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Leclanché and Schüco Cooperate for Lithium-Ion Energy Storage Solutions

June 09, 2011 by Jeff Shepard

Leclanché S.A., a specialist in the production of high capacity Lithium-Ion cells with headquarters in Yverdon-les Bains/Switzerland and production in Willstätt/Germany, and Schüco International KG (Bielefeld), a world specialist in aluminum, solar, steel and plastic systems for building envelopes, announced the conclusion of a cooperation agreement to provide energy storage systems for solar generated electricity.

The energy storage system can be directly connected to solar panels in order to save the generated energy in Leclanché’s high capacity Lithium-Ion batteries. This new system will significantly increase the proportion of own consumption of onsite-generated photovoltaic electricity.

"The market for renewable energy storage systems is developing and growing very fast. And Schüco, a world leader in the solar market, has decided to choose our stationary storage solutions. Leclanché commands technological know-how and leadership in state-of-the art Lithium Ion cells, as well as entire energy storage systems, including the necessary electronics," said Ulrich Ehmes, Chief Executive Officer of Leclanché."This contract, which will use about a quarter of our new production line capacity in 2012, represents a milestone in the continuing development of Leclanché’s business."

Dirk U. Hindrichs, President and CEO of Schüco International KG added, "This collaboration with Leclanché is a first important step in using energy saving technologies to utilize electricity generated by the sun even at night or during the day when levels of sunlight are low. This enforced decentralized use of electricity will also conserve the electricity in the public grid."

The modular design of the system comprises a control and a power unit specifically developed for Schüco and universal Lithium-ion energy storage modules. The heart of the system is the long-lasting high capacity Lithium-Ion batteries, produced in the Leclanché plant in Willstätt/Germany. Single energy storage modules can be stacked as needed according to the required capacity. The battery unit and its performance can be controlled using a Controller or can be connected to other energy saving systems via an optional Internet access.

Both companies envisage this agreement forming the basis for long-term partnership. They have also agreed not to disclose further contractual details.

More news and information regarding the latest developments in Smart Grid electronics can be found at Darnell’s SmartGridElectronics.Net.