UPS specification review

[AggiesNM]

Hey guys

we are putting in a battery energy storage device. Part of the system requires a backup power supply to black start the battery and tie it into the microgrid.

The backup supply chosen is a UPS system. I am a substation engineer with no background in UPS system. I am given a bunch of specifications to review.

While I review, what things should I look out for? Any easy error traps?


Thanks.

 

[itsmoked]

I have never heard of Black Starting a battery. By definition they run themselves and the output controls. If they're Black you're doomed. Unless you mean they are Black, 'what now'?

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[ScottyUK]

Hi Keith,

I'm guessing that if this is a 'big' energy storage system then it may have a control system which is normally fed from the utility / main output, but if the whole thing's starting from cold then something needs to get the controller up and running before the main output is available. Perhaps the OP can clarify?

 

[FreddyNurk]

My expectation matches ScottyUK's; for some reason I can't work out, some manufacturers of battery energy storage system like to run all their controls off AC rather than DC, resulting in the need for a UPS in the case of black start or support capability. Doesn't need to be 'big', I knew of one energy storage OEM that considered a UPS an appropriate means of supplying backup power to its control system.

If placed in such a position, my first question would have been 'why can't we run control power from batteries?'.