Cummins Newsroom: Education and Thought Leadership

Types of applications for BESS and the benefits of incorporating BESS into your solutions

by Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader
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Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are advanced energy storage solutions that store electrical energy for later use. They can be recharged when there is an excess supply of electricity, often at lower costs, or when intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, are generating power. BESS can then discharge the stored energy to provide a dedicated power supply, support microgrids or supplement the general grid during periods of high demand or when electricity prices are elevated.

This flexibility enhances grid stability, optimizes energy costs, and supports the integration of renewable energy sources. They can also be metered out for dedicated supply, microgrid or general grid use when the grid requires support if microgrid demand rises or the price is higher.

BESS investments offer grid problem compensation capabilities that add robustness to grid networks, integrate renewable and low-reliability energy sources, improve energy utilization, enhance grid resilience, reduce diesel use and meet the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy.

BESS systems can be used in a variety of grid positions that differentiate the applications, related to some degree to which side of a billing meter the system sits (in front/on the grid side or behind on the client side):

  • Bess used in large-scale grid support generally sits within a clearly defined microgrid that receives AC power from the grid, converts it to DC, and stores it for later use. This can be returned to the grid or local use as AC power from an in-built inverter. These systems will typically meter the uptake from the grid (and its pricing) and the delivery to the grid (and its higher pricing), where the differential AND the support service in stabilization delivers a profit.
  • Backup power systems will operate similarly but exist on the customer side of the charge process or meter, substituting for grid demand at the site when the grid fails or peak shaving is happening.
  • BESS associated with intermittent sources (wind, solar, etc.) will operate similarly, but receive DC or AC from renewable sources, store it in the battery elements and meter it back to the grid as demand requires. Such a system will tend to charge as a virtual generator through a metering system that measures the delivered power.

BESS installations can vary widely in scale as listed and described below:

  • Residential scale: Such installations are typically designed to provide backup power, optimize after-meter solar energy consumption, and reduce homeowners' electricity bills. Capacity typically ranges from a few kilowatt-hours (kWh) to tens of kWh. They consist of a battery pack, inverter and a basic energy management system.
  • Commercial and industrial scale: These installations serve higher-demand factory, hospital and data-center facilities, providing backup power, peak shaving, demand response, frequency keeping, intermittent source smoothing and generator energy (diesel) cost savings. Capacities range from tens of kWh to several megawatt-hours (MWh). They are similar to residential systems, with larger batteries and more-sophisticated controls.
  • Community scale: These typically serve multiple homes or buildings as a microgrid within a community or neighborhood. The capacity is typically between a few hundred kWh to several MWh. They are technically very similar to commercial and industrial systems, except they generally serve multiple users with support for or backup of grid services.
  • Utility Scale: These installations are deployed by utilities to provide grid services such as frequency regulation, voltage support and renewable energy integration. They are often sited at the ends of long supply lines that are not commercially viable for upgrade, and they commonly support remote diesel generator systems. Their capacity can range from several MWh to hundreds of MWh, depending on the nature of the grid region they are serving. They use large battery arrays, power conversion systems and more-advanced control systems.
  • Grid-scale: These are the largest and most complex BESS installations. They are deployed at the transmission or distribution level, in active support of grid stability and system resilience. Capacities range from hundreds of MWh to several gigawatt-hours (GWh) and they use very large battery arrays, high-power capacity inverters and sophisticated control and monitoring systems.
  • Off-grid and remote applications: These installations are typically built at any required scale and provide power in remote and/or off-grid areas/facilities at which access to the grid is limited. They range from small systems for homes to much larger systems for communities or industrial facilities. They are built to suit the scale of the application.

The range of BESS installations is built to cater to various demand levels and needs – from homeowners integrating solar panels to utilities requiring enhanced grid stability.

BESS installation

BESS benefits

BESS offers numerous benefits, across various sectors of the economy, far beyond the basic grid support functions it fulfills. Some of its benefits are listed below:

  • Provides grid stabilization services in macro and transient response. Balancing supply and demand smoothes out the destabilizing fluctuations typical of renewable energy generation which greatly improves slower response grid reliability.
  • Integrates intermittent renewable energy sources like solar, tidal, wave and wind power into the grid by buffering oversupply for later use. This can be served by removing the requirement for a thermal spinning reserve that must otherwise be ready to take up the slack.
  • Reduces electricity costs by systematic arbitrage of energy prices. Storing energy during off-peak, low-price periods and providing it during high-price periods can profitably alleviate strain on the grid during periods of high demand and reduce the need for expensive peaking power plants. Momentary and short-period peak pricing can increase by 10x and even 100x, offering significant returns for fast switchable supply/virtual generators.
  • Provides backup power during grid outages or blackouts, ensuring uninterrupted operations for critical facilities.
  • Supports the deployment of EV charging infrastructure by providing fast-charging capabilities and managing peak demand on the grid, improving the integration of EVs into the grid without overloading existing infrastructure.
  • Helps manage peak demand on the grid by providing demand response services and ancillary services such as frequency regulation and voltage support.
  • Helps to mitigate emissions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. A clear beneficiary with easily measured gains is any grid that uses diesel generators for peak load. This is among the most expensive electricity, and offsetting/displacing even minor usage has a high-cost value.

Key classes of BESS applications

Graphic

Demand response

BESS installations can play a key role in demand response by providing rapid deployment capabilities to moderate (grid-supplied) electricity overconsumption in real time. During peak demand periods, BESS can discharge stored energy to satisfy grid demand, reducing strain on overstressed grid elements and offsetting high-cost peak demand charges. Importantly, BESS can charge using inexpensive electricity at off-peak (or high sun/wind) times, smoothing energy demand and lowering overall operational costs. This responsive capability enhances grid reliability, reduces the need for renewal of generative or supply infrastructure and enables consumers to participate in managing their energy consumption.

Frequency regulation

These systems are instrumental in frequency keeping, by responsively injecting or absorbing power as required. BESS can rapidly respond by consuming or discharging energy to impose balance on the supply. By providing bidirectional fast-response load/capacity, BESS reduces reliance on spinning reserve and fast-start thermal sources for frequency keeping, thereby lowering emissions. BESS’s key capability is enabling the grid to seamlessly and fully integrate renewable energy sources (transient and junk power) by buffering their variability.

Microgrids

BESS is an essential component in many microgrid installations, increasing adaptability and reliability. They stabilize microgrid operations by automatically balancing supply and demand, regulating frequency and mitigating voltage sag or rise. During grid outages, BESS provides an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), protecting critical loads. The smoothed integration of solar/wind energy supply can reduce thermal (diesel) usage considerably, by fully utilizing the renewables when required, rather than wasting power in real time, as it exceeds demand. BESS enables subtle peak shaving and load management strategies, optimizing energy usage and reducing overall power costs. These systems enhance the resilience, power, cost efficiency and sustainability of microgrid systems, enabling communities and facilities to achieve energy independence.

Grid firming

BESS installations can serve a pivotal role in grid firming and maintaining stable/reliable supply in both voltage and frequency terms. They provide grid support by taking up excess energy during reduced demand and injecting stored energy during peak demand, smoothing disruptive fluctuations. This maintains frequency and voltage, reducing the need for fast response thermal generation.

EV infrastructure support

BESS setups can offer effective support for EV charging infrastructure. Fast-charging capabilities require high power in surges, and BESS can moderate this peak demand, to ensure minimum disruption to the local grid during high-demand activities. BESS also offers backup power for EV charging stations during grid outages, ensuring less service interruption. This facilitates the increased adoption of EVs, contributing to a reduced-emission transportation network.

Green energy

BESS can significantly enhance green energy utilization by enabling the full integration of intermittent renewable sources. BESS stores surplus when solar, tidal, wave and wind are at high activity, addressing intermittent issues by taking up unused power for later use, thereby making these sources highly exploitable. BESS reduces reliance on thermal generation, reduces the need for spinning reserve, lowers emissions, and supports stability. They deliver optimized energy usage and reduce the need for peaking (thermal) power plants.

Why invest in BESS?

Investing in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offers exceptional flexibility for electricity grids. BESS smooths out supply to better match demand, mitigating instability and waste caused by oversupply and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, wave and tidal power. The key benefits of BESS include:

  • Grid stabilization and anti-fragility: Enhances grid reliability and resilience.
  • Renewable energy and variable power integration: Efficiently manage the integration of renewable energy sources.
  • Peak shaving and cost savings: Reduces costs by managing peak demand.
  • Backup power and grid resilience: Provides reliable backup power and enhances overall grid resilience.
  • EV infrastructure support: Supports the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
  • Demand response and load management: Optimizes load management and demand response.
  • Energy independence and sustainability: Promotes energy independence and sustainable practices.
  • Future-proofing: Offers competitive advantages in power distribution, cost and reliability.

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Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Cummins Newsroom: Education and Thought Leadership

STEM Project Unites Children in the UK and Uzbekistan

by Cummins Europe, Global Power Technology Leader
Zoom call with West Park School and the Children's Home

If you ever doubted the ability of young minds to grasp what many adults would consider complex concepts, then you'll be amazed by the achievements of two groups of young children - one in a school in northern England, and the other 4,000 miles away in an orphanage in Uzbekistan.

With the support of Cummins, children ranging from six to twelve years of age have managed to bridge the language, culture, and time divide. They are collaborating with great success on building a basic electric racing car.

The story begins with a visit by Cummins to Rudmash Export Service, which has been representing Cummins in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, since 2018.

Rudmash has an impressive list of clients in mining, construction, gas, and power generation.

It is also a highly respected supporter of community initiatives, a key focus for Cummins.

During the visit, Amit Kumar, Cummins' Technical Territory Manager for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, mentioned the work he was doing with local schools involving the Greenpower Education Trust in the UK.

Amit suggested that Rudmash might consider introducing local children to the fantastic learning opportunity that comes from building an electric car.

The Rudmash executive team loved the idea and reached out to their friends at the local orphanage (Children’s Home 22), about the proposed connection with children from West Park Academy – a primary school near Cummins' manufacturing plant in Darlington, England.

Students at the Children's Home working on the car
The children from Children's Home 22 building the car

Speaking through a translator, Rudmash Sales Manager Mr. Mavlonberdi Akhmedov said there was no hesitation from the orphanage. "Everyone was excited about it," he said. "When we showed them pictures of the car, the children's eyes lit up with interest.

"The only issue we encountered was not being able to involve the older children, but I think Amit has something in his mind for them. It will involve a similar collaboration with a UK school on a larger electric car that they can fit in!"

Over in Darlington, teacher Mr. David Fraser and his group of 9 to 11-year-olds were thrilled at the prospect of working with children from another country.

Students from West Park Academy
The children from West Park Academy

"Before our first session, I showed the children a map of Uzbekistan and explained how the time zones worked," Mr. Fraser said. "Tashkent is four hours ahead of us."

"When they started hearing a different language, they were a little hesitant although still excited. However, towards the end, once they got used to the translation pauses, lots of questions were being asked."

"They adapted very quickly, and every session with the orphanage has become more engaging. The children have greatly benefited from the relationship. It's been a great learning experience."

The car involved in the project is called the Greenpower Goblin G2. It comes as a flat-pack kit including chassis, wheels, steering, disc brakes, a 24V electric motor, and two 12V batteries.

Students at West Park Academy working on the car
The children from West Park Academy building the car

"The project is all about inspiring young children to take an interest in engineering in a fun and innovative way," said Amit Kumar, who earlier this year received special recognition at the North-East England STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Awards for his years of dedication to STEM Education.

"The build introduces children to basic mechanics and electronics and might be the first step on the pathway to a career in engineering or another STEM field.

Mr. Fraser said the children soon started discussing aspects of the car such as frames, brakes, and steering geometry. There was a lively question-and-answer session on different materials that could be used to design and make the car's body. Their last session was about controls and driving.

"There are also other general discussions, as the children are eager to learn more about each other's countries," said Amit, who leads the sessions.

Students at the Children's Home looking at the car drawing
The children from Children's Home 22 talking about a drawing while on a zoom call

Rudmash service engineer Mr. Abdullayev Shakhzod said the children were enjoying the experience of working in teams.

"It's a fantastic new chapter in the history of a place that has a storied past. It was established in 1942 during the Second World War to care for evacuees from all over Eastern Europe. Children of over 40 different nationalities have been cared for by this children's home.

"The home is named Antonina Pavlovna Khlebushkina after the woman who ran it in the early days. She would be so proud of what is happening there today.

"As the summer vacation times differ in the two countries, the West Park school children have already finished building their cars, while the Uzbekistan car is about 40% complete.

"When the children return from their summer camp in September, they will start the rear axle, motor, and electrical components. Then they can take it for a drive," Amit said.

"Just before their summer term ended, the West Park children conducted a demonstration for their new friends in Tashkent. They set up a track and showcased driving the car on it. It was a great success."

Mr. Akhmedov, speaking through a translator, mentioned that the management team at Rudmash was considering how the project could expand beyond the children's home and into schools and youth organizations throughout Uzbekistan.

Mr. Akhmedov praised Cummins for their support of the project. "They have shown great responsibility at every stage and been very proactive, always striving to ensure things are done right.

"This is just the beginning for these children. It's already motivating them to learn more and develop their skills in broader technical applications.

"I would say that this project is not only important for the children's home but also for our city of Tashkent and the Republic of Uzbekistan, as it is nurturing an educational culture that is highly valuable. I can't thank Amit and Cummins enough."

Amit expressed that it's a privilege to help Cummins inspire young people about engineering and science from an early age.

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Cummins Newsroom: Education and Thought Leadership

How is the United States investing in clean energy?

by Traci Kraus, Director, Government Relations
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Our planet is facing a dire crisis: carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere continue to soar above record highs. If gone unaddressed, the collective stress of climate change will produce an irreparable impact. Our health, energy, water, and food ecosystems are at risk. 

As it stands, there are many long-term effects of climate change. In North America, climate change is forecasted to cause decreasing snowpack in the western mountains. It will also lead to a 5–20% increase in yields of rain-fed agriculture and great intensity of heat waves. In fact, over the last five years, the United States has incurred roughly $120 billion a year in damages as a result of natural disasters caused by extreme weather and climate events.

Beyond natural catastrophes, climatic risks to the United States will have a cascading effect on the country’s interconnected ecosystems. Reduced labor and overall economic productivity, and altered crop yields, will disproportionately harm lower-income and marginalized populations. These groups lack the resources to prepare or cope with extreme weather and climate events.

The world is investing in clean energy innovation

Combating the intensifying climate crisis requires a strategic combination of research and development (R&D), innovation, technology — and bold attempts.

Around the globe, countries are investing in clean energy to contribute to a livable planet now and for generations to come. In 2022, the US passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a historic $370 billion investment to address the climate crisis. The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits and incentives to power homes, businesses, and communities with clean energy by 2030. The Act will increase investments in the fastest-growing power generation technologies, solar and wind. It will also advance cost-saving clean energy projects and protect two million acres of national forests. These initiatives are in addition to substantial tax credits and rebates offered to families and businesses in the United States.
Consequently, a stronger clean energy economy will contribute to overall economic growth and competition. As a result, there will be millions of new well-paying jobs for Americans to make clean energy.

It is possible to start decarbonizing now

Governmental policy strategies and investments in decarbonization technologies are part of the solution to produce increasingly cheap, dependable, and clean energy.

Strong communities and vibrant economies depend on a healthier planet. As a global power technology leader, Cummins is in a unique position to power customer success by leading during this energy transition. We intent to do so by providing customers with the right technology at the right time, understanding of their needs and applications.

We think of this journey to carbon neutrality in two distinct and complementary ways. First, by innovating zero-emission solutions and introducing them in markets and applications where the infrastructure, development and deployment are ready. Secondly, by advancing internal combustion engines through efficiency improvement and by running them on cleaner alternative fuels for a well-to-wheels solution.

Through Destination Zero, we are advancing low- and no-carbon platforms. This includes diesel and natural gas engines, hybrid, and electric platforms, as well as powertrain components, controls, and related technologies.

Join Cummins in powering a better tomorrow

Cummins environmental sustainability strategy includes goals timed for 2030. Progress toward the reduction of carbon emissions from company plants and facilities — in addition to our products — is in full swing. For more than one hundred years, we have brought technological solutions to market. As a power solutions leader, we will continue to power a more prosperous world for today and tomorrow. Are you ready to consider investing in new power solutions?

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Traci Kraus

Traci Kraus is a Director of Government Relations where she leads US federal advocacy for Cummins. She focuses on energy, climate, hydrogen, transportation and budget legislative and regulatory issues. 

Prior to joining Cummins, Traci worked for former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.  She has a Master’s in Public Administration from the George Washington University and B.A.s in Government and Politics and Communication from the University of Maryland in College Park. She is originally from Chicago, and now lives outside of Washington, D.C. with her husband, Aaron and two children Liam (8) and Sloane (5).

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