Figure 1. A high level of power generation and low demand could overload local energy grids and reduce the resilience of the energy systems to sudden changes in frequency, causing blackouts.
a predominantly home-based workforce, this peak has moved to much later in the day. Many may assume that lower demand would be better for the grid, but it is just as important to monitor lower demand as it is to monitor peaks. A high level of power generation and low demand could overload local energy grids and reduce the resilience of the energy systems to sudden changes in frequency, causing blackouts. As a result, stabilising the grid is more vital than ever.
Balancing supply and demand Battery storage is an integral part of stabilising supply. Batteries are able to store additional generation during lower
demand and release at peak times. They are extremely flexible, providing fast-acting supply and demand balance to the network, which is critical to maintaining consistent frequency for grid stability. Batteries can be connected directly to the National Grid and automatically charged or discharged in response to frequency variations, helping the grid to maintain control. With such drastic changes to peak demand times and consumption dropping below baseload, it is important for the grid to rely on agile technology such as batteries to avoid any dips in voltage and subsequent blackouts. With the cost of energy storage batteries being driven down, it is becoming increasingly more realistic for industries to utilise them. This adoption not only helps balance the supply and demand of the grid but helps businesses become more self-sufficient and manage their own supply with additional monetary benefits. Batteries open up the door to demand side response (DSR), so businesses can also receive payments from the National Grid for participating and helping to stabilise the grid. That is not all; batteries have the potential to save businesses thousands each year on their utility bills.
Smart building deployment
Figure 2. The Bright Building, Manchester Science Park, UK.
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Energy consumption in commercial buildings accounts for a huge proportion of the UK’s total consumption. The Bright Building ran by Manchester Science Partnerships is a perfect example of how battery storage provides greater energy control to improve efficiency and a consistent supply of generation. The 70 000 ft2 office hosts tech incubators
