Energy storage systems deliver economic, green solutions

THE cost of fuel in South Africa has skyrocketed on the back of the global energy crisis. In addition to transportation, petrol and diesel also power a wide range of industrial machines and equipment. High fuel costs are subsequently pushing up operational costs and adding a further challenge for businesses is the country’s power utility which is under extreme pressure.

The ZenergiZe range of battery energy storage systems from Atlas Copco offers a clean, efficient and cost-effective solution to these challenges by offering a simpler way to capture and store renewable energy for immediate or later use, ready for delivery at any given time, thus serving as ideal short-term solutions in applications where there is no access to grid power or where there are low load issues.

When powered or charged by renewable sources, the energy storage system consumes zero fuel operating in island mode, assisting customers with significantly lower fuel costs, thus reducing their Operating Expenses (OPEX) for low total cost of ownership. When used as a standalone power source, the ZenergiZe produces zero CO² emissions. These systems also boast zero noise levels owing to the high-density lithium-ion batteries which are the heart of these powerful and compact units, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

“Our medium 10kVA to 90 kVA and large 100kVA to 1000 kVA ZenergiZe ranges are defined by optimum performance, sustainability and flexibility, taking battery energy storage systems to a whole new level,” comments David Stanford, Business Line Manager, Portable Products, at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “The units can serve as either the primary or standalone power source, replacing a generator in noise-sensitive areas or where fuel fumes / pollutants are not permitted. If the application dictates, they can also be combined with a generator, offering a hybrid solution and enabling smart load management. Moreover, by combining the units with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, 100 percent sustainability can be achieved with these systems.”

Atlas Copco’s large ZenergiZe units can work in parallel with other energy storage systems and act as the ‘brain’ of a microgrid, storing and managing the power coming from the different sources and regulating the load for each of the applications associated with the microgrid. “The fact that ZenergiZe energy storage systems have two operating modes (island and hybrid mode) allows the end-user to address any peaks in demands,” adds Stanford.

The ZenergiZe units are capable of a remarkable 40,000 hours lifespan. The systems also require virtually no maintenance, further enhancing uptime and availability.