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Battery storage systems, also called battery energy storage systems (BESS), are a key player in the modern energy landscape. From providing a seamless power supply in case of a power failure to maximising the use of renewable energy, they are becoming more prevalent than ever in homes and businesses all over the country.
To maintain their efficiency, performance, and longevity, the battery storage systems must undergo regular upkeep and maintenance. Proper care and preventive maintenance ensure that the systems and their components keep working as they should and continue to provide a reliable energy storage solution.
Whether you have a small installation at home or a large-scale setup powering several properties at once, understanding how to keep your system running smoothly is very important. Read on for a detailed guide on how to care for your battery storage systems and keep them running smoothly:
Battery storage systems are advanced energy storage systems that can store energy for later use. They are extremely useful for property owners in providing a reliable form of energy storage that can increase efficiency and lead to incredible cost savings.
These systems can be used by homes and businesses to store energy from the grid during low-demand hours and use it later during peak-demand hours. This not only helps cut down energy bills but also relieves pressure on the grid to meet demand.
Battery storage is also a great solution for properties that experience frequent power outages or may face disruptions due to environmental factors. The stored energy can be used as a reliable energy backup source to continue powering your property despite the issues in the energy supply from the grid.
When combined with renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, battery storage systems help maximise their potential and ensure a stable power supply, even when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. These systems are a focal point in sustainable development with their incredible environmental benefits and help make you more energy independent.
Battery storage systems are made up of a few components, all of which work together in harmony to create a technologically advanced energy storage solution. Some of the key components include:
Some of the most common types of batteries are lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Other types include flow batteries, Sodium-Sulfur batteries, Nickel-Cadmium batteries, Zinc-Bromine batteries, and solid-state batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common types of batteries for homes all over the world and have become a leading choice due to their efficiency, performance, and reliability. Lead acid batteries are also a great option known for their reliability and affordability.
Battery storage maintenance falls under two categories:
Proactive maintenance, also called preventive maintenance, includes all activities done to prevent any issues from arising in the battery storage systems. It typically involves scheduled maintenance and periodic testing as part of safety standards and procedures that help increase the efficiency and lifespan of the systems.
Reactive maintenance is done due to a fault or issue in the system in order to rectify it. It may include servicing as well as repairs. The difference between proactive and reactive maintenance is that the former is done to prevent any potential issues from manifesting, whereas the latter is done to prevent existing issues from turning into permanent faults or failures.
When it comes to proactive maintenance, it is very important to keep in mind the type of battery system you have installed on your property. Different types of batteries have different maintenance needs depending on their characteristics and the materials they are made with. Some are incredibly low maintenance while others require regular upkeep and maintenance to keep working efficiently.
Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most popular type of solar battery storage used in the UK. This is due to their high power outputs compared to other batteries, a higher depth of discharge, and high energy density. They have a long lifespan of around 10 to 15 years and, if installed properly by a professional, they are quite low maintenance.
They do, however, come with a higher upfront cost and are susceptible to overheating. Their sensitivity to extreme temperatures requires proper monitoring and management of the voltage and they require regular updates and testing to maintain their efficiency.
Lead-acid batteries, although currently overtaken by lithium-ion batteries, have been the oldest and most widely used batteries for storage. They are a reliable option and less expensive than lithium-ion batteries.
They, however, have a lower depth of discharge, lower energy density, a shorter lifespan of only 3 to 5 years, and require regular maintenance to ensure good performance and longevity. This includes checking their electrolyte levels and cleaning the terminals.
Battery storage systems have transformed how energy is stored and utilised. They are game changers when it comes to efficient energy storage and allow for better energy management and control.
However, just like any other electrical system, they require regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure they keep running smoothly and provide efficient and reliable energy storage for the entirety of their lifespan. Not doing so can lead to issues with their performance, efficiency, and reliability. Ill-maintained batteries have a reduced lifespan, are at risk of damage, have performance issues, and are not as reliant as they ought to be.
Regular use of battery storage systems can put a strain on their components and result in wear and tear. Batteries are also generally sensitive to extreme temperatures resulting in slowed electrochemistry at lower temperatures and an increase in internal corrosion at higher temperatures.
Another big issue with most batteries is terminal corrosion which happens as a result of overcharging, electrolytes leaking, or hydrogen gas from the batteries reacting with other substances. To fix this issue, the terminals must be cleaned with an antioxidant material to remove the corrosion.
Battery storage maintenance offers several benefits and can help identify issues with the systems before they become serious problems. Through proper maintenance, you can achieve optimal performance and efficiency and enjoy all the great advantages of using battery storage systems, with or without solar panels or wind turbines.
Battery storage maintenance includes several best practices to ensure the systems stay in good health and continue to work as intended. These include using the system properly, keeping all the components clean, performing tests to gauge the system’s efficiency, managing and monitoring both the hardware and software, and professional electrical inspections.
A word of caution though before you perform any sort of inspection or maintenance on your battery storage system; make sure to prioritise safety and handle the system with utmost caution and care. Always turn off the system before any maintenance tests and use proper protective gear including gloves and safety glasses to keep yourself safe from potential injuries.
As part of battery storage maintenance, all the components of the system must be inspected regularly for any issues. Visual inspections are basic inspections that check for any apparent physical issues such as damaged wires, loose connections, and corrosion. They do not require any special tools or equipment to be carried out and can be done by both professional electricians as well as the users of the system.
They also check for any visible signs of overheating such as swelling, cracks, discolouration, unusual odour, smoke, sparks, and excessive heat. Just keep in mind the safety precautions to take before conducting any sort of test.
Battery storage systems require regular cleaning to rid them of dust and debris buildup, which is a common problem leading to performance issues and inefficiencies. If left uncleaned, dust and debris can accumulate on the system components over time and lead to poor ventilation and overheating.
Keeping the batteries and all its components clean is an important part of its maintenance. All you need is a soft cloth to clean the external surface of the battery storage system. Avoid using any harsh cleaners or chemicals and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the various components. To do a more thorough cleaning of the components, you can use compressed air to get rid of any grime and residue.
While visual inspections and regular cleaning are essential for keeping the battery storage system in top shape, they also require professional inspections and testing to help identify potential issues that may be overlooked by the untrained eye. Professional electricians who have the required skills and expertise to work with different types of battery systems are hired to conduct a detailed inspection to ensure the safety, efficiency, and performance of the system.
This includes performance tests using special tools and equipment to measure the efficiency and integrity of the system. Some common tools used during these tests include multimeters, load testers, insulation resistance testers, and thermal imaging cameras. The main purpose of professional testing is to identify any issues that may cause the battery system to malfunction or not perform to its maximum potential. Corrective measures are then taken based on the findings of these tests.
Visual inspections and professional maintenance both play a crucial role in keeping the battery storage system running smoothly. They not only help identify potential issues but also give a detailed report on the health of the system as well as any corrective measures to take, including repairs and adjustments.
Minor issues such as loose connections and damaged wires can easily be fixed and must be done as soon as the issue is identified. Quick servicing and repairs contribute to the overall health of the system and add to the battery’s life. By promptly addressing the issues, they are prevented from turning into serious problems that may lead to inefficiencies as well as performance issues.
The primary goal of battery storage maintenance is to ensure the systems keep running smoothly. Regular inspections, cleaning, testing, and minor repairs all contribute to the system’s efficiency and add to its longevity. A good-performing and efficient system not only proves to be a reliable energy storage solution but also maximises your return on investment. An ill-maintained and faulty system may not perform the way it is intended to and can turn into a financial burden.
While maintenance is important for the health of battery storage systems, the frequency of maintenance is a key factor in how well your system will perform in the long run. Maintenance can be divided into three categories:
Visual inspections are done every month to check for any signs of wear and tear and the voltage and other parameters of the system are checked to ensure they are holding a proper charge.
Quarterly maintenance includes cleaning the battery system and its components to prevent corrosion and any dust and debris buildup. Annual maintenance includes a thorough inspection of the system and professional testing and maintenance to check for any potential issues.
Maintenance is an important part of protective measures taken to keep your battery system running smoothly. Following are a few extra measures you can take to maximise the efficiency and performance of the system:
Calder Electrical Services provides a wide range of solutions to help you play your part in making the world a more sustainable place.
If you wish to have solar panels installed on your residential or commercial property, our experts can conduct a site visit to determine your requirements and propose the best type of solar system for your needs.
We also offer battery storage installation so that you can minimise any wastage of the energy you create. This will help lower your energy bills and make you more independent from the grid.
We have been providing electrical services to residential, commercial, and industrial properties for over 40 years and are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations, maintenance, and testing.
All our work is fully insured and meets the current regulations and standards set by the NICEIC. Also, all the notifiable work is signed off by the local authorities.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 3001 to get in touch with our professional electricians for more information on battery storage maintenance and tips to keep your system running smoothly.
