Schneider Electric launches all-in-one battery system for microgrids

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of its latest battery energy storage system (BESS) designed to be part of a flexible and scalable architecture. The company said its BESS is the foundation for a fully integrated microgrid solution that is supported by Schneider Electric’s controls, optimisation, electrical distribution, digital services and field services.

As an integral part of a microgrid system, a BESS captures energy from different sources, accumulates this energy and stores it in rechargeable batteries for later use. Battery energy storage is the only distributed energy resource (DER) that enables the widest range of energy-use cases, including resiliency, demand-charge reduction, services, renewable self-consumption, decarbonisation of electrical energy and variable generation smoothing.

“Reliable energy supply cannot be taken for granted,” said Bala Vinayagam, Schneider Electric’s Senior Vice President of Microgrids. “With over two decades of expertise in power conversion and batteries, storage is at the core of Schneider Electric’s proposition. Now, we are proud to introduce a solution that has been thoroughly designed and tested.

“Our aim is to deliver this cornerstone technology to the market that enables multiple use cases for resilience, sustainability and energy cost savings. We are providing greater demand-side flexibility at scale to the microgrid sector by enabling our local expert partners to deliver a safe and compatible system.”

Comprising battery modules, battery racks, a battery management system, power conversion unit and controller, BESS has been tested and validated to work as an integral component with Schneider Electric’s microgrid systems. It is also fully integrated into the company’s software suite, which includes EcoStruxure Microgrid Operation, and EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor.

The BESS is available as a 6 m NEMA 3R enclosure that is AC coupled and available from 250 kW to 2 MW in 2h and 4h configurations.

“Our new battery energy storage system marks a significant step forward in enabling storage and connection with DERs that is flexible enough to meet the future energy demand needs,” Vinayagam said. “Amidst the global pursuit of net zero objectives and the imperative for an enhanced grid, we are working closely with our trusted network of partners to deliver the technology required to fully unlock the potential of simplified battery storage and power conversion.”