As India ramps up its renewable energy capacity, energy storage systems are playing a critical role in stabilizing the grid. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can store surplus solar power during the day and discharge it as per demand, providing a steady supply of clean energy. However, these systems require careful maintenance for efficient operations over their 10-15 year lifetime.
In this blog, we share 7 handy tips to maintain your battery energy storage systems and get the most out of your investments.
Tip 1: Monitor Performance Parameters Daily
One of the key aspects of proper BESS maintenance is regularly monitoring critical performance parameters like state of charge, voltages, temperatures, warning alarms, etc. Modern BESS has integrated control and monitoring systems that record these in real-time.
Plant operators should review these parameters daily or weekly to spot any deviations from normal and predict potential failures before they occur. Timely checks and preventive actions are key to optimizing system performance and averting major breakdowns.
Tip 2: Maintain Optimal Temperature Range
Battery performance and lifespan are significantly impacted by operating temperatures. High temperatures increase chemical degradation, whereas cold temperatures reduce discharge capabilities.
Maintaining temperatures within the 20-30°C range specified by most manufacturers, through integrated heating/cooling systems and climate-controlled rooms, ensures steady performance over years. Any deviations should be quickly corrected.
Tip 3: Prevent Overcharge/Deep Discharge Cycles
Charging beyond rated capacity and discharging below optimum levels degrade batteries faster. It accelerates aging mechanisms internally, causing permanent damage. Stick to the usage guidelines by deploying battery monitoring to prevent overcharging or deep discharge. Maintaining a partial rather than full charge state also improves longevity.
Tip 4: Regular Cell Balancing & Equalization
Individual cells in a battery tend to drift in performance over time, with weaker ones degrading faster. This can be mitigated by periodic cell balancing or equalization through external electrical circuits.
This ensures all cells operate at optimal and similar voltage levels, preventing premature failure of weaker cells – thereby extending system lifetime.
Tip 5: Keep Sites & Housings Clean
While BESS internals require little physical maintenance, their exteriors and sites should be kept clean. Dust accumulation on racks and moisture ingress can lead to corrosion, insulation breakdowns, and even fires.
Regular cleaning of battery cabinets, air vents, and installation sites maintains safety and integrity. Any leaks or spills must be quickly contained & disposed as per protocols.
Tip 6: Update Firmware Regularly
Like most modern digital equipment, BESS features microprocessor controlled electronics and firmware. Manufacturers keep releasing updates to fix bugs, tighten cybersecurity, and enhance performance.
Enabling auto updates or periodic manual firmware upgrades keeps the BESS compatible with the latest hardware and software, improving responsiveness to grid demands.
Tip 7: Annual Servicing Checks
While BESS can run reliably for months without intervention, annual servicing checks by certified technicians are highly recommended. Thorough inspection of all internal components goes a long way toward detecting damaged parts early.
Replacement of degraded modules, testing, software updates, and compliance checks should also be done preventively to avoid major failures down the line.
Safety Considerations
Battery storage systems, though extremely reliable, also pose some safety hazards due to the presence of heavy direct current (DC) voltages and occasional gas emissions. Plant operators and maintenance staff should be well trained in handling these risks.
Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), like insulated gloves, shoes, and tools, when working on BESS. Switch off and isolate the DC connections before any internal access. Check for hazardous voltage levels using non-contact voltage detectors. Refer to spec sheets and risk assessments before attempting repairs.
Also train personnel on responding to any gas leaks, fires, or thermal runaway incidents through regular drills. Flammable gas detectors, smoke alarms, fire suppression systems, and adequate ventilation need to be provisioned as per safety codes. Ambient gas levels and system temperatures should be monitored at all times.
Any safety incidents must be thoroughly analyzed for root causes and mitigated through design changes or revised standard operating procedures. Safety comes first for sustainable operations.
Future Prospects
With energy demands in India expected to grow at over 6% annually, Battery Energy Storage Systems will likely play an even bigger role going forward. Advancements in lithium-ion batteries and alternate chemicals will expand lifespan, efficiency, power density, and safety – making them economically more attractive.
Grid-scale deployments beyond a short duration Peak Power Management to cover daily cycling, seasonal storage, etc. will assist in balancing the increasing intermittent renewable generation. BESS will be crucial for round-the-clock clean energy availability in tandem with solar capacities touching 280 GW by 2030. Timely adoption of maintenance best practices will be key.
Conclusion
As solar expansions gather pace, high-quality BESS will be crucial for grid stability and reliability from renewable sources. By following the 7 tips around monitoring, maintenance, and servicing discussed, plant owners can optimize lifetime system performance and returns on these investments.
Leverage Waaree’s expertise, right from design simulations to commissioning and maintenance. Visit waareetech.com, and we are ready to deliver world-class EPC solutions tailored to your needs.