Designing Solar Power Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Safeguarding and Managing with Shipping Container Structures

Solar panels are becoming an ever more familiar presence on residential rooftops, commercial buildings, and vast solar farms. However, capturing this plentiful, renewable energy is only part of the equation; it must also be effectively stored. Unlike oil or natural gas, which can be stored in tanks or underground reservoirs, solar power necessitates unique storage solutions. One prevalent method is to feed surplus energy back into the grid. Yet, a more efficient alternative exists: the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

What Is a Battery Energy Storage System?

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) captures renewable energy, such as solar power, in rechargeable batteries. This stored energy can be utilized later to supply electricity during power outages or periods of peak demand. Its dependability and energy efficiency render the BESS design crucial for the future of renewable energy.

Battery Energy Storage System Design

A BESS is a sophisticated apparatus comprising intricate technical components. These include battery cells, typically lithium-ion, and inverters that convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Multiple control systems are involved, such as battery management, power conversion, fire safety, and more.

These systems vary in size. You might have a compact BESS mounted in your garage to charge your electric vehicle. A residential BESS designed to power your home during an outage might be the size of a mini fridge. However, larger applications, like those for solar farms, necessitate much larger systems. The larger the BESS, the greater the challenge of enclosing it.

Some organizations opt for custom system enclosures for their large-scale operations. However, the design and implementation of these systems can be complex, costly, and time-consuming.

Time: From the drawing stage to prototyping and production, unique and highly customized industrial enclosures demand a substantial time investment.

Scalability: Larger applications require multiple battery energy storage systems. Once a custom enclosure is designed and prototyped, you must find a manufacturer capable of producing them at the necessary scale.

Expense: Between the time required for implementation and production fees, the costs can be considerable.

Much to our delight, champions of renewable energy are turning to our favorite industrial problem solver: the shipping container.

Shipping Containers as BESS Enclosures

The battery energy storage market was estimated to be around 2.8 billion in2022,with projections reaching approximately 49.2 billion by 2032. This growth suggests a rising demand for BESS enclosures. Shipping containers are emerging as a practical, available, and modifiable solution to meet this increasing demand.

Size

Standard Dimensions: 20 and 40-foot shipping containers are ideal for housing all the interior components of a BESS. Depending on the configuration, there may even be room for a technician workspace.

Portability

Relocatable: The ability to move a BESS is highly desirable. This feature is crucial for disaster relief, emergencies, and off-grid operations, where flexibility and rapid deployment are essential.

Customizability

Proven Adaptability: The customizability of shipping containers is a significant reason why energy leaders are considering them for BESS enclosures. The same modifications used in various industrial applications can transform a container into an efficient BESS enclosure.

Climate Control:

HVAC Systems: The internal components of a BESS are highly sensitive and require a controlled climate. Heavy-duty HVAC systems can be installed to maintain optimal temperatures.

Ventilation: Supplemental ventilation ensures proper airflow, preventing overheating and maintaining air quality.

Insulation: Spray foam insulation applied on all six sides combats humidity and temperature fluctuations, protecting the sensitive equipment inside.

Custom Openings:

Accessibility: A BESS enclosure needs more accessibility than standard container cargo doors provide. Reinforced openings can be added to facilitate easy access for routine maintenance.

Industrial Doors: Installing industrial doors along the side of the container or roll-up doors can reveal panels of battery packs, making maintenance more straightforward.

Interior Modifications:

Shelving and Partitions: Built-in shelving and partitions can organize the interior space efficiently.

Electrical Outlets: Additional electrical outlets can be installed to support various equipment and tools.

Firewalls: Firewalls can be added to enhance safety and comply with regulatory standards.

Advantages of Using Shipping Containers for BESS

Cost-Effective: Shipping containers are generally more affordable than custom-built enclosures, reducing the overall cost of BESS deployment.

Durability: Made from robust materials, shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring the longevity of the BESS.

Scalability: As the demand for energy storage grows, shipping containers can be easily scaled up by adding more units, providing a flexible solution for expanding operations.

Conclusion

Shipping containers offer a versatile, cost-effective, and scalable solution for housing Battery Energy Storage Systems. Their adaptability, portability, and ease of modification make them an excellent choice for meeting the growing demands of the renewable energy sector. By leveraging the inherent strengths of shipping containers, energy leaders can efficiently deploy and manage BESS, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.