Figure 1: A simplified project single line showing both a battery energy storage system (BESS) and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The UPS only feeds critical loads, never losing power.
While the BESS can start up quickly, it is not instant and there will be a brief voltage supply disruption during startup. As a precaution, the system will require a separate UPS to power sensitive or critical components, potentially including the controller for the BESS.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). And oftentimes not only a single generator and UPS, but multiple layers of redundant infrastructure. What is a UPS? A UPS is a device that detects a disturbance in the normal power source and automatically supplements the loss of power with the energy stored in the system.
UPS systems are cheaper upfront. But their batteries wear out faster and aren't designed for daily use. BESS systems are more expensive initially, but they offer long-term savings through energy arbitrage, grid incentives, and durability (especially with lithium iron phosphate batteries). Which One Should You Choose?
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