Energy optimization and carbon footprint reduction are also crucial topics for traditional industrial enterprises. The family business Medeko Cast s.r.o., known for its production of non-ferrous metal alloys and castings, has long prioritized employee satisfaction and a focus on continuously improving production processes, product quality and sustainability.
One of the most advanced foundries in Europe
The company has long been involved in environmental and social activities through the Medeko Foundation, whose mission is to support local initiatives aimed at improving the environment and quality of life in Považská Bystrica, and supporting the development of active young people.
Sustainability is an essential part of the company's culture, which is supported by a variety of activities including recycling metal waste from production and the introduction of modern technologies, such as a fully automated production line and advanced air conditioning systems.
One of the most advanced foundries in Europe is heated using waste heat from the production process. Through gas flue gas recovery from gas furnaces and waste heat recovery from compressors, the building has reduced energy consumption for heating water and the facility. Since 2019, the foundry has been utilizing a solar panel system with an installed capacity of 999 kWp. The solar energy produced covers a significant portion of the facility's consumption during summer days.
Energy analysis
Continuing a trend of innovation and sustainability, the company recently decided to install a modern smart battery storage brAIn by FUERGY, in collaboration with Slovenské elektrárne - energetické služby s.r.o. (SEES). This step further demonstrates Medeko Cast's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, supporting not only corporate goals but also the broader community.
The installation of the battery storage system was preceded by an energy analysis. We examined the building’s energy consumption diagram, which includes data on electricity consumption of the delivery point. We considered the reserved capacity and the maximum reserved capacity of the site, and based on Medeko's annual electricity consumption of approximately 4,900 MWh, we proposed a battery storage system with a capacity of 400 kW and 432 kWh.
The storage system includes highly reliable TŰV-certified LiFePo4 batteries from Pylontech. These 15-year lifespan batteries meet the strictest safety and fire protection standards, feature high performance, and are suitable for both exterior and interior installations.
Preparation for battery storage installation
After inspecting the company's premises, we selected an outdoor location near the low-voltage transformer station for the battery storage system. Since the exterior battery storage unit, including its casing, weighs over 12 tons, the grassy area needed to be reinforced with a concrete foundation before installation.
We aim to place the battery storage system as close as possible to the power output point (main switchboard, transformer station, etc.). The further it is from the connection point, the more cabling is required. For exterior installations, cabling is taken into account, but despite these adjustments, the battery storage system's return on investment remains attractive and economically viable.
Internet connection
Installation required securing an internet connection to enable continuous monitoring of the battery storage system's operation. This connection is essential for monitoring a range of parameters, such as charge level, performance and temperature. Based on an analysis of this data, the battery storage settings are optimized, ensuring efficient and safe operation. This approach achieves optimal results and extends the system's lifespan.
For Medeko Cast s.r.o., it was necessary to bridge a distance of approximately 500 meters from the electricity metering point to our container. Along this route, there are several devices, including two RS485 serial communication converters and two Ethernet RJ45 optical converters.
In collaboration with Medeko Cast's internet service provider, we optimized all components, ensuring smooth communication and continuous monitoring of the battery storage system.
Funding for the concrete foundation, cabling, internet connection and the battery storage system itself was covered by SEES.
Fire protection system in battery storage
Ensuring the safety of battery storage systems requires a comprehensive approach that includes professional installation, quality components and a reliable fire protection system.
Equipping battery storage systems with a fire protection system is voluntary, as current legislation does not mandate this for owners. However, from a safety perspective, we recommend equipping battery storage systems with appropriate fire-extinguishing system, such as an aerosol fire suppression system. These systems can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure a quick and effective response in case of emergency, protecting property and lives.
Most of our smart battery storage systems brAIn are equipped with an automatic aerosol fire suppression system, which we also installed in the battery storage system at Medeko Cast s.r.o.
Security camera system
A security camera system is installed in the container, which, if possible, is a standard part of our battery storage system installations, both for interior and exterior solutions. It monitor movement in the container as well as the entire interior of the container.
FUERGY, as the only full-service energy technology company in Slovakia, provides the entire process of battery storage implementation, from energy analysis through installation to service and maintenance.
Task of battery storage
The role of the smart battery storage brAIn at Medeko Cast s.r.o. is to regulate the production and consumption of electricity at the site in order to generate financial profit from the provision of non-certified ancillary services for SEES and Medeko Cast s.r.o.
Learn more about how the smart battery storage brAIn works in a guide to high-capacity smart battery storage brAIn by FUERGY.
The project was financed and installed in collaboration with the energy supplier SEES within the Energy as a Service model with zero investment costs on the customer's side. Thanks to this model, the customer did not have to deal with any paperwork or permits, as everything was handled by the energy supplier.
The battery storage system not only contributes to more efficient use of energy from the locally installed solar panel plant, but also to reducing the company's environmental impact. Since the system was put into operation, i.e., in four months, it has saved 23.3 tons of CO2e emissions with the brAIn storage and 54.22 tons of CO2e emissions with the solar panel system, which is 48.33% fewer emissions than without such devices.
To achieve even lower energy costs and further reduce CO₂e emissions in the future, the company could consider the flexibility brAIn service for energy-intensive technologies with potential for regulation or accumulation. With this solution, technologies gain an additional function, further saving nature and costs.
Our collaboration with the company continues even after the smart battery storage system installation. We will ensure its management, maintenance and servicing to guarantee its long-term efficiency and reliability.
Schedule
Are you interested in this project? Then do not hesitate to write to us. We will be happy to prepare a tailor-made solution for you, with which you will save not only your costs but also emissions. Check out our other completed projects.
New dimension of energy optimization
