The Profitability Analysis of the Integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems into Industrial Cranes

Abstract

The objective of this bachelor’s thesis was to examine the feasibility, advantages, sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and economic viability of integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into Konecranes' industrial engineering (IE) portfolio with a specific focus on overhead cranes.

In this study, an analysis was conducted to align Battery Energy Storage technology with company objectives, aiming to determine the optimal system size. This study offers valuable insights for Konecranes to make informed decisions regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) integration incorporated with regenerative braking systems. The study assesses the system sizing and its potential to enhance performance and sustainability in a clear and accessible manner.

As a result, it was discovered that integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into industrial cranes led to significant benefits and efficiency improvements in energy and cost savings, along with operational efficiency. However, when considering the investment benefits, the analysis revealed a negative return on investment (ROI) for integrating BESS into industrial cranes. Specifically, the ROI was -76% over an eight-year period, and the payback period for this integration was approximately 33.51 years, indicating that in this specific case, the integration costs surpassed the savings.