Saft presents smart Li-ion energy storage solutions for centralized and distributed PV systems

Saft is highlighting three main applications for Li‐ion battery energy storage systems that are now commercially available: kilowatt scale solutions that maximize the value of distributed residential and small commercial PV schemes; megawatt scale solutions that make large photovoltaic installations predictable and grid compatible; modular solutions targeted at hybrid and off-grid PV systems.

Kilowatt scale energy storage boosts self-consumption in domestic PV systems
Kilowatt scale energy storage can support the roll‐out of distributed residential and small commercial renewable energy schemes through the effective time-shifting of power generated during peak production times ‐ during the middle of the day for PV ‐ to the peak morning and evening demand times. This both maximizes local consumption and enhances the value of the PV system as only surplus energy is fed back into the grid.

For grid connected PV installations, which are mainly rooftop mounted, Saft offers the Synerion Li-ion modules that provide around 2 kWh capacity in a compact package that combines high operational reliability over thousands of variable charge/discharge cycles with outstanding energy efficiency. The highly scalable Synerion design, which is the only system with VDE safety certification, has already proved its capability in the Sol-ion project that is currently introducing Li-ion batteries into PV systems on the largest scale ever tested in Europe.

Visitors to the stand will see Saft’s latest 48 V Battery system comprising two Synerion 24M modules with battery management module in a compact, stand-alone cabinet offering 4 kWh nominal capacity. This and other Synerion battery solutions will be commercially available in late summer 2012 as fully integrated building blocks within a variety of PV energy conversion systems marketed by Saft partners. Thus, Saft’s historical partner in Sol-ion project Voltwerk, a subsidiary of Bosch Power Tec GmbH, announces roll-out of their VS5 Hybrid system for Q3 2012, expecting strong market demand in Germany already this year. These systems have undergone thorough testing and qualification to ensure optimum interfacing of the storage, conversion and PV production systems.

Megawatt scale energy storage makes PV predictable and grid compatible
Megawatt scale energy storage systems are ideally suited for medium to large scale on-grid solar installations, where the effective implementation of state‐of‐the‐art Li‐ion technology can smooth the intermittent generation and ramp rates inherent in renewable power sources, making PV predictable and grid compatible.

For megawatt scale applications, Saft offers Intensium Max, a ready‐to‐install containerized solution that provides a complete, fully integrated energy storage system comprising Li‐ion battery modules, power management and control interfaces, air conditioning and safety devices. Intensium Max is also used in medium and low voltage grids to provide various grid support functions such as peak management or voltage support.

New concepts for off-grid photovoltaic systems
Saft’s developing portfolio of storage solutions for off-grid solar power sites includes pioneering hybrid power schemes in which a Li-ion energy storage system operates in conjunction with both PV panels and diesel generators to ensure continuity of electrical power. This hybrid approach can enable the runtime of a genset to be reduced to less than 6 hours a day, which results in significant savings in fuel consumption (up to 75 percent) while also saving refueling and maintenance costs and reducing CO2 emissions.

For hybrid schemes, Saft has created the Evolion 48 V Li-ion module that offers a unique combination of float charging capability and high cycling performance. The Evolion concept provides a long cycling life, deep cycling capability, fast charging, high charge efficiency and high energy density, while also being totally maintenance‐free.