How do I size a battery energy storage system?

Properly sizing a battery energy storage system involves a thorough assessment of your energy needs, understanding the system’s purpose, and considering factors like capacity, DoD, efficiency, and future expansion. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your BESS provides optimal performance, reliability, and cost savings.

What should I consider when buying a power supply?

When buying a power supply for your computer, consider deciding between modular and non-modular. Non-modular power supplies have all the wires and cables dangling out the back, while modular power supplies allow you to pull out any unnecessary cables you don’t need for your build.

What is energy storage capacity?

Energy storage capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is a crucial factor. It represents the total amount of energy the battery can store. Your capacity needs will depend on your daily energy consumption and how many days of autonomy (independent operation) you require. Sum up the energy used by your household or facility in a typical day.

How long should a power supply be?

In these cases, the power supply needs to be a bit shorter than the equipment’s overall height to allow for the top and bottom covers. So a 1U high enclosure-mountable power supply needs to be shorter than 1.75-inches; a 2U enclosure-mountable supply needs to be shorter than 3.5-inches, and so forth (see Photo #2).

What should I look for in a power supply unit?

When choosing a power supply unit (PSU), look for one that offers enough juice to power all your components. If you're trying to be economical, consider the price per GB. However, unless you have a very small case, you could always add a secondary hard drive later.

What is a good battery efficiency?

Stick to the recommended DoD to balance performance and durability. Battery efficiency, typically between 85-95%, reflects the energy loss during charging and discharging. Higher efficiency means less energy loss and more effective storage. All batteries lose some energy during operation. Higher efficiency batteries reduce this loss.