Schneider Electric Launches All-In-One Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for Microgrids

Schneider Electric, the global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has introduced its latest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) designed to be part of a flexible and scalable architecture. BESS serves as the foundation for a fully integrated microgrid solution driven by Schneider Electric’s controls, optimization, electrical distribution, and digital and field services.

The current climate crisis and geopolitical tensions highlight the importance of energy security. Resilience can be improved by efficiently and safely accessing and storing various onsite energy sources. As an integral part of a microgrid system, BESS captures energy from different sources, accumulates it, and stores it in rechargeable batteries for later use. Battery Energy Storage is the only Distributed Energy Resource (DER) that enables a wide range of customer energy-use cases, including resiliency, demand-charge reduction, renewable self-consumption, and variable generation smoothing.

Bala Vinayagam, Schneider Electric’s Senior Vice President of Microgrids, stated, “Reliable energy supply cannot be taken for granted. 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."

Comprised of 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 fully integrated into the software suite, including EcoStruxure Microgrid Operation and EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor.

Key features and benefits of BESS include:

1. Full Integration Capabilities: The all-in-one enclosure incorporates pre-integrated components, streamlining site engineering, construction, and installation processes while minimizing labor and material expenses. The paralleling capability enables multiple BESS units to function as a unified entity.

2. Easy Installation and Maintenance: The ready-to-deploy system, featuring tested, validated, and documented architecture (TVDA), facilitates installation processes and integrates seamlessly with Schneider Electric’s Energy Management Systems (EMS).

3. Safety Compliance: The solution is fully certified and compliant using ANSI/UL standards for deployment across multiple geographies, with a cutting-edge fire safety system design.

4. Resilience: The system offers bidirectional connectivity to the grid, providing flexibility to operate as either grid-connected or off-grid, with the capacity to store energy for immediate access during outages.

5. Peace of Mind: Comprehensive services and support are available throughout the lifecycle of the project, ensuring optimal maintenance and care.

The BESS is available as a 20-feet NEMA 3R Enclosure that is AC coupled and available from 250kW to 2MW in 2h and 4h configurations.

Vinayagam emphasized, “Our new Battery Energy Storage System marks a significant step forward in enabling storage and connection with Distributed Energy Resources that is flexible enough to meet future energy demand needs. 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.”