As the global trend of energy conservation and carbon reduction continues apace, rising demand for consistent renewable energy has led to the formation of a mature energy storage industry chain. Battery energy storage systems, or BESS, play a crucial role in this industry. Advanced test and verification technology must be harnessed to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of these systems.
Currently, the energy storage market is seeing booming development of 1500V energy storage systems (ESS). A well-known photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer has calculated that compared to 1000V systems, 1500V ESS can achieve an energy density increase of over 35% in storage cabinets of the same size, while significantly reducing the costs of the battery system, power conversion system, and battery management system (BMS). However, the widespread adoption of 1500V systems still depends on whether concomitant safety and efficiency requirements can be met. As 1500V battery systems are more susceptible to adverse environmental effects, there may be safety hazards such as insufficient electrical clearance, breakdown, arcing, or electric shock. The increased number of connected battery cells also presents challenges in terms of cell consistency.
The safety requirements for ESS with a rated voltage of up to 1500V are specified by IEC 63056. Additionally, battery system verification regulations such as IEC 62619, IEC 69620, and UL 1973 ensure the safety and performance of these products.
The Chroma 17040E Regenerative Battery Pack Test System has already seen widespread adoption for battery system verification applications. Boasting a voltage range of 1700V, it handily meets the testing requirements of 1500V battery packs. This test system can simulate the charge-discharge behavior of the power conditioning system (PCS), and detect voltage variations in battery cells during Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) to verify cell consistency. Furthermore, when combined with an automated test system, it can perform Y-capacitance inspection, dielectric withstand voltage testing, and insulation resistance testing on battery packs after multiple cycles to verify the insulation after prolonged use. Chroma’s system integration capabilities enable users to meet the requirements of the relevant verification regulations by integrating equipment such as BMS communication devices, data loggers, and water cooling systems. This solution is highly suitable for design verification, production testing, and outgoing quality control (OQC) of battery systems.
As the energy transition unfolds, the continuing development of battery system verification technology will enhance the safety, performance, and reliability of battery energy storage systems. At the same time, rigorous verification and testing can ensure the stable operation of battery cabinets in practical applications, providing users with safe and reliable energy storage solutions. Rising to this challenge, our solution is already favored among energy storage manufacturers and has been successfully adopted by leading laboratories for ESS certification purposes.