Willmann – Farm as an Active Grid Player
Object
- Willmann-Flach Farm, Rötelberg, Menznau
Hardware
- Dual battery storage system (container, dedicated fire compartment)
- Photovoltaic system
Symcon Products
- Symcon Professional
- Energy Manager
- Electricity Prices Module
What was it about?
An innovative battery storage project is being realised for the farm of Andressa and Kurt Willmann-Flach at Rötelberg in Menznau, going far beyond conventional self-consumption. Through intelligent control, the operation becomes an active grid player: the system provides ancillary services to the public electricity grid and actively participates in the balancing energy market – while simultaneously increasing the farm's own energy autonomy.
What was installed?
The centrepiece is a dual storage system comprising two battery storage units with clearly defined task profiles. Storage 1 is specifically designed for the secondary balancing energy market (SRL) and provides ancillary services for grid stabilisation. Storage 2 has a hybrid configuration: during the day it maximises the farm's self-sufficiency; during off-peak hours (at night and early morning) it switches roles and also supports the balancing energy market through targeted grid purchases (SRL–) or feed-in (SRL+). In addition, the photovoltaic system is actively integrated and participates in the tertiary balancing energy market (TRL). The entire installation is assembled and quality-assured in Switzerland – the storage unit operates as its own fire compartment within the container and meets the highest standards for thermal and fire protection.
How was Symcon used?
Symcon takes on the central control of the entire installation. Both battery storage units and the photovoltaic system are integrated into Symcon and coordinated according to market conditions and operating strategy. The connection to the balancing energy market – for both secondary and tertiary balancing energy – runs entirely through Symcon. The system thus responds to grid signals in real time while simultaneously optimising the farm's self-consumption.
Conclusion
The Willmann project impressively demonstrates how agricultural operations can become a key pillar of the energy transition through intelligent control. The combination of self-consumption optimisation, balancing energy and PV integration makes the farm an active grid player – with a direct contribution to grid stability and tangible economic benefit.
| Integrator | Belevo AG |
| Location | 6122 Menznau |
| info@belevo.ch | |
| Phone | +41 41 494 04 04 |
| More Infos | To Integrator Page |