Load profile analysis for battery storage and grid
Load profile analysis for battery storage determines how much storage your project really needs and shows loads on the grid.
A load profile is the time sequence of power values, for consumption and feed-in usually in quarter-hour values. Quarter-hour values are the usual resolution for billing and load profile evaluation; coarser averages smooth out peaks, and a finer resolution may be required for shorter technical peaks. We analyse your consumption and feed-in profiles in detail, including load peaks, daily patterns and seasonal fluctuations. On the basis of this data we assess the actual need for storage and identify loads on the grid. Depending on the mode of operation, different questions arise: a storage system at the consumption site shaves peaks, a storage system at a generation site smooths feed-in, and a storage system with time-dependent tariffs charges at low prices and discharges at high prices. Each of these roles requires a different picture of the load profile and different reserves for ageing and efficiency losses.
Typical questions in a battery storage load profile analysis are: when do load peaks occur? How large must the storage be to cover the demand? How strongly does feed-in load the grid? The load profile analysis answers them with data instead of estimates. Two quantities must be kept apart here: power in kilowatts or megawatts determines how high a peak the storage can absorb. Capacity in kilowatt-hours determines how long it can sustain it. The storage must also be able to recharge between two peaks without itself creating a new peak. For consumers, the peak is also economically relevant, because for load-profile-metered consumers the power-based grid charge is based on the highest quarter-hour power values; details are governed by the applicable tariff provisions. Sites with high but short peaks and low overall energy demand benefit in particular.
At sites with generation plants, the feed-in side is added. A storage system can shift feed-in in time and help to keep to the agreed connection capacity. Whether it may charge from the grid and feed back in affects the metering concept and grid charges: the main meter records import and feed-in at the connection point, sub-meters record individual plants, and for storage systems that can feed in, import and supply are recorded separately depending on the metering concept, for example via separate or virtual metering points; the metering concept is to be agreed with the grid operator and the metering point operator. The load profile analysis forms the basis for the design and for coordination with the grid operator. From it we develop tailor-made solutions for a stable, efficient and economical overall system, matched to your generation and consumption situation.
Calculations use modern methods for load flow, short circuit, loss optimisation and thermal dimensioning. A team of electrical engineering experts supports you throughout. Next comes the grid-technical concept for storage; we plan the link with generation in hybrid park planning with battery storage and grid. The results also help in project presentation and public relations with the municipality and residents. How load profiles affect generation plants is shown by the load profile analysis for wind turbines and the load profile analysis for PV plants.
