Using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Power Your Future with Battery Energy Storage Systems

It might seem like an impossible balance, managing power demands while meeting sustainability goals. Yet facilities and construction sites across the globe are discovering how Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can revolutionize their approach to temporary power — all while dramatically reducing their carbon footprint¹.

Key Takeaways

• Smart power management can reduce generator runtime and fuel consumption.
• BESS units provide quiet, emission-free power during low-demand periods.
• Energy Management as a Service (EMaaS™) helps optimize your power ecosystem through real-time monitoring and expert support.
• Rental solutions give you access to the latest sustainable technology without capital investment.

Meeting Today’s Power Challenges

Construction sites and facilities across the globe continue to see a shift toward sustainability. This transition brings clear benefits — reduced emissions, lower noise levels, and fewer maintenance requirements — but also creates new power management challenges. Yet today, electrified equipment from hand tools to complex machinery often matches the power and torque of their diesel counterparts without the need for costly engine maintenance.

At construction sites, especially in early project phases, traditional power sources might not be readily available. Workers need convenient charging stations during breaks and overnight periods. Facility managers face similar challenges when balancing regular operations with increasing charging demands. That's where BESS technology makes a real difference.

Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

A Battery Energy Storage System fundamentally changes how we manage power on construction sites and in facilities. Unlike traditional generators that run continuously regardless of demand, BESS technology stores energy during low-demand periods and delivers it precisely when needed. This capability becomes particularly valuable when combined with existing power solutions.

For example, a hybrid configuration utilizing both BESS and diesel generators creates a remarkably efficient system. During periods of low demand (e.g., overnight hours), the BESS handles the load silently and emission-free. The generator engages only when necessary — either to manage peak demands or recharge the BESS — ensuring it always operates at optimal efficiency.

This intelligent approach to power management delivers impressive results. We've seen carbon reduction on sites while maintaining reliable power delivery. The silent operation gives construction workers and nearby residents a break from constant noise, while reduced maintenance requirements and fewer fuel deliveries minimize site disruption.

How Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Can Work for You

Think of BESS as a sophisticated power storage and delivery system. The hybrid configuration, in tandem with traditional generators, brings practical benefits to both construction sites and facilities. We're seeing construction managers and facility operators use BESS in innovative ways. For example, BESS units can power jobsite trailers throughout the day, with generators only running when recharging is needed. This smart energy management reduces fuel consumption, minimizes operational emissions, and optimizes generator runtime while maintaining consistent power for essential site operations.

Energy Management as a Service (EMaaS™): The Future of Power

Energy Management as a Service takes power optimization beyond just equipment. At Sunbelt Rentals, we use advanced telematics and real-time monitoring to ensure your power system operates at peak efficiency while minimizing waste. We can even create custom power ecosystems that match your specific needs. This proactive strategy prevents issues before they impact operations while ensuring every component operates at peak efficiency. By taking an entire power ecosystem into consideration, we can carefully balance various power sources and power consumers to create an optimized solution.

Power Sources Include:

• Utility grid connections that provide consistent baseline power when available
• Traditional generators that offer reliable backup and peak load support
• Solar panel arrays that harness renewable energy during daylight hours
• Wind power solutions for locations where consistent air flow makes renewable generation viable

Power Consumers Include:

• Electric vehicle and equipment charging stations that keep your fleet operational
• Project site power requirements including temporary lighting, climate control, and security systems
• Electric tools and equipment that demand consistent, reliable power throughout the workday
• Entertainment and comfort amenities that maintain workforce productivity and satisfaction

Our EMaaS approach begins with understanding your specific load requirements throughout different project phases. We analyze load patterns, identify peak usage periods, and design systems that automatically adjust to changing demands. By understanding both your power sources and consumption needs, we create intelligent systems that maximize efficiency while minimizing waste. Each power configuration is customized to your specific requirements, ensuring you have the right amount of power when and where you need it.

For construction sites, this might mean adapting power delivery as projects move through different phases. For facilities, it could involve managing regular operational loads alongside periodic peak demands. Other examples that could be used across industries include combining BESS units with generators in parallel, integrating solar panels where practical, or implementing smart load management systems.

Real-World Success: The Numbers Tell the Story

Sunbelt Rentals partnered with a national construction company to test Energy Management as a Service (EMaaS™) while building a hyperscale data center. The project helped determine if adding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to generators could address sustainability concerns while remaining cost-effective.

We implemented a hybrid system combining 15 generators with BESS units operating in parallel. The BESS served as the primary power source, with generators engaging only when loads exceeded battery capacity or during recharging cycles. Over six months:

• The customer saved 39,825 generator runtime hours — that's more than 1,500 hours weekly.
• Fuel consumption dropped by 82%, saving 34,026 gallons.
• Maintenance needs decreased dramatically, eliminating 130 preventive services and saving 400 gallons of oil.
• The project saw $43,521 in maintenance cost savings while significantly reducing site emissions and noise.

These results demonstrate how BESS technology can deliver both environmental and economic benefits without compromising reliability or performance.

Maximizing Efficiency with Innovative Power Solutions

Renting power equipment often makes more sense than buying, especially when it comes to lower-emitting solutions. Through rental, you can access the latest BESS technology and efficient generators without major capital investment. This approach lets you scale your power solution as needed while avoiding maintenance and upgrade concerns.

The energy landscape continues to evolve. While BESS units operating in standalone, hybrid, or parallel configurations deliver significant benefits today, we're also exploring tomorrow's solutions. Many equipment manufacturers are developing hydrogen fuel cell generators that produce water as the only emission. Solar integration is becoming more practical for temporary power needs. Advanced microgrids are making power distribution more efficient than ever. We're continually testing and validating these new technologies to ensure they're ready for real-world use for our customers.

The rental model supports sustainability in other ways, too. Equipment sharing extends product lifecycles, and professional maintenance keeps units operating at peak efficiency. You get the right equipment when you need it, avoiding the waste of underutilized assets.

Getting started with sustainable power solutions doesn't have to be complicated. We recommend a practical approach:

1. Assess your current power needs and identify clear sustainability targets. Consider appointing team members to champion these efforts and ensure accountability.
2. Try rental solutions to test different configurations without major investment. This helps you find what works best for your specific operations before making longer-term commitments.
3. Partner with experts who understand both the technology and your industry challenges. At Sunbelt Rentals, we help construction managers and facility operators navigate these changes every day.

Summary

The future of temporary power is here — and it's smarter, cleaner, and more efficient than ever. Whether you're looking to reduce costs, meet sustainability targets, or simply improve your power management strategy, BESS units, and Energy Management as a Service (EMaaS™) offer a proven solution.

If you're interested in seeing how you can transform your approach to temporary power, partner with Sunbelt Rentals. Together, we can develop a solution tailored to your specific needs and sustainability goals.

Missed our previous articles in this series? Check out Part 1 to understand how generator optimization can help increase jobsite efficiency and reduce emissions, or Part 2 to learn about optimizing generator performance for maximum efficiency.

¹ Wilton, Mark, and Jason Thompson. "Decarbonization Through Energy Management: Supporting Your Sustainability Goals." Power Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023. Webinar. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.