Richard D. Austin, PE, LEED AP

Richard D. Austin, PE, LEED AP

Articles

Figure 6: Overhead photo showing the battery energy storage system (BESS), BESS switchboard and solar photovoltaic system. The Megapacks are located more than 50 feet from the building as required by United Therapeutics’ insurance agent. Note that shading from the large building prevents adding solar to the smaller building. Courtesy: DPR Construction Inc.
Case Study October 2, 2024

Case study: Battery energy storage system is solution for pharma warehouse

Project Lightyear achieved zero-carbon operations by incorporating a battery energy storage system (BESS)

By Richard D. Austin, PE, LEED AP
Figure 1: A simplified project single line showing both a battery energy storage system (BESS) and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The UPS only feeds critical loads, never losing power. The BESS is bidirectional, stores and supplies energy, but loses power when the utility is lost before it can restart in island mode after opening the utility breaker. Courtesy: Affiliated Engineers Inc.
Energy, Power October 1, 2024

Understand the codes, standards for battery energy storage systems

Electrical engineers must learn to navigate industry codes and standards while designing battery energy storage systems (BESS)

By Richard D. Austin, PE, LEED AP