Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

The essential components behind safe, compliant and
intelligent energy storage

As battery energy storage becomes an increasingly important part of the UK’s transition towards a smarter and more resilient energy infrastructure, many organisations are focusing on battery capacity, inverter technology and return on investment. However, successful Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) rely on far more than batteries alone.

Behind every reliable energy storage installation is a carefully engineered network of protection, monitoring, control and compliance technologies that ensure safe operation, maximise performance and maintain adherence to increasingly stringent grid regulations.

To help system designers, integrators, consultants and end users better understand these critical requirements, LOVATO Electric has launched its new Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) Brochure, showcasing the complete range of products that support every stage of a modern energy storage installation.

As the UK energy market continues to embrace battery storage and renewable technologies, ensuring compliance, safety and operational reliability has never been more important. Our new BESS Solutions Brochure provides designers, integrators and end users with a practical guide to the technologies required to build safe, efficient and fully compliant energy storage installations.”

Jake Beckett

Business Development Manager, Energy Management.

Lovato Electric Ltd

Why BESS infrastructure matters

Modern Battery Energy Storage Systems operate within a complex environment where high-voltage DC power, AC distribution networks, renewable generation assets and utility grid requirements must all work together seamlessly.

Whether a system is being deployed alongside solar PV, supporting peak shaving strategies, enabling demand-side response, or providing backup power resilience, the safety and reliability of the installation depends on robust protection and intelligent control throughout the entire energy journey.

The new LOVATO Electric BESS guide demonstrates how these critical functions are achieved through five key stages.

Talk to our energy management team now


1. DC Storage & Protection –
Protecting the Energy Source

The battery bank is the foundation of every BESS installation, storing high-voltage DC energy that must be protected and safely isolated when required.

LOVATO Electric’s DC protection portfolio includes GLD Series Switch Disconnectors for battery isolation up to 1500VDC, FBE and FE Series Fuses for rapid short-circuit protection, and SE2DG Surge Protection Devices that defend against voltage spikes and lightning strikes.

Together, these devices provide essential protection for both equipment and personnel, ensuring safe and reliable operation.


2. Power Conversion System – B
ridging DC and AC

The Power Conversion System (PCS) acts as the bridge between stored battery energy and the electrical grid.

While the inverter itself may be supplied by a third-party manufacturer, the surrounding protection architecture remains critical. Every charging and discharging cycle relies on coordinated protection devices that manage power flows safely and efficiently.

Proper integration of the PCS ensures reliable operation while protecting both battery assets and connected infrastructure.


3. AC Protection & Interface –
Achieving ENA G99 Compliance

Grid compliance is essential for commercial and industrial battery storage projects. The AC protection layer continuously monitors network conditions, ensuring the system responds quickly to abnormal voltage or frequency events.

A typical LOVATO Electric solution includes P5 Series MCCBs or Contactors, PMVF71 Interface Protection Relays for ENA G99 compliance, BF Series Contactors for fault disconnection, and DMED Energy Meters for performance verification.

Together, these devices help protect both site infrastructure and the wider electricity network.


4. Grid Point of Connection & Export Management – Meeting G100 Requirements

At the grid connection point, accurate monitoring and export control are vital for ENA G100 compliance.

LOVATO Electric’s solution combines DMG8000 Power Quality Analysers, export limitation controls, hard-wired fail-safe communications, and PMVFUPS02 DC-UPS backup systems. This integrated approach continuously monitors import and export levels while maintaining critical protection functions during power outages.

The result is a resilient system capable of responding quickly to grid disturbances while ensuring safe and compliant operation.


5. Site Controller & Monitoring – The Intelligent Control Centre

The site controller acts as the brain of the Battery Energy Storage System, coordinating energy flows between the battery, renewable generation and the grid.

LOVATO Electric’s Synergy and Xpress monitoring platforms provide real-time visibility of system performance, alarms and energy usage.

Combined with EXC Series Gateways for secure remote connectivity and advanced export limitation control logic, the platform delivers the intelligence needed to optimise performance, maintain compliance and support modern energy management strategies.


Visualising the complete BESS architecture

One of the highlights of the new brochure is a comprehensive system diagram illustrating how LOVATO Electric products integrate throughout the entire Battery Energy Storage System architecture.

From DC battery protection and power conversion through to grid compliance, export limitation and advanced monitoring, the diagram provides a clear visual representation of how each component contributes to a safe, compliant and efficient installation.

For consultants, EPC contractors, system integrators and end users, it offers a valuable reference point when designing or specifying energy storage projects.

Real-world validation: The LOVATO SOLAR project

The technologies featured within the brochure are not simply theoretical solutions.

At LOVATO Electric’s headquarters in Bergamo, Italy, the company has implemented many of these principles through its ambitious LOVATO SOLAR project.

The installation includes

The project demonstrates how renewable generation, energy storage and intelligent energy management can work together to support sustainability, energy resilience and operational growth.

A dedicated case study exploring the LOVATO SOLAR project in greater detail will be available soon

“Battery Energy Storage Systems are becoming a fundamental part of the global energy transition. At LOVATO Electric, we believe reliable energy storage requires a complete ecosystem of protection, monitoring and control technologies working together seamlessly. Our own LOVATO SOLAR project demonstrates how these solutions can be successfully implemented to support sustainability, energy independence and long-term operational resilience.”

Massimiliano Cacciavillani

CEO, LOVATO Electric

Download the new BESS solutions brochure

Whether you are designing a utility-scale battery installation, integrating energy storage into a renewable energy project, or exploring opportunities to improve site energy resilience, understanding the protection and control infrastructure behind a Battery Energy Storage System is essential.

The new LOVATO Electric BESS Solutions Brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the products, technologies and best practices that support modern energy storage systems from battery rack to grid connection.

Download your copy today and discover how intelligent protection, monitoring and control can help maximise the safety, performance and compliance of your next energy storage project.

 

Powering the future of energy storage

The team at LOVATO Electric has extensive experience supporting energy management, power distribution and renewable energy projects across the UK. Speak to our experts to discuss your application, compliance requirements and the most effective solutions for your installation.

Contact LOVATO Electric today to discover how our complete BESS portfolio can support your next project.

To stay up to date with the latest developments in battery storage, energy management, power monitoring and renewable energy technologies, follow LOVATO Electric UK on LinkedIn for industry insights, product updates, technical guidance and real-world project success stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A Battery Energy Storage System is a technology that stores electrical energy in batteries for later use. BESS installations are commonly used alongside renewable energy systems, helping balance supply and demand while improving energy resilience.

Why is ENA G99 compliance important?

ENA G99 governs the connection of generation and storage equipment to the UK electricity network. Compliance ensures installations operate safely and do not adversely affect grid stability.

What is ENA G100?

ENA G100 covers export limitation schemes. It ensures that renewable generation and battery storage systems do not export more power to the grid than has been agreed with the network operator.

Why are surge protection devices used in battery storage systems?

Surge protection devices protect sensitive equipment from transient over voltages caused by lightning strikes, switching events and other electrical disturbances.

What role does monitoring play in BESS installations?

Monitoring systems provide real-time visibility of energy flows, equipment status, alarms and performance metrics, helping operators optimise efficiency and maintain compliance.

Can battery storage systems be integrated with solar PV?

Yes. Battery Energy Storage Systems are commonly paired with solar PV installations to store excess generation and make energy available when solar production is low or demand is high.

Which LOVATO Electric products are used in BESS applications?

LOVATO Electric offers a comprehensive portfolio including switch disconnectors, fuses, surge protection devices, MCCBs, interface protection relays, energy meters, power quality analysers, UPS systems, gateways and monitoring software platforms designed to support complete BESS architectures.