Demand for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) continues to grow to meet the net zero energy demands around the world – and in today's energy environment – they are fast becoming linchpins for reliability and efficiency in renewable energy integration and grid stabilisation.

Long term BESS performance is only fully harnessed when paired with effective Operations and Maintenance (O&M) protocols that are baked into the product hardware and software systems. A recent report from Wood & Mackenzie has stated: "although operations is a small portion of energy storage costs, it has an outsized impact on overall financial performance".

Operating a BESS, like Trina Storage's Elementa, requires astute real-time decision-making to optimise charging and discharging within regulatory controls. Operators have to balance market dynamics within project parameters to maximise financial return while safeguarding battery health for the long term.

This involves leveraging advanced battery analytics to respond to fluctuating energy prices and demand, all while ensuring compliance with policies designed to promote renewable integration and grid stability.

Regular maintenance schedules, precise performance monitoring, and swift fault rectification are essential to maintain the delicate balance of energy storage systems. Without rigorous O&M, the software-hardware harmony of BESS components can falter, leading to diminished returns on investment and increased risks.

5 key aspects of battery storage O&M

Battery storage operations involve a unique set of activities critical to the performance and longevity of these systems. These activities stem from the technological complexities and the operational capacities that define battery storage solutions. They ensure that battery systems operate efficiently, safely, and within their optimal parameters, while also facilitating rapid response to changing energy demands.

Here are five critical aspects of battery storage operations and maintenance:

(1) Complex energy management

Battery storage systems require sophisticated energy management techniques. Unlike renewable sources that generate power intermittently based on weather conditions, battery systems store energy and must manage charge and discharge cycles efficiently to maintain energy quality and extend battery life.

(2) Advanced monitoring systems

Operations involve continuous monitoring using advanced Energy Management Systems (EMS) that track the state of charge, state of health, temperature, voltage, and current of each cell or module. This level of monitoring is more granular and critical than the general oversight required for traditional renewables.

(3) Thermal regulation

Maintaining optimal temperature is crucial for battery performance and longevity. Operations must include active thermal management systems to prevent overheating or cold-related performance drops, which are not as critical in traditional renewable energy systems.

(4) Responsive load management

BESS can respond to grid demands in seconds, requiring a highly responsive operational approach. Operators must be able to quickly adjust the system's activity to balance loads, a level of responsiveness not typically required in the operation of traditional renewable assets.

(5) Lifecycle management

Battery storage operations include end-of-life planning, such as recycling or repurposing batteries, which is a unique aspect compared to traditional renewable energy operations that focus more on maintenance and less on lifecycle issues.

By incorporating proprietary technological advancements such as AI and IoT, Trina Storage's proprietary solutions like Elementa & E²MS, can alleviate risk by automating many of these maintenance tasks to make operations run smoothly.

Conclusion

Based on advanced battery technology, we provide the most reliable energy storage solution. From analysing the technical challenge, to designing flexible innovations that meet every customer's unique needs. Our experienced Sales & Engineering teams are also on hand to help with commercial and technical questions you may have.

We are always by our customers' sides when it comes to operation and maintenance. We provide a 24-hour hotline, online customer service and onsite support in our key markets.