As the demand for renewable energy continues to rise, the need for efficient and reliable energy management solutions becomes critical. Elseta’s WCC Lite, combined with CloudIndustries’ monitoring system, offers an innovative approach to battery management in renewable power plants. This integration enables three key battery scenarios that enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of renewable energy systems: Grid Peak Shaving, Self-Consumption, and Cost Minimization.
Grid Peak Shaving
Challenge:
One of the main challenges faced by renewable power plant owners is managing energy demand during peak periods. During these times, the demand for electricity often exceeds the production capacity, leading to potential overloading of the grid or requiring additional power from less sustainable sources.
Solution:
With the integration of WCC Lite and CloudIndustries’ monitoring system, power plants can effectively implement a Grid Peak Shaving strategy. The system continuously monitors the energy production and consumption levels. When the demand begins to exceed the production capacity but remains within the grid’s maximum power limit, the WCC Lite discharges stored energy from the battery to supplement the deficit. This ensures that the plant meets the higher demand without exceeding the grid’s maximum power capacity, thereby preventing overloading and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Outcome:
Grid Peak Shaving optimizes the use of stored energy, reduces the strain on the grid during peak demand periods, and contributes to a more balanced and sustainable energy system.
Self-Consumption
Challenge:
Renewable power plants often produce more energy than is immediately needed, especially during periods of low demand. Without proper storage solutions, this excess energy could be wasted or sold back to the grid at a lower price, reducing the overall profitability of the plant.
Solution:
The WCC Lite, together with CloudIndustries’ monitoring system, enables efficient energy storage through the Self-Consumption scenario. When the plant’s energy production exceeds the current demand, the excess energy is stored in the battery instead of being sold back to the grid at a lower rate. Later, when the demand surpasses the production, the stored energy is used to meet the demand. This approach maximizes the use of generated renewable energy within the plant, reduces dependency on external energy sources, and enhances the plant’s overall efficiency.
Outcome:
The Self-Consumption scenario increases the utilization of generated energy, reduces energy waste, and improves the financial performance of renewable power plants by minimizing the need for external energy purchases.
Cost Minimization
Challenge:
Electricity prices can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, and renewable power plants must navigate these changes to maintain profitability. Charging and discharging batteries without considering electricity prices can lead to negative financial outcomes.
Solution:
Leveraging CloudIndustries’ monitoring capabilities and WCC Lite’s control, the Cost Minimization scenario is designed to optimize battery usage based on electricity price fluctuations. The system monitors electricity prices in real-time and charges the battery when prices are below average. Conversely, the stored energy is sold back to the grid when prices are above average, ensuring that the plant maximizes revenue from its stored energy.
Outcome:
The Cost Minimization scenario allows renewable power plants to strategically charge and discharge their batteries based on market conditions, leading to increased profitability and more effective energy management.
Elseta’s solution with WCC Lite and CloudIndustries’ monitoring system represents a significant advancement in the management of renewable power plants. By enabling Grid Peak Shaving, Self-Consumption, and Cost Minimization, this integrated solution not only optimizes energy usage and enhances grid stability but also maximizes the financial returns from renewable energy production. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the WCC Lite and CloudIndustries’ monitoring system will play a crucial role in driving the future of sustainable energy management.
If you would like to see a demo of a solution with all three solutions implemented in real life you can take a look at our CloudIndustries Demo page: https://demo.cloudindustries.eu/
Contact us at info@elseta.com to optimize your renewable power plant