Osprey charging unveils BESS for EV charging

Rapid EV chargepoint operator Osprey Charging recently installed its first battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Lamb & Flag charging station in Abergavenny1, a move designed to boost capacity and reduce reliance on the local electricity network. This development highlights the growing importance of BESS technology in supporting electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. For UK homeowners, integrating a BESS with home EV charging can offer similar benefits, from cutting costs to increasing energy independence. This guide explores how BESS works for residential use, detailing the practical steps and advantages of taking control of your home energy.

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What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

A BESS is essentially a sophisticated battery setup designed to store electricity for later use. Think of it as a personal energy bank for your home. These systems typically use advanced battery technologies, most commonly lithium-ion, to hold electrical energy.

Defining BESS for home use

For homeowners, a BESS allows you to capture electricity from the grid when it is cheapest, or from your own solar panels when they are generating surplus power. You can then use this stored energy to power your home or charge your EV at times when electricity prices are higher, or when your solar panels are not producing. This intelligent management helps reduce your reliance on the grid during peak demand periods.

How BESS works with electric vehicle charging

When integrated with EV charging, a BESS acts as a buffer between your vehicle and the main electricity grid. Instead of drawing all the power directly from the grid every time you plug in your EV, especially during peak hours, the BESS can supply a portion or even all of the required energy. This is particularly beneficial for rapid charging, which can place significant demand on your home's electricity supply.

Osprey Charging's recent installation at its Lamb & Flag charging station in Abergavenny supports three 75kW rapid chargepoints. The company will use its proprietary Iris software to monitor the battery's performance, especially given the site's low-voltage grid connection. Marcus Lewis, Osprey's head of development, stated: "We know there are significant benefits to integrating battery storage with rapid EV charging, allowing us to fine tune our grid connections whilst delivering the ultra-rapid charging and market-leading Osprey experience customers expect." He added: "This isn’t a PR stunt. Our trial sites will equip us with crucial analysis and guide the rollout to come." This commercial application demonstrates the core principle: BESS can fine-tune grid connections while delivering high-power charging.

Key benefits for UK homeowners

For UK homeowners with electric vehicles, integrating a BESS offers several compelling advantages, from financial savings to greater energy autonomy.

Maximising cost savings with smart charging

One of the most attractive benefits of a home BESS is the potential for significant cost savings. Many energy suppliers offer time-of-use (TOU) tariffs, which charge different rates for electricity depending on the time of day. Electricity is typically cheaper during off-peak hours, often overnight, and more expensive during peak demand periods in the morning and evening.

With a BESS, you can charge your battery when electricity rates are at their lowest and then use that stored, cheaper energy to charge your EV or power your home during expensive peak times. This strategy, known as "load shifting," allows you to arbitrage electricity prices, effectively reducing your overall energy bill. Pairing this with a smart meter installation can give you even greater insight into your usage.

Enhancing energy independence and resilience

A BESS provides a degree of energy independence, giving you more control over your household's power supply. It reduces your reliance on the National Grid, particularly during periods of high demand or potential outages. This enhanced resilience means your EV can still charge, and essential home appliances can remain powered, even if there is a disruption to the main grid.

Optimising renewable energy self-consumption

If you have solar panels installed, a BESS becomes even more valuable. Solar energy generated during the day can be stored in your battery system instead of being exported to the grid for a low rate. You can then use this stored solar power to charge your EV at night or whenever needed, maximising your self-consumption of renewable energy and further reducing your electricity purchases from the grid. This not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. Learn more about solar panel installation in the UK.

Integrating BESS with your home EV charger

Bringing a BESS into your home energy setup, especially with an EV charger, involves ensuring compatibility and leveraging smart technology.

Compatibility with existing EV charging infrastructure

Most modern home EV chargers can integrate with a BESS, but it is crucial to check the specifications of your existing charger and the proposed battery system. The goal is to create a cohesive system where the BESS can efficiently supply power to your EV charger. This often involves the charger, battery, and any solar photovoltaic (PV) system communicating effectively. Understanding the cost of EV charger installation can also help in planning your setup.

The role of energy management systems

Intelligent energy management systems (EMS) are the brains behind an optimised BESS and EV charging setup. An EMS manages and optimises energy consumption and storage by using real-time data from your home, your EV charger, and the electricity grid. It determines when to charge the battery, when to discharge it, and how to best allocate power to your EV or home appliances, often taking into account electricity prices and availability.

Palmer Energy Technology, who partnered with Osprey Charging on their Abergavenny BESS installation, highlighted the importance of these systems. Peter Freedman, their Chief Commercial Officer, stated: "By utilising our intelligent BMS and energy management system (EMS) we are able to optimise the performance of the BESS in real-time, alongside maximising usable capacity and improving system efficiency for Osprey."

Practical considerations for installation

Before diving into a BESS installation, UK homeowners need to consider several practical aspects, from your home's existing infrastructure to regulatory requirements.

Assessing your home's grid connection

Your home's existing grid connection is a key factor. While a BESS can reduce reliance on the grid, it still needs to connect to it for charging and, potentially, for exporting surplus energy. It is important to assess your current grid capacity to ensure it can handle the demands of a BESS and EV charging.

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References

1. EV Infrastructure News. UK CPO Osprey Charging unveils BESS at public charging site