#Letter: Battery backup systems have limitations

Krishna Govender of Ballito writes:

The increased duration of loadshedding in Ballito will have a compound effect in the future because of the rising number of battery backup systems.

The problem is that the majority of Ballito residents live in gated estates, which means we are subjected to many restrictions such as not being able to install solar panels or fossil-fuel generators.

This leaves us with the only option of resorting to inverter battery backup systems.

However, a battery backup system renders the whole process of loadshedding completely useless, since the energy that Eskom saves during loadshedding is being consumed to recharge the batteries the moment power cuts end.

In fact, more energy is consumed due to batteries not being 100% efficient. Lithium-ion batteries are between 80%-90% efficient, while lead-acid batteries can be as low as 50% efficient.

And let’s not forget that these batteries have to be charged and discharged via an inverter, which itself is between 75%-95% efficient in converting AC to DC and back.

Also remember that the efficiency of these systems decrease as they age. What this means is that KDM will not be saving the required amount of kilowatt hours per month, which will result in continued, and possibly more, hours of loadshedding.

My recommendation is for KDM to improve the efficiency of its infrastructure in order to save more kWh. HVAC systems waste large amounts of energy due to insufficient building insulation.

Lighting and appliances waste energy when they are left on but not in use. Even substations can waste energy if the frequency of electricity is out of sync.

You would be surprised at the sheer amount of electricity that is wasted every single day without you even realising it.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0