Protection for a grid-scale battery energy storage system

DEHN’s proven solutions for grid-scale battery storage systems

Your grid-scale battery storage systems (BESS) are the backbone of modern electrical grids. These systems, often referred to as grid-scale BESS, are designed with a high energy storage capacity to manage excess energy, which can then be dispatched back into the grid as needed.

Typically installed at centralized energy facilities, they help manage the balance between energy supply and demand, especially during periods of high demand or low renewable energy production. But while they’re managing and protecting the country’s consistent and reliable supply of power, what’s protecting your grid-scale BESS?

If you don’t have a clear answer, then your critical grid-scale energy storage technology is in danger of significant damage, power outages, or complete system-wide shutdowns as a result of transient voltage. While these electrical threats are ever-present on a daily basis, there is no need to panic – DEHN has the solutions you need to proactively protect grid-scale BESS so you can have peace of mind that they’ll survive common, powerful electrical events of any kind.

Request a risk assessment from DEHN today.

Understanding transient voltage risks

By integrating grid-scale battery storage systems, your utility or energy provider business can smooth out the fluctuations in power supply that come from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This capability is vital for ensuring that the grid remains stable and capable of meeting demand at all times.

But did you know that these systems could be compromised in the blink of an eye due to transient voltage? Despite their robust design and capacity, grid-scale battery storage systems are vulnerable to a range of these electrical threats, including both internal and external transients.

Internal transient voltage

Internal voltage spikes originating from the natural electrical noise produced by your internal systems make up roughly 80% of all transient voltage events. Internal voltage peaks are the result of switching operations and other overvoltage incidents that occur within your systems and facilities.

Although they’re often brief, these voltage spikes can have devastating effects on a grid-scale BESS reliability and performance.

External transient voltage

External events, such as lightning strikes or disturbances from the power grid and other connected systems, can induce high-energy surges that disrupt the normal operation of a grid-scale battery storage system. Even though only about 20% of transient voltage originates from external sources, the impact of such surges can be severe, potentially leading to fires or total system failures.

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.

Request an assessment today.

101000 

Air-termination rod

Air-termination rod chamfered on both sides, for protecting roof-mounted structures, chimneys etc., can be fixed in a concrete base (8.5 kg) with fixing wedge or by means of rod holders / spacers.

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HVI Conductor

High-voltage-resistance insulated HVI down conductors for maintaining the separation distance from conductive parts.

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952100 

DEHNguard S ACI

Single-pole DEHNguard S ACI surge arrester type 2 according to EN 61643-11 with integrated ACI switch / spark gap combination consisting of a base part and plug-in protection modules.

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952567 

DEHNguard SE DC

Single-pole DEHNguard SE DC surge arrester (type 2 according to EN 61643-11) consisting of a base part and plug-in protection module.

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952567 

DEHNguard YPV 1500 FM

Multipole DEHNguard M YPV SCI type 2 surge arrester according to EN 61643-31 consisting of a base part and plug-in protection modules.

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900076 

DEHNcombo YPV FM

Multipole type 1 and type 2 combined lightning current and surge arrester for DEHNcombo YPV photovoltaic generator circuits of type 1 and type 2, according to EN 61643-31 with three-step DC switching device.

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927290 

BLITZDUCTORconnect MVG

Space-saving, modular surge arrester with a width of 6 mm and push-in connection technology with status indication for protecting 2 lines of stranded unearthed signal interfaces with a nominal voltage of 230 V AC.

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927244 

BLITZDUCTORconnect modular

Space-saving, modular combined arrester with a width of 6 mm and push-in connection technology with status indication for protecting one pair of unearthed balanced interfaces.

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929039 

DEHNgate

Surge arrester with SMA connection and integrated spark gap. Remote supply possible.

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Earthing / Equipotential Bonding

Products for installing an earth-termination system and for establishing equipotential bonding.

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Protect your grid-scale battery storage system with DEHN

DEHN stands at the forefront of transient voltage protection across the globe, offering unmatched expertise and solutions for grid-scale battery energy storage systems. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your systems are shielded from transient voltage threats.

We’ve been in the business for a long time – more than a century! So, we’re confident that we can find a way to safeguard even your most complicated systems. Reach out to us now to discover how our solutions can enhance the safety and efficiency of your grid-scale storage system.

Request your risk assessment