What are the benefits of using C&I Energy Storage Systems?
C&I systems offer numerous advantages for the users:
Commercial & Industrial Energy Storage (C&I)
About
C&I energy storage is a system primarily designed for commercial and industrial applications, such as manufacturing plants, office buildings, schools, hospitals, factories, shopping centers and other mid-scale facilities.
The system consist of batteries combined with power conversion system. Compared to residential energy storage systems, C&I energy storage systems have much larger capacities as they have to withstand much bigger energy demands of the facilities. The main goal of C&I energy storage is to increase efficiency of energy consumption, reduce electricity costs, ensure backup power supply and to integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power plants.
How does a C&I Energy Storage System work?
Main operation principle of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) energy storage system is similar to RESS with the only difference which is the amount of energy being stored and transferred. The system can be supplied with electricity from sources like solar panels or wind turbines as well as from the grid during periods with lower energy demand (off-peak hours), in which the price tends to drop down significantly. Energy is stored in form of direct current (DC), which is later transferred to alternating current (AC) using power conversion system (PCS), to power appliances and equipment of the facility. The head of operation is energy management system (EMS), which take care of actively managing charge and discharge cycles to provide the best outcome of the system and to provide the best profits for the user. C&I systems are also commonly used to interact with public grid to provide grid services like frequency regulation or power arbitrage.
What a typical C&I Energy Storage System consist of?
C&I energy storage system is built similarly to residential energy storage system, but the overall appearance of the system is different. It is most of the times packed into a cabinet with all the necessary equipment. The cabinet consist of:
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Battery packs
Battery packs which are made out of battery cells and BMS units, most often packed into rack enclosure for convenient handling and assembly. Optionally, a battery pack can be equipped with liquid cooling system plate.
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Battery rack
A set of battery packs connected together in a pre-made space in the cabinet, designed for good air flow or optionally with connections to liquid cooling system.
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Battery Management Unit (BMU)
Head of battery operations, monitoring each battery pack in the set and communicating with BMS systems of each battery pack. Allows connection of whole battery rack to Power Conversion System (PCS).
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Power Conversion System (PCS)
Conversion of AC to DC and DC to AC, allowing connection to different energy sources and energy receivers.
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Static Transfer System (STS)
Uninterrupted switching between power sources, allowing to seamlessly switch to off-grid operations during power outage.
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Energy Management System (EMS)
Head of operations of whole C&I system, managing energy exchange with the grid and all power sources and receivers. Allows to monitor and set parameters of system work through Web or APP applications.
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Control cabinet
Consisting of connection, safety and protection equipment on electronical side of the system.
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Fire protection system
Sensors to detect smoke, fire, thermal runaway and other related signals to trigger an alarm and activation of fire extinguish system.
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Cooling system
Most often air conditioning system to provide stable working conditions for the system and extend system efficiency and lifespan. Optionally it can be a liquid cooling system, which is much more efficient and less energy demanding.
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Cabinet enclosure
Protection of the system from environmental factors by providing high IP protection level, allowing to place the system both inside and outside of the facility.
Cost savings
Backup power
Additional earnings
Improved power quality
Environmental benefits
Products
PotisEdge C&I Energy Storage System offerings
PotisEdge offers a wide range of C&I products using self-developed BMS and EMS systems, patented Intelligent Cell Connection Systems (iCCS) and years of experience in the energy storage industry.
