DEMAND Project: A Peak Load Shaving Strategy for End-User Consumers

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming increasingly widespread in modern power systems, thanks to the important benefits they can provide to the electricity grid. Indeed, BESS can be used in time shifting applications, storing energy during off-peak periods and discharging during peak times (when the cost of electricity is high). When BESS are used for peak shaving purposes, they also contribute to relieve peak demand charges, thus ensuring a saving for the consumers. This paper describes a peak load shaving strategy defined within the DEMAND project. The strategy is able to guarantee the flattest daily power diagram and the maximum benefit for the electricity consumers, reducing both the energy and the power component of the electricity bill. As a further alternative, the consumer can choose to participate in a flexibility program, under the DEMAND project, by making available energy capacities, exploiting the charging/discharging capability of the BESS.