ComAp - ComAp BESS controller

BESS Controllers

Smart control solutions that manage, protect, and monitor all essential components of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), ensuring optimal performance and efficient energy dispatch to the grid.

What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is an advanced solution that stores electricity—often from renewable sources like solar or wind—and delivers it when it's most needed. Acting as a dynamic energy reservoir, BESS helps balance supply and demand, stabilize the grid, and ensure a reliable power supply, even during outages or peak usage periods.

Importantly, BESS plays a critical role in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure. It enables utilities, businesses, and communities to optimize energy use, reduce costs, and integrate more renewable energy into the grid. By providing services like frequency regulation, load shifting, and backup power, BESS is not just a storage solution—it’s a strategic asset for modern energy management.

Key features

Easy integration of the Battery Management System and Power Conversion System
via a Modbus RTU/TCP device list

AC and DC startup sequence control
and breaker control, voltage and current setting

Monitoring, control and protection of all auxiliary systems
including HVAC, fire suppression, ingress detection, E-Stop, etc.

Alarm and fault management
of all components within the battery storage system

Synchronising AC breaker control
enabling the BESS to be easily added into a microgrid

Power Management and Load sharing
of the BESS with other ComAp solutions

Cyber security by design
based on the IISA 62443 level 2 - level 3 security standard

Remote control and monitoring with WebSupervisor
ComAp's cloud-based online management service

Peak shaving
helping to use the stored energy and limiting the import from the mains

How it works

ON-GRID BESS
OFF-GRID BESS

With the emergence of microgrids, we are seeing an increasing demand for energy storage systems. The technology for BESS is evolving rapidly, including the need for control solutions. The InteliNeo 530 BESS offers safe and reliable control for the battery energy storage system and all it's key parts, and can help optimise costs, decrease noise pollution and reduce emissions.

This robust energy management system enables direct integration of the Battery Management System (BMS) with the Power Conversion System (PCS) within a BESS. Predefined BMS and PCS devices will be stored within the device list to help save time when setting up the Modbus communicatons. In addition, the InteliNeo 530 BESS controls, monitors and protects the auxiliary systems, and has synchronising AC breaker control which helps to easily add the BESS into a new or existing microgrid. Synchronising breaker control, cyber security features, load sharing with other ComAp-controlled assets and interfacing to higher-level controllers are all supported as standard and facilitate an easy addition of the BESS into a new or existing microgrid if needed.

The BESS solution can operate in the following scenarios on-grid:

Maximum Demand Tariff reduction
Demand Response
Emergency Backup Power

With the emergence of microgrids, we are seeing an increasing demand for energy storage systems. The technology for BESS is evolving rapidly, including the need for control solutions. The InteliNeo 530 BESS offers safe and reliable control for the battery energy storage system and all it's key parts, and can help optimise costs, decrease noise pollution and reduce emissions.

This robust energy management system enables direct integration of the Battery Management System (BMS) with the Power Conversion System (PCS) within a BESS. Predefined BMS and PCS devices will be stored within the device list to help save time when setting up the Modbus communicatons. In addition, the InteliNeo 530 BESS controls, monitors and protects the auxiliary systems, and has synchronising AC breaker control which helps to easily add the BESS into a new or existing microgrid. Synchronising breaker control, cyber security features, load sharing with other ComAp-controlled assets and interfacing to higher-level controllers are all supported as standard and facilitate an easy addition of the BESS into a new or existing microgrid if needed.

The BESS solution can operate in the following scenarios off-grid:

Gensets for prime power
BESS for peak/standby power
BESS for Gen-Off (silent) operation
Remote/Off Grid community power
Temporary/rental power

Benefits of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are transforming how we generate, store, and use energy. Whether used in hybrid microgrids, backup systems, or grid-connected sites, BESS unlocks smarter, more efficient power control.

Lower Fuel Consumption

By storing excess energy from renewables or generators, BESS reduces the need for continuous diesel operation. This leads to significant fuel savings and longer generator life.

Grid Independence

A BESS enables seamless operation during power outages or in off-grid environments, ensuring energy availability when you need it most.

Reliable Power Supply

BESS helps balance fluctuations from variable renewable sources like solar or wind, delivering a more stable and reliable power output.

Peak Shaving and Load Management

By discharging stored energy during peak times, BESS helps avoid high grid tariffs and supports better load distribution across your power system.

Lower Emissions

Optimised generator runtime and increased renewable usage contribute to a lower carbon footprint, supporting your sustainability targets.

Improved System Resilience

In applications with critical loads or remote locations, BESS adds a layer of protection, helping avoid costly downtime and operational risks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

1. What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, is a solution that stores electricity in batteries for later use. These systems are essential for managing power supply, improving energy reliability, and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources.

2. How does a BESS work?

A BESS stores energy when it is abundant, such as during sunny periods with solar panels or when grid electricity is cheap. It then discharges stored energy when demand is higher or when power from other sources is not available.

3. What are the main benefits of using a BESS?

BESS solutions help reduce energy costs, improve power reliability, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, support renewable energy integration, and provide flexibility for peak shaving and load shifting.

4. What types of batteries are used in BESS applications?

Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used due to their high energy density and long life. Other types include lead-acid, flow batteries, and emerging technologies like sodium-ion.

5. Can BESS be used for off-grid applications?

Yes. BESS is ideal for off-grid and remote locations, where it ensures a stable and continuous energy supply by storing energy from renewable sources or generators.

6. Can BESS be integrated with diesel generators or renewables?

BESS can be integrated with diesel generators, solar photovoltaic systems, and other power sources. With the right control systems, it can balance multiple inputs and optimise energy use.

7. How long can a BESS provide backup power?

Backup duration depends on battery size and load demand. In general, a well-sized system can provide backup power from several hours to more than a day.

8. What are the common use cases for BESS?

Typical applications include peak shaving, load shifting, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), energy arbitrage, renewables smoothing, and grid support in microgrid systems.

9. What is the expected lifespan of a BESS?

Most battery systems are designed to last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the battery type, depth of discharge, and operational conditions.

10. How do I monitor and control a BESS?

Smart controllers like ComAp's InteliNeo 530 BESS, when combined with remote monitoring tools, make it easy to oversee system performance, automate controls, and ensure reliable operation.