Atlas Copco asserts that its ZenergiZe range of battery energy storage systems offer a clean, efficient and cost-effective solution to capturing and storing renewable energy.  It is said to be an ideal short-term solution in applications where there is no access to grid power or where there are low load issues.

When powered or charged by renewable sources and operating in island mode, the energy storage system consumes zero fuel, contributing to lower fuel costs, reduced operating expenses and low total cost of ownership. When used as a standalone power source, the system produces no carbon dioxide emissions and is said to boast zero noise levels owing to the high-density lithium-ion batteries.  

“Our medium 10 kVA to 90 kVA and large 100 kVA to 1000 kVA ZenergiZe ranges are defined by optimum performance, sustainability and flexibility, taking battery energy storage systems to a whole new level,” comments Atlas Copco Power Technique Portable Products business line manager David Stanford. “The units can serve as either the primary or standalone power source, replacing a generator in noise-sensitive areas or where fuel fumes or pollutants are not permitted. If the application dictates, they can also be combined with a generator, offering a hybrid solution and enabling smart load management. Moreover, by combining the units with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, 100% sustainability can be achieved with these systems.”

The large units can work in parallel with other energy storage systems and act as the ‘brain' of a microgrid, storing and managing the power coming from different sources and regulating the load for each of the applications associated with the microgrid. “The fact that ZenergiZe energy storage systems have two operating modes (island and hybrid mode) allows the end-user to address any peaks in demands,” adds Stanford.

The units are designed with a lifespan of 40 000 hours, which means more than 5 000 cycles over 1 600 days of continuous operation. The systems are also said to be very low maintenance, further enhancing uptime and availability.

Atlas Copco says it has leveraged the advantages of the lithium-ion batteries, namely sustainability, flexibility and usability, in the development of the ZenergiZe system. They can provide over 12 hours of power with a single charge, requiring only 1.5 hours to charge from empty to full. As lithium-ion batteries are lighter than other technologies, the units are lighter in weight compared to traditional alternatives, offering greater versatility and mobility. In addition, the energy storage systems are considered easy to use, scale and install.

The two models in the medium 10 kVA to 90 kVA range, the ZBP and ZBE, offer rated power of 15 kVA and 45 kVA and energy storage capacity of 45 kWh. A wide range of socket options enable hassle-free connection to a generator. With a small 1.5 m2 footprint, the medium range units are seen as ideal for telecom installations in remote locations and can be used to balance the peaks in demand and low loads, in metropolitan construction sites.

The large ZBC 100 kVA to 1 000 kVA energy storage system range is available in four models and is particularly suited for demanding applications that require a constant and significant flow of electrical energy. With rated power of 100 kVA and 500 kVA, the range enables operators to scale with up to 30 ZBCs working in parallel in any power node. Furthermore, the ZBC can store energy coming from different sources and manage the power supply of small residential areas.

ZenergiZe energy storage systems are suitable for diverse uses, from rental and small applications requiring smart power management to large businesses with multiple units.