Energy management and load profile optimisation of 10 kWh BESS integrated into a Smart Polygeneration Grid subnetwork

Smart Polygeneration Grids integrate different prime movers, such as traditional generators, renewable energy sources and energy storage systems to locally supply electrical and thermal power to achieve high conversion efficiencies and increase self-consumption. Integrating different energy systems poses some challenges on the plant Energy Management Systems (EMS), which must accommodate different operational requirements while following the electrical and thermal loads. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) can provide additional flexibility to the system. This paper intends to evaluate the impact of integrating a Ni-Zn-based BESS into an existing cogeneration plant through a dedicated sensitivity analysis over the operative characteristics of the BESS itself (maximum power and capacity). The IES LAB of the Savona's Campus already contains different energy systems: A cogenerative micro gas turbine, a heat-pump, solar thermal panels and two thermal energy storage systems that provide electricity and thermal power to the Smart Polygeneration Grid of the Campus. A new developed energy scheduler accommodates the integration of the new battery and meets the electrical and thermal demands. The aim is to demonstrate that integrating the BESS provides additional benefits in the system management and can reduce fuel usage and OPEX.