Sustainably capping energy costs
VARTA focuses on efficient energy use, offering storage solutions from microbatteries to industrial systems. Rising grid and energy costs required an economical storage setup at the Dischingen site, supported by energy and load management to cut costs and keep focus on core business.
Siemens energy + Varta storage = economical solution
Together with VARTA, Siemens created a comprehensive concept to modernize energy generation. At the same time, the battery manufacturer's proven technology was to be integrated in order to achieve an innovative solution in combination. For this purpose, an overarching energy and load management system was set up. It regulates the systems on the basis of forecasts so that intensive grid use is guaranteed. A combined heat and power plant was installed, which produces 236 kilowatts of electricity for the customer. The new battery storage system from VARTA production has a capacity of 225 kilowatt hours and generates 125 kilowatts electrically. Intelligent load management controls the gensets and ensures, for example, that ventilation systems are switched off if there is insufficient power generation. All electrical and control systems were integrated into a holistic concept.
In addition to self-generated energy, flexible generators can be used in the future to secure favourable electricity prices on the volatile energy market and relieve the grids. Siemens installed the Navigator energy management system, the Desigo CC building management system and the Desigo PX building automation system in order to optimally control and document the systems and exploit their potential.

Battery storage
Coverage of the first few minutes
120 kW/225 kWh
PEAK-Shaving

BHKW
Load transfer
250 kWel
PEAK-Shaving; Current-controlled operation

Load shedding
Disconnection of defined loads
Air conditioning units 2* 165 kW
Ventilation system 3* 63 kW
Rapid amortization of investments
After just four years, VARTA's investment in the innovative energy generation and storage concept will have paid off. Energy costs of 210,000 euros will be saved per year, also because part of the demand will be covered by the new combined heat and power plant. VARTA now has more transparency about energy consumption and plant operation. A ten-year contract with Siemens ensures the necessary services and optimizations of the fully automated system. A Performance Assurance Manager ensures that electricity from the grid is used in the best possible way. This relieves the grid and at the same time optimally integrates renewable energies with flexible systems.
An absolute win-win situation: With our own battery storage system and load management from Siemens, we are reducing our grid fees by 210,000 euros per year.

210.000 Euro
lower energy costs per year

Storage solution
Manufacturer's storage solution integrated into the concept

Network charge optimization
Grid fee optimization through intensive grid usage
These collaborative approaches are good examples of the ecosystems we will need in the future to drive the transformation toward decarbonization.
