Powering a new chapter in construction
Tom Adlington, Sector Sales Manager for Building Services and Construction at Aggreko, outlines the various applications of battery energy storage systems on construction sites.
Construction activity has faced continued pressure from rising costs, high interest rates and material and labour shortages, creating a challenging operating environment. Managers must now also contend with stricter scrutiny on carbon emissions and noise levels.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being increasingly adopted on sites, from small-scale set-ups to large HV power demands, providing reliable power, yet their advanced capabilities beyond simple energy storage remain largely untapped.
Taking the load off
One application for BESS on construction sites is peak shaving or load management. Significant electrical load spikes occur during the start-up of power-intensive equipment that are essential in construction such as cranes, concrete pumps and large drills.
Powering energy-intensive equipment is particularly challenging when dealing with a limited on-site power supply.
Battery systems also have numerous benefits when used as part of a hybrid power solution. Generators can be oversized for their application, as they tend to be sized according to maximum power demand. If the base load is much lower, however, the generator will be running inefficiently, causing increased fuel use and emissions.
BESS can support the high inrush current, enabling the generator to be sized according to the base load. This optimises equipment performance and minimises fuel expenditure.
Running generators at low loads for prolonged periods may also damage equipment over time. This is especially critical when running Stage V generators, which need to consistently run at loads over 30%. BESS helps to absorb excess power during low demand periods, ensuring the generators run at their ideal efficiency point.
Powering through the unexpected
Construction projects are sensitive to power disruptions. In certain circumstances, such as sudden grid outages and generator failures, BESS can supply resilience to power systems, providing reassurance and operational continuity when the unexpected hits.
BESS are especially useful in this respect as they ensure fast power delivery for critical loads while generators are brought online. Although not a replacement for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), they can work as an important ‘stop gap’ between the grid and other back-up systems. Specific applications include lifts, safety systems and welfare cabins.
Backing back-up generators
Scheduling power and minimising generator runtime is another place where BESS has a role to play. BESS accommodates reduced loads by powering essential equipment without the need to run the generator continuously, which is only activated when the state of charge (SOC) is low, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Timers can be configured to enable the BESS to operate during designated timeframes, which is beneficial for construction managers operating sites in urban environments.
Jumping the connection queue
A reliable grid connection isn’t always immediately available at the start of a new project. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly likely that site managers will face long delays before gaining an adequate power supply, or in some cases, must operate with a limited grid connection for the duration of the build.
BESS can support in these situations, such as delivering virtual capacity when available power is restricted. When capacity is pushed to the limits and there is congestion on the grid, BESS can absorb excess power when supply exceeds demand and inject power when it falls short. The latter consequently enables the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind.
Cleaner construction
Decentralised energy can empower construction managers to decarbonise by providing cleaner, more efficient and resilient energy solutions tailored to their operational needs. With some opting for decentralised microgrids, BESS can form a critical part through dynamic load management, enhancing their efficiency and reliability.
Integrating BESS into on-site energy mixes alongside other solutions – for example, Stage V generators running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – also offers a clear pathway to energy efficient reduction.
BESS are an evolving technology with enormous potential for construction – both as a standalone technology and when integrated as part of a hybrid solution supporting the construction industry to be far more dynamic, efficient and sustainable.
