Commercial properties like industries and businesses need significant amounts of electricity to operate, especially those that run 24/7. Commercial energy storage solutions are a great way for commercial areas to reduce their dependence on the power grid and save money on hefty electricity bills. Let’s get to know about the components, benefits, and other vital details of commercial & industrial energy storage systems.
What Is Commercial Energy Storage
What is commercial energy storage? A commercial energy storage system is a large-scale device that can store electricity produced from renewable sources like solar, wind power, etc. Industries and businesses can use this stored energy when it is required, such as during outages or peak demand periods. Commercial energy storage systems can also be used to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve grid stability.
How does a commercial battery storage system work? The industrial energy storage system utilizes batteries in order to store excess energy. The batteries will be charged when the renewable energy source produces extra electricity than the grid can utilize. The batteries will then discharge the stored energy when the grid requires more electricity.
Solar-powered commercial energy storage systems have solar panels with batteries in order to store energy generated from sunlight. This way, commercial centers can use solar energy to power their businesses even when there is no sunlight.
In the C&I energy storage, advanced battery systems are used for storing excess energy that can be used by commercial and industrial businesses. Commercial solar battery storage systems decrease reliance on fossil fuels, improve grid reliability and stability, boost the usage of renewable energy sources, save electricity bills, and many more.
Main Components of a Commercial & Industrial Energy Storage System
In an energy storage cabinet, the major components are a battery pack, battery cell, battery management system, switch module, thermal management system, and fire safety system. The commercial energy storage system is composed of an energy storage cabinet, solar panels, and inverters.
Let’s get to know the working principle and benefits of the components of commercial energy storage systems.
Battery Cell
The battery cell is an essential unit of a commercial and industrial energy storage system. It stores and releases electrical energy through chemical reactions. The primary components of a battery cell are an electrolyte, a positive electrode, and a negative electrode.
During charging, the electrons will flow to the anode from the cathode and store excess energy in the chemical bonds. While discharging, electrons will move to the cathode from the anode and discharge the stored energy. BLJ Solar’s lead-acid batteries have a cycle life of over 500 times. This is because our batteries have a well-designed structure along with proven electrolytes and reasonable positive and negative plates.
Battery Pack
A battery pack is a group of individual battery cells that are attached in series and parallel to get the required voltage and capacity. The battery pack manages the charge and discharge of the individual cells. In addition to that, it makes sure that the energy storage system is running safely and efficiently.
At BLJ Solar, we have experienced professionals who can handle battery electrolytes design, battery pack design, structure design, battery manufacturing process, and even laser welding of battery packs and assembly. We also have advanced inspection equipment to ensure high quality and reliable production of solar batteries.
Switch Module
The switch module is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity between the battery pack and the inverter. It consists of a series of switches that can be opened and closed electronically. The switch module is also responsible for protecting the battery pack from overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits.
BLJ’s switch modules are highly efficient, reliable, and safe. Our products are easy to install and have clear buttons such as the power button, PCS negative connector, auxiliary power supply connector, debug connector, and many more.
Battery Management System
Battery Management System (BMS) is a crucial component of the C&I ESS. It monitors, controls, and optimizes the performance of the battery pack. It collects real-time data from individual battery cells, like current, temperature, voltage, etc. BMS keeps the battery pack safe from overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent, and short circuits.
It ensures the battery pack operates at its peak efficiency and lifespan. This system will detect potential battery issues in the early stages so that they can be solved quickly. At BLJ Solar, our experts have the expertise to develop customized BMS that ensures better safety, reliability, longer lifespan, and high performance.
Fire Safety System
The fire safety system prevents and reduces fire hazards associated with commercial solar battery storage systems. This system contains sensors, detection mechanisms, and extinguishing devices that work together in order to detect, subdue, and control fire incidents.
BLJ Solar’s commercial battery storage systems have multi-level fire protection that can quickly identify the presence of smoke and abnormal temperature rise. Our fire safety system complies with global safety standards and regulations.
Thermal Management System
The thermal management system makes sure that the industrial battery energy storage system is within a safe operating temperature range. It prevents overheating and increases the battery pack’s lifespan. It uses a specific cooling mechanism, like liquid or air cooling, in order to disperse heat that is produced during charging and discharging cycles.
BLJ Solar’s thermal energy system demonstrates exceptional performance under liquid cooling, providing effective temperature control and cell temperature uniformity. It supports high power rates and enables long-duration cycling with a demonstrated 0.5P 2 cycle under liquid cooling.
Benefits of Solar Energy Storage Systems for Commercial & Industrial Applications
For commercial businesses, industrial energy storage solutions offer great benefits. The primary advantages are listed below:
Less Carbon Emissions
Solar energy is a renewable source of energy and does not produce any carbon emissions during operation. By using industrial energy storage to replace traditional grid electricity, industries can decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable environment. By decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, commercial energy storage systems contribute to clean air quality and reduce the emission of toxic pollutants.
Better Energy Independence
Commercial and industrial energy storage systems help commercial centers become energy-independent. This way, businesses would be less vulnerable to price fluctuations and grid disruptions. Even in case of long power outages or other emergencies, industrial energy storage systems can be used to power their businesses.
Improved Grid Stability
The energy storage systems offer on-site power generation and storage and stabilize the electrical grid. This will decrease the pressure on transmission lines and contribute to a more resilient power system for commercial businesses.
Constant Power Supply
Having a consistent supply of power is vital for business, which is possible by installing commercial solar battery storage solutions. The C&I energy storage systems are capable of leveling out instabilities in energy demand. In addition, these systems ensure a consistent supply of power to the businesses.
Better Cost Savings
Commercial and industrial businesses that have solar energy storage systems are likely to have better property values. This is because commercial scale energy storage systems can lead to energy independence, constant power supply, grid stability, long-term cost savings, sustainability, and many more.
Emergency Backup Power
Businesses can make use of commercial battery storage systems as a backup power source. In case of power cuts, natural disasters, or any other emergencies, these battery storage systems ensure business continuity and reduce downtime. This is relatively vital for industries that need uninterrupted power supply.
Lower Electricity Expenses
The excess solar energy that is stored by commercial solar battery storage systems during peak production hours can be used by commercial centers during peak demand periods. This way, businesses can decrease their dependence on costly grid electricity. As a result, commercial industries and companies can save a hefty amount of money on power bills.
Encourage Sustainability
By installing commercial solar battery storage systems, businesses can use solar energy, which is a renewable energy source, and promote sustainability. Following sustainable practices attracts environmentally conscious clients and customers. It also improves brand reputation in the marketplace.
Government Incentives
Commercial businesses can take advantage of numerous government incentives by installing commercial solar energy storage systems. It is because governments around the world are acknowledging the benefits of solar energy storage and executing different incentives to motivate people to install solar energy systems. Some of the incentives are rebates, tax credits, grants, etc.
Considerations of Choosing the C&I Energy Storage System
To ensure you are choosing the proper C&I solar energy storage system, make sure to pay attention to the following factors.
Evaluate Energy Needs
Commercial businesses should determine the average daily and peak energy consumption patterns. This way, it will be easy to know the approximate storage capacity required to meet the energy demands of the businesses. It is also better to consider future energy needs in case of expansion.
Size And Capacity
Considering the size and capacity of the energy storage system is vital as it helps businesses know whether the system can meet their energy needs. For this, commercial industries should evaluate their energy consumption patterns, peak demand duration, and backup power requirements.
Commercial solar battery storage systems are accessible in various sizes and capacities. In addition to that, companies can scale their battery systems in order to meet the growing energy needs.
Type Of Battery
There are different types of commercial battery backup systems, such as pumped hydro, hydrogen fuel cells, thermal storage technology, mechanical batteries, and chemical batteries. All these battery technologies have their pros and cons.
Pumped hydro storage technology stores energy by pumping water uphill and discharging it downhill via turbines to produce electricity. They have a long lifespan, large-scale storage capacity, and are highly efficient. However, they need hefty upfront investment and proper geo-location that has abundant water resources.
Hydrogen fuel cells utilize fuel cells to transform hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity and store it for later use. These are environmentally friendly and have a long lifespan and better energy density. These battery systems are costly and need a consistent hydrogen supply.
As for thermal storage batteries, they store energy in the form of heat. These batteries are ideal for long-duration energy storage and are affordable. However, they have less energy density than other commercial energy batteries and need insulated tanks or vessels.
Excess energy is stored utilizing mechanical components in mechanical batteries like compressed air, flywheels, etc. These batteries are known for their high efficiency, low maintenance, and longer lifespan. The cons of these batteries are high upfront expenses, less energy density, etc.
In chemical batteries, the energy is stored via chemical reactions between electrolytes and electrodes. These commercial batteries are relatively portable and have high energy density. However, they pose potential safety concerns.
Integration
It is vital to make sure that the chosen energy storage system is compatible with the existing electrical infrastructure so that it can be integrated without causing any disturbance to business operations. The battery storage system should be compatible with the power quality needs, voltage levels, communication protocols, etc. The majority of commercial solar battery storage can seamlessly integrate with existing solar PV systems.
Safety And Reliability
Another factor to take into account is the safety and reliability of the solar battery storage system. Businesses should make sure that the industrial energy storage systems comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations, including electrical safety, fire safety, environmental safety, etc. It is best to check the lifespan, efficiency, and operating temperature conditions of the battery storage system.
Cost
Businesses should consider the costs that are associated with commercial battery storage systems. Firstly, industries need to purchase high-quality battery storage systems, which can cost between $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on the battery type, capacity, etc.
For the installation of an industrial energy storage system, businesses need to spend about $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Other commercial battery storage costs are parts replacement, maintenance costs, electricity expenses for charging the battery storage system, etc.
BLJ – Commercial & Industrial Solar ESS Supplier in China
BLJ Solar is one of the best suppliers of commercial & industrial energy storage systems based in China. With over 11 years of experience in the solar energy system industry, we manufacture a wide range of products, such as solar batteries, household energy storage solutions, industrial energy storage solutions, portable power stations, etc.
At BLJ Solar, our experts develop high-end pack design, battery management technology, inverting technology, etc. Using advanced inspection equipment, we conduct numerous tests throughout the production process, such as battery tests, safety tests, reliability tests, environmental adaptability tests, BMS tests, and overall performance tests.
We ensure high-quality energy storage solutions as we follow global standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001. BLJ Solar offers a one-year warranty on industrial energy storage solutions. In addition to that, we provide online troubleshooting support and timely replacement of defective parts.
BLJ Solar has an advanced, smart manufacturing unit and a 25,000㎡ factory with 20+ active production lines. We have more than 40+ professionals who develop custom industrial energy storage solutions that suit your business requirements. Our 173KWh C&I ESS with Air Cooling is the best industrial energy storage system that is suitable for industrial and commercial energy applications. The best features include:
- C5 anti-corrosion design and IP65 protection for long-lasting performance.
- Low LCOE within the 20-year life cycle
- Provides 5-10% reduction in lifecycle cost per kWh.
- Extends battery lifespan by 30% with core temperature difference not exceeding 7°.
- Enables 0 parallel loss and 20%+ battery capacity expansion.
- Offers energy storage cabinet fire protection, battery pack fire protection, and advanced temperature detection
- Reliable battery pack design and quick cell health alerts
- 1.5 hours of fire resistance, explosion-proof, and isolation
- Comes with reserved space for water firefighting connections
- Offers guaranteed safety and reliability with advanced safety features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right commercial solar battery storage system will greatly benefit industries and commercial businesses. Industrial energy storage systems can supply constant power, reduce their carbon footprint, improve grid independence, enhance grid stability, and ensure long-term cost savings to businesses.
To reduce the usage of traditional, non-renewable energy resources and lead a sustainable future, it is best for industries to install a commercial energy storage system. Contact BLJ Solar to order reliable commercial battery energy storage systems for your business at a low cost.