Getting connected to the power grid is getting harder in countries that transition to sustainable electricity production, with waiting times exceeding a year in some cases. Once connected, making sure that the peak use of power does not exceed the contract limits is important to avoid penalties, or worse: contract termination or lawsuits.
At the same time, the volatility in electricity pricing increases, as production and demand run out of sync. Pricing can fluctuate wildly during some days, and can even include periods of negative rates if wind and sun cooperate and demand is low.
This new reality caused by grid congestion and the energy transition creates both problems and opportunities. IoT can help avoid these problems, and capture more of the upside that result from price fluctuations, by enabling:
- Dynamic Load Balancing, such that power use in the facility is optimized in accordance with the price of electricity.
- Peak Shaving, such that processes in the facility that can be operated with a degree of flexibility are sped up during periods of lower overall power consumption, and slowed down during periods when demand is high.
- Curtailment, such that feeding back electricity during periods of negative prices is avoided.
- Battery Optimization, such that the use of the battery optimally supports the peak shaving and load balancing objectives.
With our BACE IoT Platform these functions can be implemented quickly. BACE is a proven, out-of-the-box IoT solution that can be installed in existing facilities and connects to sensors, controllers, equipment and meters. It offers a full slate of energy management functions and can be customized for any plant or operation.
BACE IoT – Dynamic Load Balancing and Smart Energy Management
In addition to providing the supervisory control for smart energy management – load balancing, peak shaving and curtailment – in facilities that already exist, BACE can also help speed up the process of getting a new facility connected. With smart energy management it is possible to reduce the capacity of the connection that is needed, which often reduces the waiting time.
If your facility needs load balancing, peak shaving, curtailment or optimization and you want to know more – then please contact us.
