New battery storage system for Berti mountain refuge

Visa SpA proudly announces the successful installation of an innovative energy storage system, developed through the expertise and dedication of its team of engineers and technicians. Utilizing cutting-edge LLP technology, the system is designed to supply power to the electrical loads of the Berti mountain refuge, situated at an altitude of 1,950 meters. This advanced solution offers a reliable energy source for remote locations without access to the electricity grid.

In response to a request from the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), Visa was tasked with identifying the most efficient and sustainable energy solution for the refuge. The site faced significant challenges after a landslide rendered its hydroelectric turbine, previously used for power generation, inoperable. Without the turbine, the refuge relied entirely on a continuously operating genset, causing inconvenience for guests due to persistent noise, particularly during nighttime hours.

The primary technical challenge was to replace the damaged turbine while simultaneously reducing the genset's fuel consumption to minimize both operating costs and environmental impact.

Visa solution: BESS (Battery Storage System) 

The Visa team proposed an advanced technological solution: the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This system allows the integration between the generating set and other renewable energy sources, including the hydroelectric turbine under repair. Thanks to the BESS, the energy produced is stored in the batteries and released as needed, optimizing the use of the genset, which starts working only when necessary to recharge the batteries.

The BESS systems efficiently manage energy demand and lower operating costs by storing energy from various sources, such as gensets and renewable plants. They significantly reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and the need for refueling—challenges that are particularly demanding in remote locations like the Berti mountain refuge.

CASE HISTORY 

Project:	Off-grid power storage system for an mountain refuge
Location:	Mountain refuge A. Berti al Popèra, Comelico (BL), 1950 metri a.s.l.
Installed capacity:	15 kWh
Supplied solution:	BESS STAND SpC 12/15 in off-grid mode

Purpose 

The objective was to deliver a reliable and sustainable energy system that ensured operational continuity, reduced energy costs and achieved tangible fuel savings, all while minimizing environmental impact.

System technical features  

The STAND SpC 12/15 storage system was installed container version and is provided with a series of advanced safety devices, including: 

• Overvoltage discharger for input and output protection 
• Fire and smoke detection system
• Barometric pressure, humidity and temperature sensors
• Heating and cooling unit
• StMS advanced control panel
• Remote management and automatic starter of the genset
   

StMS control system

The StMS control system allows optimal management of energy storage, maximizing the use of renewable sources and reducing the use of the genset. Thanks to its ability to constantly monitor the status of the batteries and inverters, StMS promptly detects any anomalies, ensuring high level safety.

Remote monitoring is made possible through a GSM connection, with a dedicated app for real-time control of operating parameters and alarms. This allows prompt interventions in case of need, including to start or stop the machine remotely.

Technical challenges 

During the phase of design, the technical team came up with some critical issues that needed to be solved::

• Integration with the pre-existing hydroelectric turbine to allow energy storage and reduce the use of the genset  
• Implementation of protection devices to counter the risk of lightning, a frequent phenomenon in the area. 
• Design of a custom system to meet weight constraints (less than 10 quintals) to allow transport by helicopter   
   

Integration with renewable sources  

Once the hydroelectric turbine is restored, the system will be able to rely on a greater energy supply, reducing even more the use of the genset, which will be needed almost exclusively in emergency situations. In addition, the installation of a photovoltaic system is planned, which will allow access to tax incentives where applicable.

Benefits of the BESS system   

BESS systems offer an outstanding application flexibility, allowing energy to be stored during low-cost periods and used when demand increases or when there is no production. In remote areas, such as the one where the Berti mount refuge is located, the Battery Storage Systems allow the creation of independent energy systems, supported by renewable sources. Furthermore, during peak demand, the system provides energy in a predictive way, avoiding overloads and reducing the risk of blackouts.

Thanks to their capability to integrate with renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower, battery energy storage systems (BESS) provide an efficient solution for reducing costs and improving environmental sustainability.