The Challenge

Big Shine Energy, an MEPC firm specializing in energy solutions, needed an energy storage system for a truck part supplier located in Texas. A 633.60 kW PV array was already installed when the transmission and distribution utility, Oncor, issued a last-minute non-exporting requirement for the system. In response, Big Shine Energy needed to procure an energy storage system in short order to comply with this unexpected requirement and find an intelligent energy management system capable of maintaining system compliance and operating in islanding mode to form a microgrid during grid outages. The primary strategy for the system was to maximize PV self-consumption by charging the battery during the day and discharging at night or when needed.

The Solution

Big Shine Energy turned to Energy Toolbase to help meet its site’s needs for an energy storage system and intelligent controls. Energy Toolbase quickly procured a Socomec HES L 250 kW / 558 kWh energy storage system to install in conjunction with the site’s PV array. The battery system was integrated with ETB Controller with Acumen AI™ to control the charge and discharge cycles and to initiate islanding mode to transition the system to a microgrid during grid outages. With ETB Controller, the battery system can maximize PV self-consumption by preventing backfeed, controlling power spikes, and maximizing the site’s ability to utilize its PV generation. Real-time monitoring is provided by ETB Monitor, enabling immediate actionable insights into system performance and giving oversight of the microgrid’s status.