Business energy security is something that many companies can overlook, believing they have all they need from the main supply. But what happens when time is money and electricity halts production? Unplanned downtime costs Fortune 500 companies an estimated $1.4 trillion per year, meaning there is a need for planned prevention. But what can companies do? From AI-driven microgrids to off-grid hydrogen fuel cells, here are some ways to arbitrate energy.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Battery energy storage system (BESS) technology is one of the greatest advantages for commercial operations today. Using products like bipolar plates fuel cell tech, businesses can continue production during power cuts or unexpected blackouts. From a financial perspective, commercial ventures can also save money by leveraging stored technology when grid prices surge, making BESS tech among some of the most useful for operational efficiency today.
Smart Microgrids Embedded with AI
AI has many uses beyond automation and can essentially provide multiple operations that can enhance operational efficiency across the board, including better use of energy. Through digital twinning methods, AI systems can potentially provide the means for a site’s energy systems to run autonomously. A good example is analysing weather data to predict if it will impact energy supply, and redirect power systems before an incident occurs, all without human intervention.
Business Energy Security through IoT Prediction
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a massive advantage for modern businesses willing to embrace digital transformation. Rather than simply blending technology with architecture, the IoT, which is a vast web of interconnected devices such as controls and sensors, can be used to secure energy and use it more efficiently. For example, IoT sensors placed across various devices such as transformers, generators and HVAC can provide data for dynamic adjustments.
Off-Grid Hydrogen Energy Fuel Cells
Some business operations require off-grid energy supplies, especially if they have Net Zero policies. This is a major challenge, but it isn’t impossible. Hydrogen fuel cells are remarkably efficient at holding power and using it in a controlled manner. This can help you avoid needing power lines independent of the main grid but still meet specific policies, as hydrogen fuel cells can act as a resilient, localised generator with zero emissions that secures the required supply.
Heat and Power Cogeneration Systems
One of the most efficient sources of energy is through combined heat and power (CHP) systems, as the heat that is normally lost through energy production is captured and repurposed for heating systems or industrial processes. As such, energy efficiency can skyrocket well past 80%, which means lower rates of fuel and/or energy are needed. This has the obvious advantage of saving money, but it also protects your business from supply chain disruption.
Summary
Battery energy storage technology can help with business energy security by providing a reliable backup system. Modern businesses can also rely on IoT systems that can divert energy dynamically, and energy efficiency can be vastly improved with heat and power cogeneration systems that repurpose the heat generated through energy production to systems like heating.
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