Electrical test of energy storage cabinet

What are energy storage systems?

Energy storage systems (ESSs), and particularly battery energy storage systems, are finding their way into a very wide range of applications for utilities, commercial, industrial, military and residential power. Applications include renewable integration, frequency regulation, critical backup power, peak shaving, load leveling, and more.

What is DTE Energy CES testing?

The testing is being performed for DTE Energy as part of the US Department of Energy’s Energy Storage Smart Grid Demonstration Program. The CES consists of a power conditioning system, and a battery energy storage unit. Testing may include basic operation, round-trip efficiency, peak shaving, and frequency regulation.

What are the different types of energy storage technologies?

Chemistries range from Li-Ion, NiMH, NaNiCl, NaS, ZnO, Na+, and PbSO4; and technologies range from standard to flow, metal, and super-capacitors. Practical difficulties with testing such a wide range of energy storage technologies include the wide range of applications, measurements, electrical connectivity, and digital communication protocols.

Does a battery test represent an outdoor installation?

The results of such tests shall be considered to also represent an outdoor installation. Depending upon the configuration and design of the BESS (e.g. the BESS is composed of multiple separate parts within separate enclosures), this testing to determine fire characterization can be done at the battery system level.

What is considered a representative test for indoor floor mounted installations?

Tests conducted for indoor floor mounted installations shall be considered representative of both indoor floor mounted and outdoor ground mounted installations with fire propagation hazards and separation distances between initiating and target units representative of the installation.

What temperature should a test room be controlled?

Samples and test configurations are in accordance with Table 5. During the test, the test room environment shall be controlled to prevent drafts that may affect test results. At the start of the test, the room ambient temperature shall not be less than 10°C (50°F) nor more than 32°C (90°F).