Feasibility Analysis & Functional Specification (BESS / Co-Gen )
Non-Utility BESS & Co-Gen Systems for the purposes of behind-the-meter demand offset to reduce GA charges is a concept that has only come to prominence in Ontario in the last couple of years. As a result, there are some misconceptions and a need for deeper understanding of various deployment strategies, as there are usually multiple tie-in approaches, immediate and long-term strategy, as well as potential impacts on customer's facility itself.
Consequently, a vast number of BESS & Co-Gen projects end up delayed or stalled due to various factors:
- Lack of clearly defined Deployment Strategy
- Different vendors offer different approaches (some more vague than others … )
- Tie-in Options/Cost may outweigh the benefits (Ride-through; Multiple Utility Metering points etc.)
- HONI, LDC and ESA approval could delay the Project (and associated payback), or denied altogether ….
- Lack of buy-in from the Upper Management due to too many unknowns (a process may not be clearly understood at all levels)
Number of Our clients have chosen a Proactive Approach to address these issues ahead of BESS / Co-Gen project itself, thereby significantly reducing project timeline and uncertainties, increasing customer's financial and operational benefits and expedite Management Approval to position the Project to be a truly successful endeavor.
PowerCore can assist the customer in defining an optimal strategy for BESS / Co-Gen deployment by reviewing a number of aspects:
- Facility load profiles and GA CP5 peaks.
- Long-term facility plans vs. Existing capacity vs. BESS scaling requirements.
- Existing Power Quality problems/concerns, determining if these can be addressed with BESS deployment or via other solutions
- Power Distribution System configuration for BESS tie in options, weighing Cost vs. Benefit vs. Long term scalability.
- BESS placement options in terms of space required, feeder lengths required, visual impact and facility's future expansion plans.
- Power distribution system tie-in options, considering the cost, space and downtime required.
- Transfer Trip requirements in terms of controls tie-in, trip time and reclose.
PowerCore’s final deliverable is “Functional Specification Package” to directly benefit the End User ( independent of the project Developer), which will define a clear plan for Management and all Stakeholders (could be used as part of a customer’s RFQ process):
- Optimal tie-in strategy
- Marked up top level Single Line Diagrams
- Physical Layouts
- Gantt Charts outlining project stages and milestones
- Authorities Approvals
- Risk Assessment
Benefits:
PowerCore will act on the customer’s behalf to interface with the Authorities to prepare for a successful BESS / Co-Gen Project Launch.
- File Connection Impact Assessment application with LDC and HONI
- File System Impact Assessment application with LDC and IESO
- File ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) Plan review application
- Liaison with AHJ ( Building, Fire, Sewer, etc.)
- Attend meetings with all BESS project stakeholders to outline optimal approach and deployment strategy.