How RTC-Tools Powers BESS Optimisation
RTC-Tools provides a unique framework that separates physical system modelling from economic optimisation objectives. This modular approach enables:
Physical Modelling
Battery dynamics, state-of-charge evolution, and efficiency curves are defined using Modelica
Economic Optimisation
Revenue maximisation and cost minimisation objectives are implemented in Python
Constraint Handling
Optimisation techniques ensure operational constraints are respected
Scalability
From single assets to portfolio-wide optimisation
* Modelica is an open-standard modelling language for complex physical systems, widely used for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) modelling and energy system simulation.
Matching Best-in-Class NSW BESS Performance
2024 Backtesting Results
Our basic open-source BESS optimiser achieved ±240 kAUD/MW/year in 2024 backtesting using publicly available AEMO predispatch price forecasts for optimisation and AEMO settled prices to compute actual revenues. This performance demonstrates that even this toy example delivers on-par results with the best-performing NSW battery assets while limiting cycles to one per day on average.
Market performance data for NSW BESS assets sourced from WattClarity's 2024 Big Battery Analysis . Our results were achieved using basic demonstration models with AEMO predispatch forecasts and 90% round-trip efficiency. For the open-source demo, bids and offers were price taking. Both demos were arbitrage-only (i.e., no FCAS, which we offer for commercial deployments only).
Important Note
The backtest did not consider local price adjustments, marginal loss factors, network outages and constraints, or operational issues such as cell outages or maintenance windows. The comparison is therefore indicative only; it merely informs that a basic open-source demonstration model replicates best-in-class real-life asset optimisation performance.
With PortfolioEnergy's full commercial platform, we deliver BESS optimisation performance that is well beyond best-in-class for NSW – and well beyond the performance of this basic open-source demo. Our commercial offering addresses not only these limitations but goes far beyond with advanced capabilities including nonlinear physical modelling, probabilistic optimisation, automated bid generation, market impact modelling, FCAS co-optimisation, and comprehensive value stacking – as detailed in the advanced optimisation section below.
Backtest Analysis
Frequency distributions of arbitrage revenue per 5-minute market interval, demonstrating the optimiser's ability to capture value across different price conditions throughout 2024.
Open Source Demo
Basic Commercial Demo
Simple Demo, Professional Results
What makes these results remarkable is that they were achieved using our basic open-source demonstration model that proves even simplified RTC-Tools implementations can deliver competitive performance. The open-source demo model features:
- Linear efficiency modelling (90% round-trip)
- AEMO predispatch price forecasts with 5-minute resolution
- Simple time-arbitrage strategy
- Basic cycling penalty to manage battery wear
This demonstrates that RTC-Tools provides an excellent foundation for BESS optimisation, with results that match or exceed many commercial solutions.
Open-Source Demo Available
Transparency and collaboration at the core
Our basic BESS optimisation demo is freely available on GitHub , allowing developers and energy professionals to:
- Understand the optimisation approach
- Test with their own price data
- Build custom applications on this foundation
- Learn RTC-Tools through a practical example
git clone https://github.com/PortfolioEnergy/rtc-tools-bess-democd rtc-tools-bess-demouv run python src/bess.pyFor a detailed walkthrough of the demo, refer to its documentation on Read the Docs .
Beyond the Demo
Advanced optimisation opportunities
While our basic demos deliver impressive results, PortfolioEnergy's full platform unlocks significantly greater value through advanced features that leverage the power of advanced optimisation:
Nonlinear Physical Modelling
Include realistic nonlinear efficiency curves, temperature-dependent performance, parasitic power modelling, and detailed degradation models that accurately represent real battery behaviour.
Probabilistic Optimisation
Replace perfect foresight with sophisticated price ensemble forecasting. Our stochastic optimisation approach manages uncertainty and risk, leading to more robust operational strategies.
Bid & Offer Generation
Transform optimisation results into market-ready bid stacks and offer curves. Automated generation ensures consistency between optimisation decisions and market participation.
Market Modelling & Price Elasticity
Include nonlinear price response functions and market impact modelling. This co-optimisation approach prevents self-cannibalisation and identifies true optimal dispatch strategies.
Ancillary Services (FCAS)
Optimise participation in Frequency Control Ancillary Services markets. Co-optimise energy arbitrage with contingency and regulation FCAS provision, considering enablement bands, response requirements, and opportunity costs. requirements.
Value Stacking
Maximise revenue across multiple value streams simultaneously. Intelligently balance energy arbitrage, FCAS markets, capacity payments, and network services while respecting technical constraints and market rules.
These enhancements enable performance well beyond best-in-class, with potential for more than 40% uplift compared to basic approaches.
Why Choose RTC-Tools for NEM BESS Optimisation?
- Proven Technology: Used globally in water and energy sectors since 2015
- Expert Leadership: PortfolioEnergy founders created RTC-Tools and serve on its technical steering committee
- Not a Black Box: Full visibility into optimisation logic and decision-making
- NEM-Optimised: Specifically adapted for the Australian market rules, FCAS co-optimisation, and 5-minute settlement
- Flexible Architecture: Easily adapt to evolving market rules and operational constraints
- Scalable Solution: From single batteries to complex multi-asset portfolios
- Open Core Philosophy: Build on solid foundations with community support
Ready to maximise your BESS revenue with RTC-Tools? Contact us at info@portfolioenergy.com to discuss how we can optimise your energy storage assets.