Energy Storage Applications: Five Key Segments
The application of power equipment in energy storage projects involves five key segments: Power Conversion Systems (PCS), step-up transformers (for on-site voltage boosting), switchgear (for grid connection), battery-side components (DC side), and monitoring systems (EMS/BMS). Industry experts categorize the application of power equipment based on system stages: PCS (AC/DC conversion and protection), step-up transformers (boosting battery voltage for grid connection), grid-connection cabinets (grid-connection protection), the DC side (battery busbar/fusing), and monitoring (EMS/BMS).
The selection of complete energy storage equipment sets (combining step-up and grid-connection functions) is based on the power station’s scale and grid requirements.
Five Key Segments
- PCS (Power Conversion System): AC/DC conversion (charge/discharge control);
core equipment; - Step-up transformer: On-site voltage boosting (battery voltage → medium voltage); a prerequisite for grid connection;
- Switchgear: Grid-connection switchgear (grid-connection protection/isolation); the grid-connection interface;
- Battery-side components: DC side (battery busbar/fuses/contactors); DC protection;
- Monitoring systems: EMS (Energy Management System) / BMS (Battery Management System); system control.
Key Application Points
First, PCS matching.
Matching PCS capacity (charge/discharge power) to prevent overloading.
Second, voltage boosting and grid connection.
Matching the step-up transformer (to grid voltage) and ensuring grid compliance.
Third, DC protection.
Configuring DC-side protection (fuses/contactors) to prevent short circuits.
Fourth, fire safety.
Implementing fire safety measures (addressing battery thermal runaway); critical for safety.
Pitfalls to Avoid
First, “PCS mismatch”: Incompatibility between the PCS and the battery (limiting charge/discharge) or capacity mismatch.
Second, “Non-compliant grid connection”: Failure to meet grid-connection standards (resulting in rejection).
Third, “Inadequate fire safety”: Lack of necessary fire safety systems (posing thermal runaway risks).
Trends and Recommendations
Energy storage is moving toward “large-scale deployment,” characterized by the rise of standalone energy storage plants (high capacity) and grid-forming energy storage (providing grid support).
For end-users, the recommendation is to “select equipment based on specific functional stages, ensure PCS compatibility, and include proper fire safety systems.”
Effective application of energy storage ensures reliable peak-shaving capabilities.
