What is peak shaving? How companies can benefit from peak shaving.
Peak shaving is an energy concept that aims to reduce the peak loads in a power grid. This is achieved by reducing energy consumption at times of high demand, which in turn results in lower energy costs. To be effective, peak shaving requires both a technological infrastructure and targeted planning.
Battery storage systems support a stable power supply
How does peak shaving work?
Peak shaving reduces energy consumption at peak times. This is achieved, for example, by using battery storage systems that release previously stored energy when demand is high. Another effective means is the use of photovoltaic systems that provide solar power to cover peak loads without having to draw additional electricity from the grid. Furthermore, load management systems can be integrated in order to automatically reduce or switch off non-essential loads such as air conditioning systems or lighting whenever high demand peaks are predicted.
Peak shaving and load shift
Both peak shaving and load shifting have the goal of reducing energy costs and improving grid stability. However, the concepts have different approaches. Peak shaving focuses on reducing the maximum peak load by having loads either reduce their energy demand during peak times or supplying them with alternative energy sources. Load shifting, on the other hand, involves moving the operation of energy-intensive machines to the night when electricity prices are lower. These strategies can complement each other, but require different technologies and approaches.
Photovoltaic systems play a central role in peak shaving
Respond to energy requirements with PV systems and battery storage systems
In order to respond to fluctuating energy requirements, photovoltaic systems and battery storage systems play a central role in peak shaving. Photovoltaic systems use solar power, which reduces dependency on the power grid and the associated costs. Battery storage systems perfectly supplement photovoltaic systems by storing excess energy and releasing it when necessary. This enables a continuous and stable power supply.
Companies can achieve maximum efficiency by integrating intelligent energy management systems. Such systems optimize the charging and discharging process of the batteries, as well as the power generation of photovoltaic systems.
The advantages of peak shaving
One of the main advantages is the cost savings, as the maximum energy procurement costs are reduced by reducing the peak loads. Furthermore, by optimizing energy consumption and eliminating unnecessary loads, the energy efficiency is increased.
Another advantage is the improvement of grid stability: peak loads are reduced and the load on the power grid is reduced. When demand is high, this relief is important in avoiding power outages.
In addition, integrating renewable energies is the way forward. The use of photovoltaic systems and battery storage systems contributes to reducing carbon emissions and achieving environmental targets.
An analysis of energy consumption is the first step
Application and implementation
The company is implementing peak shaving in several clearly defined steps. In order to identify peak times and potential savings, a detailed analysis of the energy consumption is to be carried out first. In the next step, the technical infrastructure will be evaluated and, if necessary, adjusted. In order to respond flexibly to changes in energy requirements, battery storage systems, photovoltaic systems, and load management systems can be integrated.
Furthermore, it is important to implement suitable software solutions. Process data is collected in real time so that measures for peak shaving measures can be introduced automatically. Following the technical implementation, a test run is taken. This ensures that all components work together smoothly and that the desired effects are achieved. Finally, in order to continuously improve the system based on the collected data and to maximize efficiency, continuous monitoring and optimization measures are performed.
Summary
Companies that implement peak shaving can achieve significant energy cost savings. Furthermore, peak shaving increases grid stability by reducing the load on the power grid at times of high demand, which minimizes the risk of grid overloads and power failures. In addition, peak shaving supports the integration and use of renewable energy.
In the long term, peak shaving also enables the development of ecologically and economically sustainable business models. Peak shaving is therefore a useful method for both reducing operating costs and making a positive contribution to environmental protection.
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