A Containerised Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) is a compact, modular, and fully integrated system that enables efficient energy storage and management, typically used in renewable energy applications, grid balancing, and off-grid power supply. Below are details covering the main components included in the containerised solution:
Power Conversion System (PCS) #
Our system includes a Power Conversion System that handles the conversion of electrical energy between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), this component performs the following:
- DC to AC Conversion: The PCS converts stored DC energy from the battery strings into AC energy to be supplied to the grid or load.
- AC to DC Conversion: It also allows for AC electricity (from the grid or renewable sources) to be converted into DC to charge the batteries.
- Inverter Functionality: Includes inverters to regulate voltage and frequency to match grid requirements, ensuring the system’s seamless integration with the power grid.
- Efficiency Monitoring: Offers real-time performance tracking and ensures minimal energy loss during conversion, optimizing storage and release cycles.
BESS controller (Battery Energy Storage System Controller) #
The BESS Controller is the “brain” of the storage solution, coordinating all operations within the system and ensuring its safe and efficient performance. It oversees battery charging, discharging, and overall system operations.
Main Functions:
- Battery Management: Controls the charge and discharge cycles of the batteries, ensuring optimal battery life and performance.
- Energy Management: Optimises the flow of energy from/to the battery bank, the power conversion system, and the grid, balancing storage with demand.
- Monitoring & Diagnostics: Continuously monitors the health of all components, including the batteries, PCS, and other electrical elements. Provides diagnostics in case of faults and alerts operators.
- Communication with External Systems: Communicates with grid operators and external devices for remote control and monitoring.
- Safety Protocols: Implements safety measures like voltage regulation and thermal management.
AC power output panel #
Our AC Power Output Panel provides a safe and controlled interface for distributing AC power to the grid or load.
Key Functions:
- AC Output Terminals: These are where the AC power from the PCS is transmitted to the distribution network or connected load.
- Circuit Protection: Includes fuses, circuit breakers, and overcurrent protection to safeguard the system from electrical faults.
- Control Features: Allows operators to manually or remotely control the AC output, switching between the grid or other power sources as needed.
- Monitoring and Metering: Provides real-time metering for energy exported to the grid or used by the facility, enabling efficient tracking and analysis.
Fire fighting system #
For safety and peace of mind, our system is equipped with an advanced fire fighting system designed to detect and suppress potential fires that may arise due to battery failures, electrical faults, or other internal incidents.
Main Features:
- Smoke Detection: Sensors are installed within the container to detect smoke or unusual temperature changes indicative of fire hazards.
- Automatic Fire Suppression: In case of fire, automatic suppression systems, such as CO2 or FM-200, are activated to contain and extinguish flames quickly.
- Emergency Manual Activation: Fire suppression can be manually triggered by operators in case of emergencies.
- Ventilation and Cooling: Proper ventilation systems and fire-resistant walls ensure that fire does not spread to other components of the BESS, minimising damage.
- Compliance: The fire fighting system adheres to international safety standards and regulations, ensuring that the system operates safely under all conditions.
Battery strings #
The heart of a containerised battery lies in the battery strings, which store the electrical energy in a safe and efficient manner. Consisting of multiple battery cells connected in series and parallel configurations to achieve the desired voltage and capacity.
Key Features:
- Lithium-ion Batteries: Commonly used for their high energy density, longer cycle life, and fast charging/discharging capabilities. Other types of batteries, such as lead-acid, may be used in specific applications.
- Modular Design: The batteries are arranged in modules for easy scalability, maintenance, and replacement.
- Battery Management: Each string is managed by a Battery Management System (BMS) that controls the charging, discharging, and monitoring of the batteries to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Cycle Life & Efficiency: Battery strings are designed for long-term use, with high charge/discharge efficiency and deep cycling capabilities.
Air conditioning (cooling system) #
The air conditioning system is critical to maintain the optimal operating temperature for the components inside the container. BESS systems generate heat during charging and discharging cycles, and thermal management is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring long-term efficiency.
Key Features:
- Climate Control: The cooling system keeps the temperature within a range that prevents overheating, which can damage battery cells or other electrical components.
- Air Flow Design: The air conditioning and ventilation systems are designed to ensure even distribution of cool air throughout the container, particularly around high-heat-generating components like the PCS and battery strings.
- Energy-Efficient Units: Modern BESS containerized solutions use energy-efficient air conditioning units that consume minimal power, reducing operational costs.
- Temperature Monitoring: Sensors track the internal temperature, providing real-time data and alarms if temperatures exceed safe limits.
HUV (High Voltage Unit) #
The High Voltage Unit (HUV) is a specialised electrical enclosure designed to handle the high-voltage systems present in the BESS. It safely manages high voltage connections and ensuring that these connections meet safety and operational standards.
Key Features:
- Voltage Management: HUV ensures that high voltage (typically above 1000V) is properly distributed between the battery strings, the PCS, and other electrical systems.
- Safety Protections: The unit is equipped with robust insulation and protection devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, and disconnectors to prevent electrical hazards like short circuits or overvoltage.
- Isolation: It offers electrical isolation between high-voltage circuits and other low-voltage systems, ensuring the safety of operators and equipment.
- Integration with BESS Controller: The HUV integrates seamlessly with the BESS controller for monitoring and control of voltage levels and fault detection.
Choosing containerised battery storage #
Our containerised Battery Energy Storage Solution integrates all the necessary components for efficient, safe, and reliable energy storage. With the Power Conversion System, BESS Controller, AC Power Output Panel, Fire Fighting System, Battery Strings, Air Conditioning, and High Voltage Unit all working in harmony, our system provides scalable and modular energy storage that meets the demands of both grid-connected and off-grid applications.
