Storage · Peak shaving
Cap load peaks with a battery
When machines, cooling or charging points start up at the same time, short power peaks occur. For businesses with demand metering, these peaks determine part of the network costs. A battery absorbs them.
How peak shaving works
What a load peak costs
With demand metering, it is not only the energy drawn that counts but also the highest quarter-hour. As a rule, this peak sets the capacity charge in the network tariff for the whole year, even if it occurs only once.
How the battery shaves peaks
The controller measures the power drawn at the grid connection point. If it rises above a set threshold, the battery supplies the difference. Grid supply stays below the threshold and the site keeps running as before.
Double use with PV
The same battery can also store solar power for later. The controller always keeps a reserve ready for the next peak.
Who it suits
Businesses with interval (demand) metering whose load profile shows individual, clearly prominent peaks. If the peaks last for hours, the battery becomes large; in that case we compare it with alternatives such as staggering large loads over time.
A single peak that is not shaved can set the bill for the whole year. That is why we set the threshold, power and reserve from your measured load profile, not from averages.
Process
01
Read the load profile
From a year of quarter-hourly values we determine the height, duration and frequency of your peaks.
02
Set the threshold
We calculate which reduction can be achieved with which battery power and capacity, including a reserve.
03
Install and connect
Battery, metering at the grid connection point and controls, coordinated with the network operator.
04
Review operation
After commissioning we review the measured peaks and adjust the threshold where necessary.
What we need from you
The load profile for the last twelve months as quarter-hourly values (your metering point operator or supplier usually provides it as an Excel or CSV file) and your latest network tariff or electricity bill. More about batteries for businesses: Battery storage for commercial and industrial sites.
Send us your load profile: we will show you which peaks can be shaved.