Screw piles, also known as helical piles, have long been used to provide foundations for a variety of construction projects. Their low impact, high load-bearing capabilities make them ideal for deployment in areas where other foundation types would struggle. Consequently, they are becoming the foundation of choice for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Here’s why.
Why Screw Piles Are so Useful for BESS Installations
Load bearing capacity
The infrastructure required for battery storage systems is heavy. There are the battery containers, the inverters, the transformers, the battery management system, and more besides. Screw-piles have the strength to support that infrastructure. Providing high axial and lateral load capacity and stability for both dynamic and static loads. They are also ideal for modular construction, enabling the maximisation of space.
Minimal environmental disruption
BESS facilities are often installed in remote or environmentally sensitive areas. Screw piles require no excavation, no concrete, no heavy machinery, and no waste. Installation literally involves screwing the piles into the ground. Which makes them very low impact for the surrounding ecosystem. And because screw piles are removable and reusable, if the facility is later moved or decommissioned, they leave no lasting impact.
Fast installation
Because of their simple installation, screw piles can be rapidly put in place using lightweight groundworks vehicles. On large-scale sites, most installers use an excavator with a torque head attachment. Additionally, screw piles are ready to use immediately after installation.
Adaptability
Battery storage sites are not always ideal for construction. Installing traditional concrete foundations can often be next to impossible. Screw piles often provide a solution because they can be customised to match engineering requirements. This means that they can work in poor or variable soil conditions. And where required, they can easily penetrate below frost lines and into stable strata. They can even work on sloped or uneven terrain without levelling or excavation.
Sustainability
As well as having minimal environmental impact on installation, screw piles can also support environmental strategies in other ways. They’re less carbon-intensive than concrete foundations—and many of the other alternatives. They’re 100% recyclable. And they’re easy to decommission or relocate.
Precision and flexibility
Every battery storage site is unique. The conditions vary. The setup and layout will change. Screw piles are useful because they can accommodate a complete range of designs, as well as design changes during installation. At the same time as delivering consistently high accuracy in placement. Which is invaluable for tight modular layouts.
Screw piles are a strong, versatile, and sustainable foundation solution for the growing renewables industry. They reduce construction time, environmental impact, and long-term costs, and they allow for scaling without disruption. That’s why so many energy companies are investing in screw piles for their BESS installations.
Do you need support with screw pile design, supply, or installation for your BESS system? Find out how UK Helix can help.