As the world transitions toward a more sustainable future and the availability of fossil fuels continues to decline, the demand for green energy solutions is rapidly increasing. This shift has led to a significant rise in rooftop and garden-generated solar energy. While the adoption of such renewable energy sources is a positive step, it has also introduced a pressing challenge: the overloading of the electrical grid due to the substantial impact of solar energy being fed back into the system, as well as the inability to effectively utilize all the excess energy generated.
Project decription
As part of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, extensive research was conducted into various battery technologies, energy consumption patterns, and solar energy generation. These insights informed the design and optimization of the proposed energy storage system.
To validate the concept and explore various scenarios and configurations, a simulation model was developed using block diagrams and flowcharts. Additionally, a financial study was conducted to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of the system.
Project results
To address this issue, a battery energy storage system has been developed to store and redistribute energy more efficiently. The system consists of four primary components:
- Rooftop or garden mounted solar panels.
- A small-scale Primary LifePo4 battery capable of storing energy generated by a small street of houses for up to three days.
- A larger, district-scale Secondary VRF battery designed to store energy for a small neighbourhood for up to 30 days.
- Control system that manages flow and distribution of generated, stored and consumed energy
In conclusion, the hybrid BESS represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions. It demonstrates the potential to reduce grid stress and promote efficient energy use in residential settings, marking an important step forward in the transition to renewable energy. This work lays a strong foundation for further development and implementation in the real world.
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Acknowledgements
The student project team (Filipina, Chelsea, Nick, Jens and Mathijs) would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout this journey. Special thanks go to our Fontys mentors: Ir. W. van Groningen and Ir. H. Benten. We also thank BatteryNL for providing the context for this interesting project.