When the Paris Agreement was put into effect in 2016, energy storage solutions for construction projects weren't a widespread priority. Few industrialized nations felt the impact of climate change. Eight years later, the economic impact of climate change is apparent. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's latest disaster report found 28 billion-dollar disasters occurred in the United States during 2023, six more than in 2022. The disasters, which took 492 lives, included the Lahaina fire on Maui, flooding in California, and heat waves across the central US.
The European Environment Agency reported that heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires have increased in the last decade, impacting the economic viability of some nations and threatening the health of many Europeans. Extreme weather accounted for 85,000 to 145,000 fatalities in the last 40 years, generating an economic loss of half a trillion euros.
As countries grapple with how to address climate change, companies are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint. They are investing in energy storage systems (ESS) that use renewable resources to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. They are looking to electrical engineers for energy storage solutions for construction projects.
Demand for Energy Storage Solutions
The Energy Storage Market is expected to reach $51.10 billion in 20241 and grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.31% through 2029. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are expected to dominate the market in combination with renewable energies such as wind and solar.
While companies are searching for ways to reduce their use of fossil fuels, they are also looking for solutions that can reduce energy costs, build resiliency, and increase efficiency:
- Reduce Energy Costs. When renewable energy sources produce more energy than needed, an ESS stores it for later use. During peak usage, systems draw power from the ESS rather than an electrical grid. Companies reduce their cost per kilowatt hour by avoiding peak usage rates. Depending on the infrastructure, excess energy can feed into an existing power grid.
- Build Resiliency. Energy storage solutions can minimize the impact of power fluctuations on operations. Climate-related power restrictions can be offset by stored energy systems. ESS allows businesses to disconnect from a utility grid without damage should a cyberattack compromise a utility grid.
- Increase Efficiency. An integrated ESS enables organizations to move seamlessly from one power source to another for 24/7 operations. Renewable energy storage solutions for electrical engineers help deliver greater operational efficiencies.
Leveraging ESS allows companies to reduce costs while delivering a reliable energy source. Businesses can avoid tapping the electrical grid during peak times and can build the resiliency needed for continuous operations.
Overview of Energy Storage Technologies
As the demand for energy storage systems2 grows, so does the search for storage technologies. Today, renewable energy storage solutions for electrical engineers include the following technologies:
· Batteries. Electrochemical storage systems rely on chemical reactions impacting the flow between positive and negative terminals. Many batteries use lithium-ion in conjunction with other chemicals such as nickel-cadmium and sodium-sulpher. Flow batteries use liquid electrolyte solutions to produce energy.
- Pumped hydroelectric. People have used hydroelectric power for centuries. Construction sites near large water reservoirs often use hydropower technology that cycles between two reservoirs, storing energy in the upper reservoir.
- Thermal. Heating or cooling a medium such as water or sand produces energy that can be stored for later use. For example, water is heated when power is available and is stored until needed.
- Compressed air. Compressing air generates heat, which systems can then store or use. Most compressed air solutions use thermal storage mediums.
Possible renewable energy storage solutions for electrical engineers also include supercapacitors and hydrogen.
How Electrical Engineers Influence ESS Selection
Electrical engineers have the task of finding and installing ESS for construction companies. They typically use the following process to find energy storage solutions for construction projects:
- Assess performance to ensure it meets project requirements.
- Conduct feasibility studies to verify compatibility with existing energy sources.
- Test the integration of the energy storage solution and electrical grid.
- Ensure the energy storage solutions for construction projects meet safety and regulatory requirements.
- Manage the solution, including replacing batteries, managing water reservoirs, or overseeing thermal medium.
As innovative technology grows more prevalent, renewable energy storage solutions for construction projects will increase in popularity.
Role of Electrical Systems in Construction
Technology has changed how electrical systems work. It has helped improve the reliability and efficiency of power generation and distribution. The Internet of Things (IoT) has allowed sensors to be deployed throughout an electrical network to detect fluctuations in supply and demand. Software can use data from sensors to connect or disconnect microgrids for better power distribution.
Energy management is only one facet of construction that technology has digitized. Other technologies, such as layout robots, ESS, and cable routing, have made construction safer and more efficient. Technology has also helped integrate multiple solutions for placing energy storage systems.
For example, layout robots can facilitate seamless integration and deployment of ESS. They can optimize the process for improved accuracy and project outcomes. However, integrating energy storage solutions in construction projects is not without its challenges.
ESS Challenges and Solutions in Construction
Cost
California has the most installed energy storage systems. The average cost of a storage system is $1,100 per kilowatt hour3 (kWh) or $14,299 for a 13-kWh storage system. The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for renewable energy conversions. Some state and local governments also provide incentives to lower the per-kilowatt-hour cost.
Other countries may offset some of the installation costs. When calculating the costs, the life-cycle savings should be included in the assessment. ESS can reduce the need to purchase energy during costly peak times and, where available, can feed energy into an electrical grid to offset energy expenditures. Assessing the true cost of ESS requires going beyond the initial investment.
Location
Space limitations, ground conditions, and temperature fluctuations also restrict the deployment of many ESS solutions. Access to the solution must be available for maintenance and repair. Fitting ESS components into confined spaces requires innovative design solutions that ensure performance.
Electrical engineers are needed at each construction phase. They can provide electrical drawings for ESS alongside architectural plans. They should test the solutions as construction progresses and as-built plans are finalized. Using layout solutions such as HP SitePrint layout robots lets electrical engineers deliver accurate drawings efficiently.
Technology
Integrating energy storage solutions into construction projects can be challenging. Electrical engineering expertise is needed to examine HVAC and electrical grids. Sometimes, incompatibility requires close collaboration with all parties to ensure the systems can operate seamlessly.
As the pressure for more sustainable energy solutions increases, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and improved storage mediums can facilitate the move towards a more sustainable future.
How HP SitePrint Can Help
Site printing layouts for energy storage systems can efficiently and cost-effectively reduce errors and improve outcomes. With the HP SitePrint layout robot, sustainable building becomes possible. Contact us for more information by clicking the form in the upper right-hand corner.
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