CASE STUDIES

Optimising Battery Sizing for Maximum Efficiency with Monadelphous

CLIENT

Monadelphous

LOCATION

Greenbushes, Western Australia

APS Power worked closely with Monadelphous to integrate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for a trial period, that could reduce reliance on traditional generators and lower CO2 emissions.

CLIENT CHALLENGE

Monadelphous investigated flexible power solutions capable of adapting to increasing power requirements as site work ramps up. The trial aimed to understand the positive impacts that a hybrid power solution could provide.

SOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS

DAILY GENERATOR RUNTIME REDUCTION
0 HRS
AVOIDED IN A YEAR
~ 0 tCO₂-e
ANNUAL FUEL SAVINGS AT $2.20/L
$ K
POWER OUTAGES

OUR SOLUTION

102 kWh BESS,, with the generator operating in hybrid mode to power the site and recharge the battery.

APS Power provided a 102kWh battery as the primary power source, with the generator supplying additional power as needed. This trial demonstrated the battery system’s potential to reduce generator usage and deliver environmental benefits. As energy needs increased, the battery began cycling more frequently, highlighting that a larger capacity may be more suitable for sustained high-demand operations.

PROJECT OUTCOME

Key Takeaways

1. Optimised Efficiency through Proper Sizing: Generator run hours were reduced, providing both fuel savings and emissions reductions. A larger capacity BESS would have further supported this efficiency as demands grew.

2. Financial and Environmental Impact: The project delivered an estimated $54,000 in annual fuel savings, with the potential for even greater fuel efficiency and savings with a larger BESS unit.

3. Operational Stability: The BESS maintained stability throughout, with zero power outages, underscoring the solution’s reliability. Optimised sizing could further enhance longevity and reduce cycling.

4. Room for Scalability: Future-proofing through appropriate sizing supports increased demand while minimising generator dependency. This project demonstrated how a flexible approach can adapt to evolving needs.

5. Optimal Power Demand Management: The 102kWh BESS performs best with peak demands of 20-30kWh. If demand consistently exceeds this range, a larger BESS is recommended to reduce cycling times and reliance on generators, enhancing overall system stability and efficiency.

KEY OUTCOME

This collaboration with Monadelphous showcases the importance of matching battery size with current and anticipated site demands. While the P60 Max BESS achieved notable fuel and emissions savings, an optimised capacity would further enhance these benefits, especially as energy needs evolve. Companies can ensure efficient, sustainable, and scalable power solutions by aligning BESS capacity with operational demands.