The Benefits of Battery Energy Storage Systems in Disaster Relief
In the wake of disasters, the importance of reliable and uninterrupted power cannot be overstated. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) offer a resilient solution for disaster relief. Disasters often lead to grid failures, fuel shortages, and other significant disruptions to traditional power sources. In these scenarios, the stakes are high: hospitals, emergency services, and communication networks rely on consistent power to function effectively. Without a reliable power supply, the ability to save lives, coordinate relief efforts, and maintain order is severely compromised.
POWRBANK Battery Energy Storage Systems for Disaster Relief
POWRBANK battery energy storage systems are portable and can be quickly deployed for use in disaster relief. POWRBANKs are commonly used in remote, off-grid locations as a primary source of power or a backup for extra reassurance. Having multiple power sources ensures continuity in operations, reducing the risk of critical systems failing. The POWRBANK maximizes the use of battery power for the electrical load by automatically switching between diesel or renewable generators and POWRBANK stored energy. The result is seamless and sustainable energy for remote locations or in areas where grid power is no longer available.
The POWRBANK has many benefits for disaster relief applications, including:
- Rapid deployment and mobility: In disasters, critical power must be established as quickly as possible for emergency services to set up operations such as medical tents, emergency housing, command centers, and pumping stations. When time is of the essence, having a system that can be rapidly set up and put into operation is invaluable. Portable POWRBANKs are designed for swift deployment and can easily be transported on a trailer wherever temporary power is needed.
- Grid independence: In the aftermath of a disaster, when traditional power sources are often unavailable or unreliable, the ability to deploy a portable and self-sufficient power system can be a lifeline. Battery energy storage systems like the POWRBANK can function independently of the grid, ensuring that critical infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency services, and communication networks remain operational even in the most challenging conditions.
- Scalability: The dynamic nature of disaster relief operations requires power solutions that can adapt to varying demands. Battery energy storage systems offer unparalleled scalability, allowing them to be tailored to the specific needs of any situation. Whether it’s powering a small medical tent or an entire command center, systems like the POWRBANK can scale their power output to meet the requirements at hand.
- Low maintenance: Unlike diesel generators, POWRBANK battery energy storage systems are virtually maintenance-free in the field. The only maintenance required is placing the BESS on a trickle charger when it is in storage and changing the air filter as needed.
- Integration with Renewables: The POWRBANK seamlessly pairs with solar, wind, and evolving technologies like fuel cells, hydrogen engines, and other renewables, helping governments and disaster relief organizations meet their sustainability goals.
- Quiet and Clean Operations: When used with a diesel generator, the POWRBANK can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% while providing less fuel usage, fewer maintenance cycles, and silent power. When paired with renewable energy sources, the POWRBANK can provide a 100% zero-emission solution.
- Remote Monitoring & Control: POWRBANKs can be controlled effortlessly from anywhere, without the need for on-site visits. The POWRBANK’s intelligent control module, ADVANTAGE, provides the flexibility to monitor and control the system even in remote locations. Users can track the state of charge, load statistics, health status, and receive immediate alerts. ADVANTAGE Firewall and AWS security offers safe data storage and processing for added peace of mind.
Reliable and proven power when you need it most
In disaster response, reliable power is vital and ensures continuity in operations, reducing the risk of critical systems failing when we can least afford it. The reliability of POWRBANK battery energy storage systems is well-proven. Assembled in the United States, the POWRBANK is in use in more than 20 countries across the globe. Here are some examples of the POWRBANK providing dependable, clean power in off-grid situations:
BWI Airport project: POWR2 partnered with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for a long-term project at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to produce reliable, off-grid power. Two solar chargers were added to the POWRBANK, enabling the addition of a unique solar skid system developed by Whiting-Turner to power their temporary office trailer with renewable energy. This setup provided uninterrupted power to lights, security systems, and HVAC systems for the triple-wide trailer 24/7, while reducing noise and CO2 emissions. Over one year, the generator ran for only 187 hours compared to the usual continuous operation. The setup resulted in:
- 94.6% reduction in generator engine runtime
- 11,357 gallons of fuel saved ($56,787 in fuel cost savings)
- 254,851 lbs of CO2 emissions avoided
Remote potato field: CSS Farms in Bliss, NY, used the POWRBANK to power an off-grid irrigation system for their potato field. Previously, a team member had to transport and operate a diesel generator daily. With the POWRBANK and a portable solar trailer, they could remotely activate and deactivate the inverters, saving nearly half a day’s labor per field. The power from the solar panels serves as the main source for the load, while the POWRBANK provides clean energy in times of no or low solar irradiance. The POWRBANK ensures that CSS Farms has the power needed while relieving the need for a team member to make a trip to the site.