Wireless Battery Management System for MW Energy Storage Installations

AEG Power Solutions today announced the launch of an innovative wireless battery cell control system, MoniStore, targeting battery energy storage applications. Innovative MW battery storage systems are being used for grid support and grid building in typical on- and off-grid applications. Unlimited availability, good utilization and long lifecycle of the connected battery is a prerequisite for a reliable and economic operation of these systems. This requires not just regular maintenance and service of the batteries, but also continuous monitoring during operation.

AEG Power Solutions has developed the new wireless battery cell control system for operation with conventional batteries. The battery sensor is simply connected to the batteries negative pole. It continuously monitors the functionality of the individual battery cells by measuring cell voltage and temperature. The wireless sensors transmit all relevant parameters via the Zigbee protocol to a receiver module which transfers the data to an evaluation unit. Here it completes the information with other parameters derived from the data received (e.g. SOC and SOH) for the energy management system.

The new system provides the following advantages: Wireless communication allows for safe electrical isolation, and monitoring of large battery systems with more than 300 single cells, connected in series. The system does not require complex cabling as it only needs the measuring clamps and no additional cables. Installation is extremely simple and even a sensor exchange can be done during full operation. Each cell provides the power supply for its sensor – demanding extremely low power input. Current / power consumption can systematically be influenced or increased by the evaluation unit thus enabling a passive cell balancing. Further features are high reliability and long service life.

The sensors will mainly be used in large battery energy storage systems. The new system is designed for global use with lead acid or Ni-Cd batteries. “MoniStore is an innovation that will support smooth operation of battery energy storage systems which are developing strongly. With this Battery management system, AEG Power Solutions is proud to launch a new “Grid Friendly ®” component to its solutions for energy storage applications”, explains Dr. Peter Wallmeier, AEG Power Solutions CTO.