For industrial facilities, sudden spikes in electricity demand can significantly increase operating costs, particularly when electricity tariffs include demand charges. To address this challenge, SCU has supplied two BRES series 125kW/240kWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) to a Swedish company specializing in painting and surface treatment. With a combined rated power of 250kW and a total energy capacity of 480kWh, the solution is designed to reduce peak electricity demand, improve demand charge management, and help the facility control its energy expenses.
Demand Charge Management and Potential Cost Savings
The financial value of peak shaving energy storage lies in its ability to reduce the maximum electricity demand recorded during a billing period. For example, if an industrial facility achieves a consistent 150kW reduction in monthly billing demand and pays a demand charge of €15 per kW per month, the resulting savings would reach €2,250 per month, or approximately €27,000 annually. This illustrates how effective demand charge management can translate into substantial operating cost savings for energy-intensive businesses. (These figures are an illustrative calculation, not verified savings from the Swedish project.)
High Electricity Demand Creates Cost Challenges
Industrial painting and surface treatment processes often involve energy-intensive equipment, including ventilation systems, compressors, drying equipment, and automated production lines. When multiple machines operate simultaneously, electricity demand can rise sharply, creating short periods of high power consumption. For facilities subject to demand-based electricity tariffs, these peaks can lead to disproportionately high electricity bills, even when overall energy consumption remains relatively stable.
The Swedish company faced this challenge in its daily operations. Reducing peak demand without affecting production efficiency became an important consideration in managing electricity costs. By integrating battery energy storage, the facility can address these demand fluctuations while maintaining normal production activities.
Peak Shaving Energy Storage Solution
SCU supplied two 125kW/240kWh battery energy storage systems, providing a combined rated power of 250kW and a total nominal energy capacity of 480kWh. The BRES support peak shaving by charging during periods of lower electricity demand and discharging when production-related power consumption increases. During peak operating hours, the batteries supply part of the facility’s electricity requirements, reducing the amount of power drawn directly from the grid.
This approach helps control maximum grid demand, which is a key factor in calculating demand-related electricity charges. With 250kW of combined rated discharge power, the system offers flexibility to manage short-term power peaks without requiring routine interruptions to production. The 480kWh battery capacity also allows charging and discharging schedules to be adjusted according to the facility’s operating patterns and electricity demand.
Supporting More Cost-Effective Industrial Operations
Beyond demand charge reduction, battery storage gives the facility greater control over its electricity usage. By shifting part of the power supply from the grid to stored energy during peak periods, the company can manage demand fluctuations more effectively while maintaining production continuity. Where time-of-use pricing is available, the system may also create opportunities to charge during lower-cost periods and discharge when electricity prices are higher.
SCU has already delivered battery energy storage solutions to companies across Europe in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and construction, helping customers manage peak electricity demand and optimize energy costs. Moving forward, SCU will continue to deepen its focus on commercial and industrial energy storage applications, providing reliable and efficient solutions that help businesses reduce electricity costs, improve energy management, and achieve more sustainable operations.