Municipal Water Supply Pumping Station Energy Efficiency Improvement Using Batteries

Electrical power distribution networks are inherently susceptible to service interruptions, such as those caused by grid faults. Maintaining the operational continuity of critical infrastructure, particularly isolated water supply pumping stations, requires robust backup power solutions. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems commonly utilize Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which, in addition to providing backup power, can facilitate energy arbitrage to reduce electricity costs. This study examines the feasibility of commercially available BESS for ensuring the autonomous operation of a water pumping station equipped with a main electric motor pump drive rated at 330 kW. Using historical municipal water consumption data for the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, obtained from publicly available sources, simulations were conducted to model the operation of pumping stations with and without BESS integration during continuous operation. The resulting data provides a comprehensive analysis of potential energy savings, cost reductions, and estimated return on investment (ROI).