BESS generator of Cordoba Microgrid Power Station in Argentina

This research paper addresses the issue of placement, technology selection and operation of BESS energy storage systems (BESS) in microgrids under a variable distributed generation (DG) and energy demand scenario for an average year of operation. To address this issue, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model was formulated.

The behavior of the BESS is directly influenced by the availability of PV solar energy (see Fig. 5). During the first hours of the day, i.e., in the time interval 1 to 8, when energy generation by the PV generators is below 20%, the BESS inject power into the microgrid to satisfy part of the demand.

Comprised of battery modules, battery racks, a battery management system, power conversion unit, and controller, BESS has been tested and validated to work as an integral component with Schneider Electric's microgrid systems.

However, the PCBGA-VSA proposes that, in order to reduce energy losses in the microgrid, the BESS should be installed right at the nodes where the PV generators are located. In addition, it suggests the use of BESSs with higher storage capacity and longer charge and discharge times.

Argentina's ambitious push toward grid modernization through battery energy storage has received an enthusiastic response, with CAMMESA (Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico) confirming the submission of 27 project proposals from 15 companies under its AlmaGBA program.

The BESS/ microgrid PMS controller interfaces with multiple systems such as ABB Ability zenon, Relion protection relays, Remote IO RIO600, Ekip Up protection units, PCS100/3rd party BESS, as well as 3rd party products such as tariff and energy meters, governor and AVR systems, battery management systems, fire safety systems, HVAC systems etc.