What is the Aurora’s Grid Energy Management Project?
Aurora’s Grid has developed an ageing-aware energy management (EMS) and sizing/diagnostic software for Li-ion Battery Energy Systems (BES). This innovative project is all about making battery energy storage profitable by relying on deep electrochemical knowledge of Li-ion batteries, understanding power grid constraints, and leveraging machine learning forecast techniques. The software is designed for smart building applications, capable of carefully sizing the BES for a targeted building by striking a balance between the battery cost and the energy stored. From microgrids to households and even whole districts, the project has been validated experimentally in three different locations in Switzerland. It’s an approach that focuses on both efficiency and longevity… all while keeping the energy system smart and effective.
Main Benefits
- SIZING: For each building, the software computes the BES size that minimizes investment and maximizes revenue.
- INCREASING ENERGY SELF-CONSUMPTION: Tackles the common time mismatch between PV production and load consumption by predicting and managing charging/discharging windows.
- AGEING: Reduces battery ageing by up to 45% compared to non-ageing-aware strategies, ensuring extended lifespan and reliability.
- ANCILLARY SERVICES: Calculates costs and benefits when deploying the battery for frequency and voltage control.
- ELECTRIC VEHICLES (V2G & 2ND LIFE): Integrates EV batteries for grid services and EMS for second-life battery applications.
- RENEWABLE SELF-CONSUMPTION: Enhances self-consumption ratios, reduces battery ageing by 20-40%, and enables coupling with other services.
- PEAK SHAVING: Decreases renewable and load peaks by self-learning of local behavior, which opens up opportunities for additional revenue.
- CO2 TRACKING: Aims at decarbonizing assets and infrastructures, with the possibility to reduce the CO2 footprint by up to 50%.
Battery Ageing and Enhanced Self-Consumption
Energy storage systems typically face the challenge of battery degradation over time, and Aurora’s Grid tackles this with a careful management strategy. Through accurate predictions and smart operations, it becomes possible to charge the BES during periods when photovoltaic (PV) production exceeds demand and to discharge during lower PV output. The approach not only addresses a critical industry pain point – battery ageing – but also boosts overall revenues by ensuring the battery maintains a high performance over time. It is a win-win: improving the battery’s lifespan while making the system more profitable over its lifetime… a refreshing change in a market that is in constant evolution.
Ancillary Services and Electric Vehicles Integration
One of the distinctive features of this project is its focus on ancillary services. Aurora’s Grid provides a detailed computation of both the cost and the associated benefits of deploying the battery for frequency and voltage control. Moreover, the integration of electric vehicles adds another layer of flexibility. By incorporating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications and even tapping into second-life battery possibilities, the solution is not only forward-thinking but also future-ready. This integration supports grid balance and improves the economic returns of battery usage. It is a dynamic mix that combines traditional battery management with emerging trends in e-mobility.
Renewable Energy and Peak Shaving
The project also places significant emphasis on increasing renewable self-consumption and implementing peak shaving strategies. By enhancing renewable energy usage, the system reduces reliance on external power and helps in cutting down peak demands – both for renewable generation and load. This means that the battery is being used more efficiently, with improved energy self-consumption ratios and reduced ageing thanks to optimized charging cycles. Additionally, the ability to self-learn local consumption patterns allows for continuous improvement in how energy peaks are managed. It is an intelligent system that adapts to local conditions, much like a smart assistant that fine-tunes operations on the fly.
Continuous Diagnostic and Sizing Capabilities
In the realm of battery energy systems, accurate diagnostics and size optimization are vital. Aurora’s Grid has addressed these aspects by providing an advanced software solution that continuously evaluates various conditions. From analyzing the deep electrochemical properties of Li-ion batteries to assessing the specific power grid constraints of each installation, the software offers a complete picture. Coupling these technical insights with machine learning forecast techniques ensures that the BES is always operating under optimal conditions. The result is a diagnostic and sizing strategy that keeps the system in check, reducing costs and maximizing performance over time – a truly noteworthy innovation in the energy management market.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By making battery storage more durable and efficient, the project supports cleaner energy consumption.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The integration of smart technologies and machine learning fosters innovation in energy infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing energy self-consumption and offering ancillary services boost urban sustainability.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – With a targeted reduction of up to 50% in CO2 footprint and improved renewable energy usage, the project contributes significantly to climate initiatives.
Latest News and Industry Engagement
The project’s influence extends beyond technology; it is actively engaging in a variety of industry events and initiatives. Recent highlights include the commissioning of a plug&play Energy Management System #EMS, which has been deployed in less than 60 minutes and has extended the lifetime of Li-ion BES by 40%. The system’s hardware-agnostic approach has seen successful deployments across three continents, reaching more than nine countries in Europe alone. Additionally, the project has marked its presence at key events such as the Second Edition of e-Charge, NME (Next Mobility Exhibition) in Milan Rho, Lisbon Energy Summit & Exhibition 2024, Energyear Spain, Middle East Energy Dubai 2024, and Thessaloniki Renewable Energy Tech. Participation in these exchanges not only reinforces technical advancement but also builds collaborative bridges across the energy sector. The project continues to celebrate milestones, including its 7th anniversary, and is also expanding its expertise through a joint venture focused on the Balkan market. Such engagement underscores the dynamic spirit and ambitious growth of this ageing-aware energy management solution.
