-energy projects.
Key Technical Terms:
- Energy Capacity (kWh/MWh): Indicates the amount of electricity the battery can store.
- Power Rating (kW/MW): Indicates the rate at which electricity can be delivered or absorbed.
- Thus, a battery’s energy capacity determines how much electricity it can store, while its power rating determines how quickly it can charge or discharge.
FAQs
Q1. What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
Ans: BESS stores electricity in rechargeable batteries and supplies it when required. It helps balance electricity supply and demand.
Q2. What is the role of a Battery Management System (BMS)?
Ans: BMS monitors voltage, temperature and state of charge to ensure safe and efficient battery operation.
Q3. What is peak shaving?
Ans: Peak shaving means using stored electricity during periods of high demand to reduce the amount of power drawn from the grid.
