Are mobile battery energy storage systems a viable alternative to diesel generators?

Mobile battery energy storage systems offer an alternative to diesel generators for temporary off-grid power. Alex Smith, co-founder and CTO of US-based provider Moxion Power looks at some of the technology’s many applications and scopes out its future market development.

What is a transportable energy storage system?

Referred to as transportable energy storage systems, MESSs are generally vehicle-mounted container battery systems equipped with standard-ized physical interfaces to allow for plug-and-play operation. Their transportation could be powered by a diesel engine or the energy from the batteries themselves.

Can mobile battery energy storage replace dirty generators?

More than 9,000 companies have pledged to halve global emissions by 2030. Fortunately, an innovative, cleaner solution is gaining traction to replace dirty generators: mobile battery energy storage systems (mobile BESS). Mobile BESS products provide mobile, temporary electricity wherever and whenever it’s needed.

How can mobile energy storage improve power grid resilience?

Improving power grid resilience can help mitigate the damages caused by these events. Mobile energy storage systems, classified as truck-mounted or towable battery storage systems, have recently been considered to enhance distribution grid resilience by providing localized support to critical loads during an outage.

Why is mobile energy storage better than stationary energy storage?

MESSs are not subject to the stochastic behavior and demand of electric vehicle drivers and do not require advanced communication infrastructure, smart meters, or interaction with electricity consumers. The primary advantage that mobile energy storage offers over stationary energy storage is flexibility.

What is mobile energy storage?

In addition to microgrid support, mobile energy storage can be used to transport energy from an available energy resource to the outage area if the outage is not widespread. A MESS can move outside the affected area, charge, and then travel back to deliver energy to a microgrid.