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Smart Devices Against Grid Congestion
In a recent publication by TNO, "The Role of Smart Devices in Grid Congestion on the Low-Voltage Grid: An Analysis of Flexibility Options, Interoperability, and Policy Choices," it is highlighted that grid congestion, or the overload of the electricity grid, is an increasingly urgent problem, especially during peak loads. TNO emphasizes that, to effectively address this issue, coordination between smart devices is often necessary. And this is exactly where an Energy Management System (EMS) plays a key role for businesses and organizations.
Why is an EMS essential?
An EMS provides businesses with the ability to manage and adjust their energy consumption and generation efficiently within the limits of the electricity grid. The system coordinates the interaction between various energy-flexible devices, such as solar panels, heat pumps, charging stations, and battery storage systems, ensuring they operate optimally without overloading the grid. This means that an EMS not only optimizes energy consumption within an organization but also helps prevent grid congestion, which is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for energy.
TNO's Recommendations and the Role of EMS
The TNO publication specifically points to the need for coordination between smart devices behind the company’s connection to the grid. As mentioned, this coordination is often realized through an EMS. TNO even emphasizes that "for many potential incentives, coordination between smart devices behind the connection is needed, where an EMS is the best option." This means that an EMS not only ensures efficient energy distribution but also prevents devices from interfering with each other or unintentionally consuming energy during periods of grid congestion. This is especially relevant for companies that use multiple flexible devices, such as charging stations and storage batteries.
The Benefits of an EMS
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OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION
An EMS ensures efficient alignment of energy consumption within the company. It allows for prioritization, for example, by first using solar energy to charge electric vehicles before drawing energy from the grid. This not only helps the company save costs but also contributes to more sustainable energy consumption.
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PREVENTION OF GRID CONGESTIOn
Grid congestion can lead to overloads on the electricity grid, potentially causing power outages. By implementing an EMS, businesses can actively help prevent grid congestion by directing their energy consumption based on the current load on the grid. This ensures not only a stable energy supply but also prevents unnecessary costs caused by overload. -
FUTURE-PROOFING AND INTEROPERABILITy
Using an EMS gives businesses the ability to prepare for the future. The TNO report highlights the importance of an open and interoperable communication protocol for grid-intensive devices. This prevents businesses from becoming dependent on specific technologies or suppliers, which could make them vulnerable to obsolescence or lock-ins. An EMS offers the flexibility to easily integrate new devices and technologies without businesses worrying about compatibility or system obsolescence. -
INCREASED CONTROL AND FLEXIBILITY
By using an EMS, companies gain greater control over their energy consumption. The system allows for automatic responses to fluctuations in energy prices or grid load, ensuring the consumption of different devices is balanced. For example, it can help avoid peak loads and optimize energy consumption when the grid is less congested.
The Practical Value of an EMS
Imagine a company that charges multiple electric vehicles, uses a heat pump for heating and cooling, and has a battery storage system. Each of these devices can affect the grid load. Without an EMS, it can be challenging to coordinate which device is active when, potentially leading to grid overload or inefficient energy consumption. This can result not only in higher costs but also in unreliable energy supply. With an EMS, all these devices can be effectively coordinated. The system can, for instance, determine that the energy consumption of the heat pump is temporarily reduced to make room for vehicle charging, while the battery is charged during off-peak hours to prevent grid congestion. This results in smoother operation for the company while also helping to alleviate the burden on the electricity grid.
Why Wait? The Time for an EMS is Now
As TNO points out, businesses will increasingly face the challenge of grid congestion in the future. The use of an EMS not only offers a solution to this challenge but also enables businesses to optimize their energy consumption, contributing to more sustainable energy usage. By investing in an EMS, companies can prepare for the future, benefiting from all the advantages this system offers, from cost savings to increased control over energy consumption.
With the growing challenges in energy management and the pressure on the electricity grid, companies that want to use energy more efficiently no longer need to ask if they need an EMS, but when.