Designing Elements of Utility Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
22 - 26 September 2025
Sandton City Tower
Johannesburg South Africa
Cost per Delegate
R21,999.00
Introduction
This course will provide in-depth knowledge of battery energy storage systems for utility applications. It covers various battery technologies, their applications, and key design parameters. Attendees will learn how to design, size, and manage BESS systems, with a focus on optimization for grid support, peak shaving, load balancing, and renewable integration.
The course also covers economic considerations, safety standards, and environmental impacts. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will gain hands-on experience in designing effective BESS systems.
This course outline balances the technical aspects and practical considerations of BESS design, ensuring participants can apply their knowledge in real-world utility-scale projects
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Objectives:
• To understand the key components and technologies involved in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• To equip participants with the skills needed to design and optimize BESS for utility-scale applications.
• To explore the various battery technologies and their performance parameters.
• To learn how to model, simulate, and evaluate the performance of energy storage systems.
• To provide knowledge on the safety, regulatory, and environmental aspects of BESS design.
Who Should Attend?
• Electrical engineers interested in renewable energy and power system design.
• Utility engineers and system operators managing or integrating BESS.
• Project managers and consultants involved in energy storage projects.
• Technical professionals in the power and energy sectors.
• Decision-makers looking to understand the benefits and risks of utility-scale battery energy storage.
Course Outline
1. Introduction to Energy Storage Systems
• Overview of Energy Storage in the Utility Sector
• Types of Energy Storage Systems
• Importance of BESS in Modern Grids
• Applications of BESS (Renewable Integration, Peak Shaving, Grid Stabilization)
2. Battery Technologies for Utility Storage
• Lithium-ion Batteries
• Flow Batteries
• Lead-Acid Batteries
• Sodium-Sulfur and Other Emerging Technologies
• Comparative Analysis: Energy Density, Cost, Efficiency, Lifetime
3. Key Design Parameters of Battery Systems
• Capacity (kWh) – Energy storage capacity and duration
• Power (kW) – Power output, energy to power ratio
• Depth of Discharge (DoD) – How much of the battery capacity is usable
• Round-Trip Efficiency – System efficiency from charging to discharging
• Cycle Life – Number of charge/discharge cycles before capacity degrades
• State of Charge (SoC) – Monitoring and maintaining battery health
• Battery Chemistry – Selection based on application needs
• Thermal Management – Cooling systems to ensure safe operation
• C-Rates – Charge and discharge rates
4. System Sizing and Optimization
• Load Profile Analysis
• Sizing for Peak Demand Management
• Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid Systems
• Energy Storage Capacity Sizing
• Determining Power Output Requirements
• Energy-to-Power Ratios for Utility Systems
5. BESS Components
• Battery Modules and Packs
• Power Conversion Systems (PCS): Inverters and Converters
• Battery Management Systems (BMS)
• Transformers, Switchgear, and Protection Equipment
• Monitoring and Control Systems
6. Safety and Compliance Standards
• Safety Concerns in BESS (Thermal Runaway, Short Circuit)
• National and International Standards (UL, IEC, NFPA)
• Fire Suppression Systems
• Hazard Mitigation and Risk Assessment
• Regulatory Requirements
7. Integration with the Grid
• Interconnection Requirements
• Grid Frequency and Voltage Regulation
• Ancillary Services (Spinning Reserve, Black Start)
• Communication Protocols for Grid Integration
• Islanding and Microgrid Capabilities
8. Energy Storage Economics
• Capital Costs of Battery Systems
• Operational and Maintenance Costs
• Lifespan and ROI Analysis
• Financing Models and Incentives
• Regulatory Policies Affecting BESS
9. System Control and Monitoring
• BMS Functionality and Data Collection
• Remote Monitoring Systems
• Predictive Maintenance and Performance Optimization
• Real-Time Data Analytics for System Health
10. Case Studies and Future Trends
• Real-world Utility BESS Installations
• Emerging Technologies and Research in Energy Storage
• The Role of BESS in Decarbonization and Grid Modernization
• Future of Battery Technology: Solid-State Batteries, Second-Life Batteries
Final Project:
Participants will design a utility-scale battery energy storage system tailored to specific grid requirements. They will present a comprehensive design, including system sizing, component selection, cost analysis, and integration with the grid.
End of the Workshop
For Training arrangements call us on the detail below
TANZANIA: +255 749 50 26 78
SOUTH AFRICA: +27 694 31 79 73
KENYA: +255 749 50 26 78
DUBAI: +27 694 31 79 73
