Zeronest – Smart Energy Management for Businesses, Local Governments, and Energy Clusters

The development of energy storage facilities, photovoltaic installations, and dynamic billing models is increasing the importance of proper management of energy production, consumption, and storage. In practice, systems that enable the monitoring and optimization of available energy infrastructure are playing an increasingly significant role.

One such solution is Zeronest —a Polish EMS (Energy Management System) used in installations of various scales.

What is Zeronest?

Zeronest is a Polish EMS solution, designed and manufactured in Poland and developed by a Polish team of programmers. The system uses monitoring and measurement data to support the management of energy, generation sources, and energy storage facilities.

Data security is also a key element of the solution. User information is processed exclusively within the European Union. According to Zeronest’s materials, the system is developed in accordance with cybersecurity requirements, including NIS2, CRA, and RED DA.

Zeronest is integrated with devices from over 14 manufacturers of inverters and energy storage systems available on the Polish market.

The solution can be used in both smaller residential installations with a capacity of 5–50 kW and in commercial projects involving energy storage systems with a capacity of up to 1 MWh. The C&I segment is supported by the dedicated Tarantula G100 device.

There are currently four devices operating within the Zeronest ecosystem, and the system is targeted at three main market segments.

Zeronest for Local Government Units

One of the system’s application areas is local governments. In this context, energy consumption optimization may encompass local government administrative buildings, schools, and other public facilities.

The scope of support may include, among other things:

• developing a strategy for an energy cluster or energy cooperative, taking into account the specific characteristics of the location,
• providing a system for billing and balancing cluster participants based on actual measurement data,
• technological support related to coordinating the cluster’s operations,
• management of available generation sources and energy storage facilities.

By using actual measurement data, it is possible to settle accounts and balance the cluster participants’ energy usage, as well as coordinate the operation of available generation sources and energy storage facilities.

Zeronest for Energy Cooperatives and Clusters

Zeronest is also used in projects related to the creation and operation of energy clusters and cooperatives.

The scope of activities may include both an analysis of the feasibility of establishing a cluster or cooperative and solutions related to their subsequent billing and balancing.

The process may include:

• metering of key electricity consumption and generation points,
• an analysis of the feasibility of establishing an energy cluster or cooperative,
• an analysis of potential savings in the short- and long-term,
• aligning energy procurement arrangements with the actual consumption and production profile.

These activities are based on actual measurement data and the participants’ actual energy consumption and production profiles.

Energy Cost Optimization for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Another target group consists of small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in the food, manufacturing, automotive, real estate, and IT sectors.

For businesses, Zeronest’s offering includes services related to energy cost optimization, selecting appropriate solutions, and analyzing energy procurement strategies.

The scope of support may include a photovoltaic system, energy storage, energy procurement methods, and an analysis of various plant operating models.

Based on this, it is possible, among other things, to:

• selecting the appropriate PV system and energy storage solution,
• optimizing energy procurement strategies for future periods,
• utilizing dynamic rates,
• developing various operational scenarios for the facility and comparing potential savings,
• analyzing additional revenue-generating opportunities, such as those related to the capacity market or participation in the Zeronest aggregation program,
• supporting the company in making decisions regarding the energy transition.

These activities can be supported by algorithms and monitoring conducted within the Zeronest system.

What does energy cost optimization look like in practice?

In the example presented by Zeronest, the energy cost optimization process consisted of five stages—from analyzing the consumption profile to implementing the EMS system.

1. Analysis

The first step was to analyze the company’s energy situation based on its consumption profile and to prepare a forecast of potential savings.

2. Metering

The next stage involved metering the PPE and the existing installation.

3. Energy Storage System Installation

Next, a properly sized energy storage system was installed.

The presented project utilized the Elecnova ECO-E233LS with the following specifications:

• capacity: 232.96 kWh,
• power: 100 kW.

4. Selection of the Energy Billing Method

The next step was to switch to dynamic billing.

5. Implementation of the EMS system

The final step was the implementation of Zeronest EMS for energy management at the facility.

40–60% savings in the presented project

According to data provided by Zeronest, the project achieved annual energy cost savings of 40–60%.

The estimated payback period was 3–4 years.

These results pertain to a specific project presented by Zeronest; therefore, they should not be considered a guaranteed outcome for every installation.

EMS as a Component of an Energy Management System

In the solutions presented by Zeronest, the EMS system works in conjunction with components such as energy storage systems, photovoltaic installations, and dynamic billing models.

The combination of dynamic rates, energy storage, and the EMS system is used as part of a comprehensive approach to optimizing electricity costs.

Zeronest offers energy monitoring and management solutions for businesses, local government entities, clusters, and energy cooperatives.

Zeronest in Energy Projects for Businesses and Local Governments

The projects presented by Zeronest demonstrate that the process can include consumption profile analysis, installation metering, selection of energy storage, a change in the billing method, and the implementation of an EMS system.

This approach allows for the integration of several elements of energy infrastructure and management within a single project aimed at optimizing energy costs.