Managing – and maximising – your facility’s energy capacity in changing times

There is real impetus behind the energy transition from a combination of factors including rising energy prices, the need to reduce CO2 emissions and the drive towards electric vehicle (EV) charging, making the management and maximisation of energy capacity a burning topic in these uniquely challenging times.

Global energy trends show a steady rise in the use of renewables; although the UK’s adoption is ahead of the average, the hope is that this upturn will climb more steeply in the coming years.? This anticipated growth is coming from a need to diversify our energy supplies, moving away from fossil fuels and reducing our dependence on the imports of certain fuels.? In parallel, the requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from both vehicles and combustion engines is also driving the energy transition as renewable energy sources become more widely integrated – and energy storage technology becomes more accessible.?

In terms of energy storage for EV charging, for example, the UK has committed to reduce CO2 emissions by 78% by 2035 as well as to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 and produce more clean energy.? Energy storage systems reduce energy consumption and integrate well with renewable energy technology.? With significantly more EVs on the road than there are chargers, it’s clear to see that the requirement to service the EV market alone will drive growth.

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Optimising electrical capacity – where to start?

With the need to embrace the energy transition becoming ever more apparent, exactly how to most effectively optimise electrical capacity is less obvious.? The experts at integrated power manufacturer, Socomec, have the technical know-how and real-world expertise to give every facility a head start.

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Michael Lonsdale, Socomec explains; “We are so often asked where to begin when making the most of a facility’s electrical capacity as part of a wider energy transition agenda.? The answer is the same in every case – first of all, it’s vital that you understand your power consumption.? By that, we don’t mean choosing just one of two circuits.? You need to really get to grips with your loads in detail, down to sub-metering points and right down to PDU or server level.? It’s that degree of granularity that’s critical.

“For instance, in a multi property estate such as a university or hotel, it’s vital to benchmark between buildings to understand where your priority savings might be.? Analysis is key – unless you are monitoring your consumption, you cannot correctly size renewables.? There’s no benefit in introducing renewables that are too large or too small for your consumption, so building a clear picture of that consumption is what drives every decision beyond that point.

“Maximising self-consumption, optimising and reducing energy costs and, therefore, CO2 emissions are also key, but in understanding power consumption, power monitoring must be accessible to everyone, from anywhere and at any time.

“It’s critical that all circuits are monitored so that anomalies can be identified – AC, DC, fully integrated.? Although the telecoms industry is very aware of DC, it’s now becoming more prevalent in the Data Centre arena where DC is to be taken directly into white space due to efficiency gains.

“By monitoring all circuits, we have recently identified an example whereby a system was installed that exposed equipment that was believed to have been decommissioned but was, in fact, running 24/7 using a huge amount of energy for no gain.”

The solution?? What if, for all the circuits, there was a system providing a single voltage measurement point, a single communication access point, and a single control power – no matter the amperage of those circuits?

One such system – Diris Digiware – is easy to retrofit and is truly plug and play, making it ideal for integration within older buildings.?

Michael explains the benefits; “When working with equipment that’s between 30 and 40 years old, we have to remember that the kit is going to be inherently far less efficient than a modern equivalent.? Diris Digiware makes it easy to highlight older equipment that need replacing – and what’s important is that the return on investment is really very rapid because this level of insight means that financial decisions are fully informed and based on better data.

“With the benefit of Bluetooth sensors, we can detect temperature, humidity and whether doors are open or closed.? In one chain of pubs, the technology made it possible to identify one particular property where the cellar door was being left open.? In turn, this made it possible to visualise savings, visualise waste and improve on performance in tangible terms.”

The Diris Digiware mullti-circuit measurement and monitoring system is also now available as a MID (Measuring Instrument Directive) approved version when used in conjunction with the display – providing guaranteed system inviolability and unprecedented measurement accuracy.

All meters installed in applications that require billing and sub-billing according to actual energy consumption must comply with the Measuring Instrument Directive in Europe – whether for direct billing or sub-billing applications such as co-located data centres, concessions within retail outlets or stores within shopping centres or airports.? MID has been implemented by The Measuring Instruments Regulations statutory guidance for Great Britain since 2016 and is now identified by a UKCA mark.

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How are changes in energy storage technology serving the energy transition?

Energy storage (ESS) technology is an important pillar of the energy transition.? From renewable integration to the realisation of energy cost savings, providing grid reinforcement and collaborating in building grid resilience as well as reducing CO2 emissions and improving power monitoring – ESS is assisting across the board.

Within Commercial and Industrial (C&I) applications, the first renewable solution so often pursued is the introduction of PV on available roof space.? There are, however, significant grid constraints associated with this and potential solar projects are on hold through not being granted permission to connect to the grid due to the risk of increased fault current.? Combined with low buy back rates, the commercial viability of seemingly attractive renewable projects is rapidly eroding.? With this in mind, how can facilities save money and increase the resilience of their power supply?

Michael advises; “Peak shaving and load shifting are vital components of a more resilient and efficient facility.? You can use energy storage to supplement grid capacity at the peak.? This helps you avoid paying higher energy prices and reduces the risk of congestion at peak times – reducing energy billing and ensuring that you’re actively participating in grid stabilisation.

“With a storage unit, you can charge the batteries when you have excess energy being generated and also charge from the mains overnight when tariffs are lower and then use that energy during the day.? With this in mind, energy storage can help to increase the charging capacity of EV stations, for example, by supplementing grid connection for faster charging.? With a battery solution, you benefit from an increased power capacity, releasing energy when demand is high and providing assistance to the grid as well.? Smart charging with ESS can reduce energy peaks by up to 40% and smooths consumption.”

The latest energy storage systems have been designed and adapted to overcome grid constraints - even more so when combined with local renewable energy production. They are, therefore, a real solution for the optimisation of charging points and their proper operation – as well as other applications.? For infrastructure managers looking for a consistent level of service – regardless of the state of network saturation – the Socomec Sunsys HES is a native outdoor system that is flexible and modular, available in two ranges according to power requirements for both on and off grid applications.

Furthermore, the latest SKID evolution of Socomec’s Sunsys HES is a compact modular system that’s been designed specifically to facilitate transportation, installation and maintenance.? Completely self-contained and delivered fully assembled and cabled on an adapted SKID, the system can simply be connected to the AC power and communication cables – reducing the need for civil works and guaranteeing operation.

Flexible and scalable, multiple system configurations are possible and the system is easy to deploy – and re-deploy.

Michael explains that the latest ESS technology is already making great strides in key sectors and helping to optimise operations and reduce operating costs; “Every day, we are seeing first-hand the measurable benefits of our hard-working energy storage solutions.? One example where the systems are really paying dividends is with a London courier company that has successfully transitioned to smart charging software combined with energy storage hardware enabling significant electrification of their fleet, with the ability to charge 170 vehicles either from PV on the roof or during the day when deliveries are being made – all without the need for costly network expansion and expensive upgrades to the power supply connection.? Overnight charging is based on the pre-planned delivery route the following day – effectively rightsizing the charging requirement – and ensuring that charge is not wasted.? The impact of this project has been significant – not least because it’s meant that the company has been in the driving seat when it comes to their energy transition and that they’ve moved from fossil fuel to EV when and how they wanted, and not when the forced to do so according to grid constraints.”

Want to optimise your facility's energy capacity? Visit stand D610 at Data Centre World on March 6th-7th to speak with Michael Lonsdale in person.