Peak load created by new construction handled with BESS

Casper Tielen, director of Edumar Metaalbewerking, appreciates the excellent cooperation with ELINEX, praising the high level of commitment and partnership in supplying and installing an Energy Storage System for the new part of their premises.

In Someren, Brabant, technically high-quality machine parts leave the factory every day. Edumar Metaalbewerking BV plays an important role in the machine production chain, manufacturing machine parts from plastic, aluminium, stainless steel, bronze and titanium, among others. These parts find their way to the most diverse sectors; for instance, Edumar makes parts for electronic microscopes, parts for semi-conductors and for applications in the food sector. Casper Tielen says: ‘You will even come across our products in the space industry.’ Due to constant growth, a new section was added to the premises in 2024. That brought with it an energy issue. ELINEX Power Solutions solved this issue with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Energy Management System (EMS).

New building caused peak load

Edumar's premises consist of two parts. The “old” building dates from 2017 and covers about 1,800 m2. The new part built in 2024 has an area of about 1,600 m2. That is precisely where peak load was occurring. Casper explains the situation: "The new building is no longer connected to the gas supply. That means the hall has to be heated with electric heaters. There is also an industrial compressor operating with a heat exchanger. Add to that the new CNC lathes and you will understand that more power is demanded." The solar panels could not cope with the peaks in consumption, especially in the winter period, which lasts from October to March. ‘We already had a warning from Enexis at that time,’ says Casper. ‘The solar panels help during warmer periods, but we were looking for a solution that would benefit us all year round.’ The redeeming word came from E.T.B. Willem Bos Elektrotechniek (Someren), who recommended talking to ELINEX.

Enexis could not provide a heavier connection until 2030

Edumar was talking to ELINEX and the Park management of the industrial park at the same time. ‘We looked at all possibilities, including possibly exchanging energy collectively with other companies on the industrial park,’ Casper outlines. "We were in talks with ELINEX in March 2024, when the message came from the park management that an energy hub was not an option for us. It turned out we were just on another loop of the power infrastructure. After that, cooperation with ELINEX gained momentum. There was also a rush, as construction started in November 2024. In December, the foundation and street work was completed. ELINEX delivered and installed the batteries of the BESS just before Christmas. The power supply was then transferred immediately. Bear in mind that Enexis had told us it could not deliver a heavier connection until 2030!"

Smart energy management

ELINEX supplied a HuaweiBESS to Edumar, equipped with an intelligent EMS. Casper: "We have a peak power of 130 kW. When the peak power exceeds 125 kW, the EMS switches on the BESS. When Enexis comes with a heavier connection in 2029-2030, we can start using BESS and the EMS to start trading energy, via a Trader." For a state-of-the-art metal company like Edumar, the new way of working with BESS and EMS fits perfectly into its CSR policy. "We are being watched, we have an exemplary role. We train staff ourselves, now employ 47 people and operate in a paperless way. Edumar is the first Dutch manufacturing company to win the “CSR Gold” award. We are now winning CSR awards for the third year in a row. By working with ELINEX Power Solutions, we are future-proof in terms of energy. Of the 28 machines now in our company, 20 are automated, they can work day and night thanks to BESS and EMS."

Casper Tielen looks back on a perfect cooperation with the ELINEX team and praises the high level of cooperation. "We are still grateful to Willem Bos Elektrotechniek for the tip he gave us. Working with ELINEX feels like working in partnership."