As the world turns to rapidly growing renewable energy deployments such as wind and solar, finding reliable ways to store energy is more important than ever. BESS containers are an affordable and business-proven solution.
BESS containers are compact, modular, and transportable devices designed to integrate the various components of a battery storage system into a standardized container. This article will explore the key benefits of BESS containers, focusing on how they can help optimize energy use, support the integration of renewable energy, and provide cost-effective energy storage solutions.
Role of BESS Containers
BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) containers are solutions that integrate battery storage systems into standardized, transportable, and installable containers. Their roles include:
Integration and Management
BESS containers integrate batteries, inverters, control systems, and other equipment into a modular framework, making them easier to manage and maintain. These containers typically include temperature control, monitoring, and protection systems to ensure the system operates smoothly and monitor the status of each component in real-time.
Standardization and Convenience
Due to their pre-assembly, BESS containers simplify the on-site installation process, significantly reducing construction time and costs. The standardized design allows them to be easily transported to various locations and quickly deployed for use.
Mobility
BESS containers can be quickly relocated and deployed based on demand, making them ideal for temporary power needs or post-disaster recovery scenarios. This flexibility makes them an excellent choice for emergency power supply.
Enhanced System Safety
The containerized design provides isolation protection, effectively reducing the impact of external environments (such as extreme weather or pollution) on the storage equipment, ensuring safe operation even under harsh conditions.
Improved System Scalability
Multiple BESS containers can be used in tandem to provide greater storage capacity and system flexibility. This scalability makes them suitable for large-scale energy storage and management needs, allowing for flexible adjustments based on actual requirements.
BESS Container Internal Structure
- air conditioning outdoor unit
- air conditioning indoor unit
- monitoring system cabinet
- stepped air duct
- fire protection system
- bidirectional converter
- sub-mother door
- battery rack
- main control frame
- power distribution cabinet
- battery rack air duct
- double door
- grid-type ventilation escape door
Air-Cooled BESS Container Recommendation
This is one of the most popular BESS containers on the market. PKNERGY, with its compact layout, can achieve 3MWh of energy storage in a 40ft container, helping businesses reduce peak electricity costs, lower energy expenses, and stay protected from grid fluctuations. At the same time, the standardized use of modules makes investment costs and return times more transparent.
Liquid-Cooled BESS Container Recommendation
The liquid-cooled BESS container is a new BESS solution launched by PKNERGY in collaboration with CATL. By further controlling the system’s temperature, it unleashes greater potential for BESS. This system is safer and more durable than traditional air-cooled BESS, enabling clean energy investors to quickly achieve returns.
PKNERGY 1MWh BESS container Specifications
| 1MWh Grid-tied System | 1MWh Off-grid System | 1MWh Hybrid System | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Battery container | A 20ft container acts as a critical enclosure for the energy storage system, with a metal shell and grounding system to protect the system and users’ safety. | ||
| Battery cluster | The battery cluster is composed of LiFePO4 batteries arranged in a 1P20S configuration and a BMU. The 1MWh system includes 5 clusters, connected to a 500kVA PCS for output at 340-440VAC. | ||
| Monet-500 500kVA (Battery DC-AC load) | A 500kW three-phase inverter with a 98.3% conversion efficiency, enabling DC to AC conversion. | ||
| / | Monet-300 300kVA (Battery DC-DC load) | Monet-300 series 300kVA (Battery DC-DC load) | A 300kW inverter that converts DC from solar panels to store at rated voltage. |
| / | / | STS system | Set based on usage needs: prioritize grid power, battery power, or load balancing. |
| / | / | Transformer | Provides electrical isolation, ensuring AC and DC currents are isolated to avoid fluctuations or surges. |
| Industrial air conditioner | An industrial cooling system to maintain temperature balance, preventing thermal runaway and ensuring system safety. | ||
| Fire fighting system | Includes fire detection systems with temperature and smoke sensors, automatically detecting system temperature changes. Equipped with an automatic and manual fire suppression system using heptafluoropropane. | ||
| Lighting system | Provides ample lighting inside the energy storage system, ensuring maintenance personnel can check, service, or operate the system safely. | ||
| Battery Stack Management System (BAMS) | Records all system operational data in real-time, communicates with EMS dispatch, and transmits data to cloud platforms and ESS management systems. | ||
| Battery Cluster Management System (BCMS) | Monitors cluster voltage, current, and temperature, calculates SOC, SOH, and sends data to BAMS while executing control commands from BAMS. | ||
| Battery Management Unit (BMU) | Collects system temperature and humidity data, calculates thermal distribution, and controls fans and air conditioning to regulate temperature based on data from the battery and other equipment. | ||
| Human Machine Interface (HMI) | Allows users to view battery stack, cluster, and module data directly and control system operations via HMI. | ||
Benefits of BESS Containers
Improved Energy Management Efficiency
BESS containers help optimize energy usage by storing excess electricity during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand. This load-shifting capability improves the overall efficiency and stability of the power grid, reducing the likelihood of blackouts and supporting a balanced energy distribution.
Support for Renewable Energy Integration
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are intermittent, meaning they do not consistently produce power. BESS containers can store electricity generated during periods of high renewable energy production and discharge it when generation is low. This ensures a stable and continuous power supply, making it easier to integrate renewable sources into the grid.
Cost Savings on Energy
By storing electricity when it is cheaper (during low demand periods) and using it when it is more expensive (during peak demand), BESS containers help reduce energy costs. This is particularly valuable in regions with fluctuating electricity prices or where peak demand leads to high electricity costs.
Enhanced Grid Stability and Reliability
BESS containers provide backup power to the grid during sudden power surges, emergencies, or outages. They stabilize the grid by responding rapidly to sudden changes in demand or supply, ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply. This is especially important in areas prone to frequent power interruptions.
Increased System Flexibility and Scalability
BESS containers are modular, meaning multiple units can be combined to scale up energy storage capacity as needed. This flexibility allows for easy adjustments based on changing energy demands or growing infrastructure, providing a solution that can grow with the needs of the user.
Compact and Mobile Design
The containerized design allows for easy transportation and deployment. BESS containers can be quickly moved to different locations, which is ideal for temporary energy needs, emergency backup, or remote areas where traditional power infrastructure is not feasible.
Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels
By enabling more efficient use of renewable energy, BESS containers help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the global transition to greener, more sustainable energy sources. They support the reduction of carbon emissions and promote cleaner, more environmentally friendly power generation.
Protection from External Environmental Factors
The containerized design offers protection from extreme weather, theft, and vandalism, ensuring that the energy storage systems remain safe and functional even in harsh conditions. The design helps mitigate the impact of environmental factors that could affect the performance and lifespan of traditional, non-containerized storage systems.
Quick Installation and Deployment
As BESS containers are pre-assembled and tested before delivery, they significantly reduce installation time and costs. This makes them an efficient solution for energy storage needs, allowing for faster deployment compared to traditional energy storage systems that require on-site construction and assembly.
Support for Emergency and Disaster Recovery
The portability and ease of deployment of BESS containers make them a vital tool for emergency power supply, especially in disaster-stricken areas. They can be quickly set up to provide electricity during natural disasters, ensuring critical infrastructure and services remain operational.
BESS Container Sizes
The size of BESS containers varies based on application needs, the type of battery selected, and energy storage capacity, but they generally adhere to standardized container dimensions. Common BESS container sizes include:
20-foot Standard Container Size
Approximately 6 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 2.6 meters high. Suitable for small to medium energy storage needs, commonly used in residential, commercial, and small industrial projects.
40-foot Standard Container Size
Approximately 12 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 2.6 meters high. Suitable for larger-scale storage systems, able to accommodate more battery modules and higher energy storage capacities, ideal for large commercial and industrial applications.
In addition to standard sizes, BESS containers can be customized according to specific client requirements, adapting to different energy storage capacities, installation environments, and transport conditions. The exact dimensions may vary depending on project needs and the design requirements of the supplier.
Conclusion
The decentralized nature of mini-grids and microgrids offers significant advantages in integrating renewable energy sources, making better use of solar, wind, and other distributed energy resources. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, they improve the flexibility and reliability of energy systems, making them a crucial solution for both rural electrification and modern smart grid applications.
What is the difference between a battery and a BESS?
A battery is a single energy storage unit, while a BESS is a complete system that includes batteries, inverters, controllers, and other components designed to store and manage energy efficiently for large-scale applications.
How much does a BESS container cost?
The cost of a BESS container depends on its size, storage capacity, and additional features. On average, a 40ft container with a 3MWh capacity can range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 or more, but prices vary based on specific requirements and configurations.
Toggle 1What is the outlook for battery storage?
The outlook for battery storage is auspicious, as demand for renewable energy and grid stabilization grows. Battery storage systems are expected to play a key role in supporting the transition to cleaner energy, improving grid reliability, and reducing energy costs.
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