Extremely efficient use of batteries at De Nijs through measuring and advisory process

Construction firm De Nijs combines craftsmanship with innovative technology in order to sustainably and efficiently realize a wide range of construction projects in North Holland, the Netherlands. For years De Nijs has been working with Bredenoord during projects with insufficient grid access. Gensets are the usual choice, but in the context of the energy transition De Nijs is also interested in alternative power solutions, which is why a pilot recently took place in Heerhugowaard. This pilot project involved a hybrid power solution consisting of the grid and Bredenoord’s new Battery Box, which allowed a tower crane to be powered silently and without emission.

“We already had some experience with hybrid solutions, but back then those didn’t have a large capacity,” says Nic van Rij, Head of Construction Equipment at De Nijs. “However, during this project we were faced with a problem. We needed a large consumption grid connection for our tower crane, but this was not possible. We often run into that issue in North Holland.” De Nijs was already discussing other projects with Bredenoord and decided to present them with this challenge as well. “A genset would be the obvious solution for this situation, but from our drive to work sustainably we were already looking into the possibilities of batteries. The challenges of this project sped up those conversations.”

Where others would stop when things become difficult, Bredenoord and De Nijs always kept looking further, which eventually led to us finding a sound technical solution within our budget.

Measuring thoroughly during the advisory process

To determine which battery would suit the tower crane we took several measurements. Bredenoord has taken energy measurements before at projects with material similar to this tower crane. “We started making calculations based on these measurements,” says Peter Rijkens, Area Manager North West Netherlands at Bredenoord. “For example, we saw that the crane only actively runs for an average of 23 to 24 minutes per hour.”

These measurements led to the decision to use a Battery Box for peakshaving, which means accommodating peaks in the power demand that rise above the grid capacity. By working this way the large consumption grid connection was no longer necessary and the smaller connection present could suffice. “Based on these measurements and our calculations we concluded that our Battery Box of 150 kVA was the best fit for this project. Here the battery works optimally and does precisely what it is meant to do: accommodating peaks in the power demand when the grid is insufficient,” says Rijkens.

Additional benefits of batteries

In this situation a large consumption grid connection was impossible. However, even when it is possible, it can sometimes be more beneficial to opt for a smaller connection combined with a battery. The power security can still be guaranteed as long as the energy demand is sufficiently mapped in advance.

Using batteries also comes with benefits in other fields. Both delivering power and recharging take place completely silently. In addition, there is no local emission of CO₂, nitrogen oxide, noise or particulate matter. Nuisance for nearby residents is thus kept to a minimum. Seeing as this project takes place in the middle of a residential area, this was an important additional benefit for De Nijs in their consideration to work with batteries.

In the interests of the future

“On the one hand, this project involved custom solutions, on the other hand, the process we developed here together is applicable to many other projects. We will be taking the knowledge we gained during this pilot with us into the future,” van Rij says. “What stood out to me during this project was Bredenoord’s approach of first understanding and then being understood. By starting with extensive, representative measurements we could map the power demand in great detail. We then chose the battery that best suited the power demand, so we didn’t have to shoot a mosquito with a cannon, so to speak.”

De Nijs was closely involved in the preliminary phase, which van Rij can confirm. “What I liked about this collaboration is that we really tackled the process together. I was not just working with Peter Rijkens, but also with other professionals from Bredenoord. I learn from this as well.”

The lessons Bredenoord and De Nijs learned from this collaboration will be taken into future projects. “Where others would stop when things get difficult, we always kept looking further, which eventually led to us finding a sound technical solution within our budget. People tend to overlook the latter aspect when it comes to sustainable construction work, but it is important to take into consideration. Sustainability is not only about reducing emission and usage, I find the accessibility of sustainable solutions just as important. We succeeded in that during this collaboration.”