Vision Mechatronics has offered a ZeroBlackout Solution to Brahmakumaris at Om Shanti Retreat Centre, which has opted for a solar-based unique combination of MW scale hybrid battery storage system—lithium-lead hybrid—by utilizing the existing old batteries with the fresh new lithium batteries to have a long duration backup to ensure smooth power transition when the grid fails.

“All our work and products are developed and manufactured in India. Using a hybrid battery energy storage system has ensured that there is maximum utilization of existing resources at the time of addition of new ones to achieve a cost of energy at grid parity. Opting for hybrid energy storage model can help commercial entities reduce their initial capex investment by 35 to 40% for a long duration energy storage project. With the recent launch of ACC battery scheme, India offers a great opportunity for energy storage and e-mobility market, and this is our contribution in making India truly Aatmanirbhar,” said Dr. Rashi Gupta, Managing Director, Vision Mechatronics.

Often, weaker grid in remote areas cannot handle the loads connected to them and gets overloaded. Integrating solar with energy storage, a microgrid is formed which supports the conventional grid and can supply load even in the absence of the grid. Because lithium-based energy storage is usually commercially viable only up to four hours, it was important to have a commercially viable solution for eight to 18 hours. It could be achieved with a hybrid energy storage, which is a combination of lithium batteries together with tubular gel batteries (lead acid variant). This microgrid effectively performs the functions of backup, frequency regulation, grid feed, voltage regulation, black start, smooth power transition, and diesel replacement.

The system also has preventive and predictive monitoring to detect faults in advance to ensure smooth and reliable functioning. Thus, this power generated from the sun through solar panels then stored in the batteries can be used for any purpose like running the heavy-duty studios, electric irons, induction cooktops, computers, washing machines, community kitchen appliances, baking ovens, air-conditioners, submersible water pumps, and more, including of course the lights and fans. It is clean and green energy to the campus.

Sister BK Asha, Director of the Om Shanti Retreat Centre, said, “This unique project will add a lot of value to the campus and enable us to offer wide and uninterrupted services to the society.”