Grid-Connected Battery Energy Storage System 

The Grid-Connected BESS is a fully functional battery energy storage lab system that simulates real-time grid interaction, renewable buffering, and demand-side energy control. It enables experimentation on peak shaving, frequency response, and bidirectional energy exchange. The system combines a battery bank, inverter, smart controller, and energy monitoring software to form a modular and programmable BESS ideal for both educational and pilot-scale smart grid implementations. 

Key Features

  • Bidirectional Inverter with Grid Synchronization
    Allows both charging and discharging of the battery bank depending on grid conditions or control logic. Capable of seamless synchronization with the utility grid to either import or export power. Supports grid-tied and standalone operational modes for versatile experimentation.
  • Real-Time Monitoring and Control Interface (LabVIEW-Based)
    Visual display of battery voltage, current, power, and State of Charge (SoC). Includes real-time energy flow direction indicators and cycle tracking. Built-in alarms and event logs for fault conditions.
  • Programmable Charge/Discharge Scheduling
    Enables time-of-day energy cycling to simulate time-of-use pricing or grid congestion scenarios. Charge/discharge cycles can be predefined based on grid availability, load demand, or renewable input levels. Supports integration with programmable timers and external controllers.
  • Renewable Energy Source Compatibility
    Interfaces with Solar PV Emulators and Wind Emulators to mimic real-time renewable generation. Allows experiments on energy smoothing, intermittency mitigation, and renewable buffering. Supports hybrid energy system research with DC and AC sources.
  • Built-In Safety and Protection Mechanisms
    Features overvoltage, undervoltage, short-circuit, and over-temperature protection. Includes isolation switches, emergency stop buttons, and grounding safety compliance. Relay-based disconnection logic and real-time fault indication
  • Grid Interaction and Export/Import Control
    Real-time control over when and how much power is sent to or drawn from the grid. Includes anti-islanding detection for safe disconnection during outages. Suitable for simulation of smart home, EV charging, or utility-scale dispatch scenarios.
  • Data Logging and Research-Ready Output
    All data parameters are continuously logged with timestamped records. Data can be exported in CSV format for offline analysis. Graph plotting and cycle efficiency studies can be conducted directly via the GUI.

Learning Module 

System Operation and Real-Time Control

  • Understand bidirectional power flow and grid synchronization using a programmable inverter.

  • Monitor battery voltage, current, power, and State of Charge (SoC) via a LabVIEW-based interface.

  • Analyze real-time energy flow direction, cycle tracking, and fault alerts through interactive controls.

  • Practice scheduling charge/discharge cycles based on time-of-use pricing or grid conditions.

Integration with Grid and Renewable Systems

  • Study how BESS interacts with the utility grid for energy import/export and frequency response.

  • Explore grid-tied and standalone operation modes with anti-islanding safety features.

  • Interface with solar PV and wind emulators to simulate renewable generation and storage buffering.

  • Conduct experiments on energy smoothing, intermittency mitigation, and hybrid system operation.

Research Applications and Data Analysis

  • Log all operational data (voltage, current, SoC, power) with timestamped records for offline analysis.

  • Perform cycle efficiency studies and battery performance evaluations under varying grid dynamics.

  • Apply the system in smart grid research, microgrid storage strategies, and peak shaving scenarios.

  • Gain insight into energy storage system design, safety protections, and grid compliance standards.

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