Power Delivery Systems for Efficient Battery Storage

As the adoption of renewable energy continues to grow, efficient battery energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly crucial for balancing supply and demand. At the heart of these storage solutions are power delivery systems, which ensure that the energy stored in batteries is distributed efficiently and safely for practical use. Whether integrating solar and wind energy into the grid or providing backup power in off-grid applications, these systems are essential to maximizing the performance and reliability of battery energy storage.

Power delivery systems manage everything from battery health and energy flow to power conversion, enabling stored renewable energy to be accessed when needed. Depending on the application's requirements and the complexity of the battery energy storage setup, one or more than one of these power delivery systems need to be used:

Power conversion systems (PCS)

Power conversion is typically done using inverters for DC (direct current)to AC (alternating current) conversion and rectifiers (for AC to DC conversion). For example, an inverter is required if energy is being stored from solar panels (which generate DC) but needs to supply AC power to the grid.

According to Infineon, a critical component of any successful energy storage system is the power conversion system (PCS). The PCS is the intermediary device between the storage element, typically large banks of (DC) batteries, and the (AC) power grid. AC/DC and DC/AC conversion takes place in the power conversion system (PCS). The energy flows into the batteries to charge them or is converted to AC from the battery storage and fed into the grid.”

Related:Silicon Carbide, Gallium Nitride Chips Power Up as Electric Vehicles Boom

Infineon CoolSiC MOSFET 650 V and 1200 V G2 operate with lower power losses in all operation modes in photovoltaic inverters, energy storage installations, and more. Courtesy of Infineon.

Charge controllers/regulators

These regulate the charging process to prevent overcharging and manage the flow of current to and from the battery, optimizing its efficiency and longevity. In the paper “Sources of a microgrid for residential systems and rural electrification”, published at Science Direct, a charge controller or charge regulator is defined essentially as a voltage and/or current regulator. The paper explains that stand-alone charge controls are commonly used in PV applications with batteries. Maintaining correct voltage and current temperatures during charging and discharging is essential for ensuring long battery life.

Smart energy management industry systems. Courtesy of tanit boonruen / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Energy management systems (EMS)

They help balance energy supply and demand and can integrate with other energy sources or grid systems. It's typically used in larger or more complex setups, such as integrating multiple energy sources or managing energy flows in industrial applications. According to GridX, “An EMS is a set of tools combining software and hardware that optimally distributes energy flows between connected distributed energy resources (DERs).”

Related:How Battery Management System Innovation Will Lead to Better Batteries

In photovoltaics applications, EMS solutions enable sites with rooftop solar panels to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce costs. By analyzing historical consumption patterns, forecasts, and setpoints, the EMS ensures that excess solar energy is utilized to charge batteries or power devices like electric vehicles (EVs) rather than being curtailed.

Battery management systems (BMS)

These systems monitor the health and performance of the battery, including voltage, current, and temperature. They ensure the battery operates within safe limits and can balance the charge between individual cells to enhance performance and lifespan. They are almost always necessary in any battery setup.

Rimac Energy’s innovative technology

A notable advancement in this field is Rimac Energy’s recently announced SineStack Battery Energy Storage System, which has just been commissioned and is ready for deployment at a site in Colchester, UK. Rimac Energy, a division of Rimac Technology, is recognized for its innovation in battery energy storage and power delivery systems. The SineStack system incorporates power conversion technology that integrates physically and functionally with its battery cells. This advanced design, combined with adaptive software, enables precise energy management by dynamically adjusting power conversion operations. As a result, SineStack optimizes energy extraction, balances temperatures, and extends battery life, promising zero energy capacity fade during the first two years of operation.

SineStack incorporates power conversion technology that is highly integrated both physically and functionally with its battery cells. Courtesy of Rimac Energy.

Power delivery systems are the backbone of modern battery energy storage solutions, ensuring efficient energy flow, safety, and reliability across various applications. Whether supporting renewable energy storage from solar and wind or enhancing battery efficiency in off-grid or grid-tied systems, these technologies play a vital role in optimizing energy use. As the world moves toward greater adoption of clean energy, seamless grid integration will depend on the ongoing advancements in these essential systems, ensuring that battery energy storage is available when and where it’s needed most.