A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Lithium-ion Containerized Battery Energy Storage Systems

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Lithium ion energy storage systems. Source: NREL

Commercial-level energy storage systems play a crucial role in balancing the grid and ensuring power supply stability. Lithium-ion containerized batteries have become increasingly popular due to their energy density, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This article delves into the key parameters and costs associated with commercial Li-ion energy storage systems.

Key Parameters of Commercial Li-ion Energy Storage Systems

  1. Battery Size and Duration: Commercial energy storage systems typically have a rated power of 300 kW and a rated energy storage of 1.20 MWh, providing a 4-hour duration. This means that the system can deliver 300 kW of power for up to 4 hours.
  2. Battery Size per Container: A 20-ft container can house 1.8 MWh of energy storage, occupying a 15-m2 footprint area. This modular design allows for easy scaling and deployment in various applications.
  3. Round-trip Efficiency (RTE): The round-trip efficiency of commercial Li-ion energy storage systems is around 90%. This means that 90% of the energy input into the battery can be retrieved and used.
  4. State of Charge (SOC): Commercial energy storage systems have a minimum SOC of 10% and a maximum SOC of 90%. This affects the usable energy storage rating and ensures battery longevity.

Cost Parameters of Commercial Li-ion Energy Storage Systems

  1. Li-ion Battery Price: The price of Li-ion batteries for commercial energy storage systems varies based on duration. For a 4-hour system, the price ranges from $157/kWh (MSP Value) to $190/kWh (MMP Value).
  2. Battery Central Inverter Price: The cost of a bidirectional inverter for commercial energy storage systems is between $0.05/Wac (MSP Value) and $0.06/Wac (MMP Value).
  3. Battery Cabinet: The battery cabinet, which includes battery packs, containers, thermal management systems, and fire suppression systems, costs between $332/kWh (MSP Value) and $393/kWh (MMP Value) for a 1,200-kWh system.
  4. Structural BOS: The structural balance of system (BOS) components include foundation and inverter housing. These costs are impacted by the number of inverters and transformers in the system. For a 1,200-kWh system, the costs range between $1,681/m2 (MSP Value) and $1,377/m2 (MMP Value).

five major manufacturers of commercial energy storage systems in India:

ManufacturerProduct NameCapacity RangeTechnologyApplication Areas
1. Exide IndustriesExide ESS30 kW – 1 MWLithium-ionCommercial & Industrial
2. Delta ElectronicsDelta ESS100 kW – 1 MWLithium-ionCommercial & Industrial
3. Amara RajaAmaron ESS50 kW – 2 MWLithium-ionCommercial & Industrial
4. Mahindra SustenMahindra GridStar100 kW – 5 MWLithium-ionCommercial & Utility-Scale
5. Luminous PowerLuminous ESS10 kW – 500 kWLithium-ionCommercial & Industrial

Please note that these companies may offer a variety of energy storage solutions, and the capacity ranges and technology mentioned in the table are representative of their offerings. The actual capacity and technology used in their energy storage systems may vary based on project requirements and customer needs.

Lithium-ion containerized battery energy storage systems offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for commercial applications. Understanding the key parameters and costs associated with these systems is essential for making informed decisions on energy storage investments. As technology advances and economies of scale improve, the costs of Li-ion battery energy storage systems are expected to continue decreasing, making them an increasingly attractive option for commercial and industrial applications.