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Home My WebLink About15. Bomber Heights-Storage_FAQ 0.1What Is Energy Storage? Energy Storage Systems are electrical devices that have the ability to store energy from the electric grid and/or renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, to be used at a later time when the power is needed most by a local electricity user or the regional electric grid. Energy Storage technologies are essential to accelerating the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy and improving the aging grid infrastructure across the United States. Lithium-ion battery- based technologies are the predominant energy storage technology used today in the United States and across the globe. Why Is Energy Storage Important? Energy storage fundamentally improves the way we generate, deliver, and consume electricity. The key benefits of deploying energy storage technologies are: Reduced Risk of Power Outages: Today’s electricity grid is increasingly vulnerable due to impacts from climate change, load growth from increased electrification, and global energy supply. Clean Energy Integration and Energy Independence: Energy storage systems help the grid to integrate locally produced, clean, renewable energy while offsetting the need for polluting fossil fuels. These systems allow for renewable energy to be shifted and utilized during peak periods when demand is at its highest, enabling more clean energy development. Saving Consumers Money: When electricity demand goes up, and traditional sources of energy are not able to keep up, the price of electricity rises as additional, more expensive resources are deployed to meet the demand. These charges are known as “time-of-use” or “peak” prices. Energy storage systems provide ready-to-use energy that can be scheduled to help consumers avoid using electricity during peak periods at surged prices driven by a reliance on fossil fuels. Economy and Jobs: The development of energy storage systems is generating thousands of U.S. jobs per year, including local jobs for construction and long-term operations and maintenance of these projects. Please Reach Out For More Information Please visit nexamp.com or email our team at storage@nexamp.com. Please Reach Out For More Information Please visit nexamp.com or email our team at storage@nexamp.com. How Does Energy Storage Work? Energy storage systems work by charging from the grid and/or a renewable energy source (e.g., solar, wind, etc.), storing that energy for later use, and then discharging it to serve the load or the needs of the electric grid. When electricity prices are low, typically in the late evening or early morning, energy storage systems draw energy from the grid to charge. When electricity prices are high, typically in the afternoon or early evening, systems discharge and send electricity back to the grid. When paired with renewable energy, the systems draw energy in the middle of the day when solar energy production is at its highest and then discharge this energy during the higher usage time periods. This helps electricity providers balance electricity supply and demand in real-time while also reducing pollution and emissions on the grid. As the market currently stands, the vast majority of energy storage projects are lithium-ion-based battery solutions. However, there are various lithium-ion battery chemistries that exist in the market, with Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) being the most prevalent types of lithium-ion batteries used for stationary energy storage systems. Nexamp primarily utilizes LFP-based energy storage systems. The LFP battery chemistry is preferred for several reasons, most importantly because the chemistry is safer than NMC and other lithium-ion chemistries. LFP battery cells are more stable and have a higher resistance to heat, making them less prone to thermal runaway. Other factors like increased battery cycle life are also considered when choosing an energy storage technology. While lithium-ion is the dominant energy storage technology, other technologies such as flow batteries, zinc-bromide, zinc-air, compressed air, flywheel, and others continue to be developed as emerging technology options. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the preferred technology when balancing safety, performance history and track record, commercial viability, and technological advancements. What Standards and Best Practices Are There for Safety? Energy storage systems are held to a high degree of safety through national codes and standards. Technology providers undergo strict testing and approval processes prior to deploying a product on the market. Energy storage products are held to the following standards, certifications, and testing protocols: Codes • International Fire Code (IFC): IFC 2018/2021 • National Electrical Code (NEC): NEC 2020 Standards • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) • NFPA 68 (Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting) • NFPA 69 (Explosion Prevention Systems) • NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) • NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm and Signaling) • NFPA 855 (Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems) Certifications • Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL): • UL 1642 (Battery Cell) • UL 1973 (Battery Module/Rack) • UL 9540 (Entire Energy Storage System) • UL 9540A 4th Edition (Thermal runaway testing of the battery cell, module, and unit) • United Nations (UN): UN 38.3 (Testing) The certifications and testing included above are conducted and accredited by independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) that are OSHA-recognized (U.S.-based). A typical energy storage system has the following safety features and protection systems: • Fire protection • Explosion protection • Temperature, voltage, and current sensors • Emergency stops/electric isolation – remote and manual (local) capabilities • Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controls and monitoring systems • Fault detection and correction action • Thermal management system (Air or liquid-cooled systems) • Environmentally rated enclosure Alarm systems and system data are captured at Nexamp’s Network Operating Center (NOC) and are monitored 24/7.. Please Reach Out For More Information Please visit nexamp.com or email our team at storage@nexamp.com. What Are the Risks of Energy Storage? Energy storage systems are designed for a high level of safety and performance to prevent a system malfunction from turning into an event requiring support from local first responders. While the risk of fire is low, it is important to consider the risk factors of energy storage. Energy storage systems are high-voltage electrical equipment. As with any equipment utilizing electricity, there is a risk of fire. One of the main risk factors is thermal runaway, which is when batteries overheat, and the system’s thermal management system is not able to control the increase in temperature. In extreme circumstances, this can result in a deflagration or fire. Systems designed in accordance with NFPA 855, which in turn requires compliance with UL 9540 and testing to UL 9540A, have mitigations in place to limit and contain the spread of a fire to a single battery cell or module within an energy storage system container. Recent energy storage safety incidents have demonstrated that system performance in an extreme situation has met what was expected in the laboratory setting, with fire being contained and not spreading to other energy storage containers or structures nearby. What Is Nexamp’s Safety Record? Nexamp is proud to share that it has had zero energy storage safety incidents across its operational and in-construction (~190 MWh) energy storage portfolio. Nexamp strives for high quality and performance from our energy storage assets and maintains safety as a core priority for every project from inception to completion (end of equipment life and decommissioning). Safety is at the core of Nexamp’s hardware and software selection, integration, and operation. Nexamp procures equipment from Tier-1 manufacturers and service providers with reliable products and services. Beyond procurement due diligence, Nexamp ensures that its energy storage projects meet and exceed applicable energy storage codes (building, electric, and fire) with a thorough design process that aligns with local, state, and federal codes. In addition to adhering to codes and standards, Nexamp seeks to align with industry best practices that often exceed the existing code. An important feature of Nexamp’s plan for safety is its Energy Storage Emergency Response Program (ESERP). The Nexamp ESERP addresses key stages in development, construction, commissioning, and operations and involves key stakeholders such as nearby communities, fire departments, emergency services, and town representatives. Nexamp strives to continuously improve its safety standards and serve as a leader in setting industry best practices. Please Reach Out For More Information Please visit nexamp.com or email our team at storage@nexamp.com. Who Oversees the Development of Energy Storage Projects? Nexamp is the developer, builder, owner, and operator of these projects. As such, we are a long- term partner with landowners, customers, and the community and are ultimately responsible for the successful development and deployment of energy storage. On top of addressing all design, operational, safety, and environmental aspects of the project, Nexamp will also work with key approval authorities to receive all required permits and approvals. These include; • Utility Interconnection – An agreement with the utility to connect the system to the electric grid to charge and discharge electricity. • Town Agency Review – Nexamp will work with the local Town and approval authorities for all required permits and will perform community outreach to answer any questions or concerns from abutters and other residents. Some of these approvals include Fire Departments and Environmental Agencies. • State Agencies – Depending on the project, Nexamp will work with State Agencies for either approval processes or to file required documentation to participate in state environmental or incentive programs. Please Reach Out For More Information Please visit nexamp.com or email our team at storage@nexamp.com. Battery Module Environmentally rated battery enclosure Emergency Stop Buttons Thermal Management System (HVAC or Liquid Cooled Chiller) Anatomy of a Battery System Please Reach Out For More Information Please visit nexamp.com or email our team at storage@nexamp.com. BMS & Safety Sensors Fire Alarm & Strobe Transformer, DC/AC Inverter and Electrical Equipment Energy Management System and Control Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Environmentally rated battery enclosureEnvironmentally rated battery enclosure Anatomy of a Battery System The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.