Protective devices in energy storage containers

As demand for electricity becomes ever greater, the need to store energy (as well as produce it) also does. Like all electrical installations, energy storage systems need application-specific protection. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are now a mature technology.

In addition, battery storage for the power grid forms the basis for energy management (so-called “peak shaving”). In order to provide optimum protection for the high-end electronics in storage containers, one needs a comprehensive lightning and surge protection system.

Surge protective devices (SPDs) is required in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) BESS systems contain AC/DC converters and battery banks implemented in concrete constructions or in metallic containers.

The container battery storage systems store the power generated, e.g., by photovoltaic systems and wind turbines, and feed it back on demand. Thanks to decentral storage, they also reinforce network stability and can be used by the network operator to provide balanced power.

The equipment inside the container is protected in a similar way to a Faraday cage, i.e., the separation distances to the electrical components inside must be kept.

While Electrical Energy Storage is not new, the increase of power has brought new constraints and challenges for over-current protection devices. DC fuses must withstand a wide range of constraints such as power cycling, high and low fault currents and coordination with other protective devices.