Unlocking the Full Potential of Energy with Storage

U.S. battery storage has seen a remarkable leap from 47 MW in 2010 to 17,380 MW in 2023, with further growth on the horizon. Lithium Iron Batteries (LFP) are expected to be the top chosen chemistry for their safety and reliability. Embracing LFP energy storage means energy independence, bill stability, a reduced carbon footprint, and future-proofing your energy against unprecedented weather conditions. Here's how to navigate energy storage for a high voltage, a solution that adapts to your evolving energy needs.

What is a high-voltage battery system?

A high-voltage battery system is an advanced energy storage solution that operates at voltages ranging from 200 to 1,500 volts DC and is typically used in 208 or 480VAC applications. These systems have many uses, such as large commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities; they are designed with safety and reliability as top priorities. They efficiently manage extensive electrical loads, provide backup power during outages, reduce peak demand charges, and integrate with renewable energy sources like wind and solar. With critical components like battery cells, a battery management system, and cooling mechanisms, high-voltage LFP systems ensure safety and efficiency, enhancing energy reliability and contributing to the building's sustainability goals.

What is the purpose of a high-voltage battery system?

High-voltage battery systems are critical in enhancing energy management, especially for commercial and industrial buildings. One of the primary advantages of these systems is their high energy density, which allows them to store substantial amounts of energy within a compact space. This makes them particularly beneficial for applications that demand large-scale energy reserves. Commercial buildings can efficiently manage energy consumption and storage by integrating high-voltage batteries, ensuring a steady supply during peak usage times or when renewable energy generation is low.

Another purpose for high-voltage battery systems is to deliver consistent power for industrial applications that require non-stop operation. Because batteries can immediately come online, unlike diesel generators, they can keep factories running without shutdowns. They can also provide reliable backup power during utility outages and with solar help offset daily peak loads and demand charges.

Briggs & Stratton HV battery storage optimizes onsite renewable generation by combining behind-the-meter storage with renewable energy (RE) technologies like wind and solar. This integration provides cost savings and resiliency, storing the power you generate for use when needed. The system offers critical backup power in emergencies, ensuring equipment remains operational during utility outages and saving money from lost operations. The battery's microgrid capability creates energy resiliency for mission-critical loads on the grid. It brings power to off-grid areas where the grid is unavailable or prohibitively expensive. 

Benefits of a high-voltage battery system?

There are plenty of benefits a high-voltage battery system delivers; here are some advantages. 

• Peak or demand charge shaving - This strategy allows you to reduce or eliminate peak electricity charges by discharging stored energy during your peak electrical loads. Doing so can significantly reduce your electricity costs, making your operations more cost-effective.

• Eliminate time-of-use (TOU) charges - Charge when utility rates are low and discharge when rates are high.

• Participate in demand response (DR) programs - Respond to utility signals, rapidly discharge, and reduce overall peak utility load demand, offsetting the capital cost of your system.

• Optimize your onsite renewable generation (wind and solar) - Behind-the-meter (BTM) storage combined with renewable energy technologies can provide cost savings and resiliency by storing the power you generate to use when you need it.

• Emergency backup power and resilience: This provides critical reserves for equipment during utility power outages, saving you significant money from lost operations.

Microgrids and off-grid applications - Create energy resiliency for mission-critical loads on the grid while also bringing power to areas where the grid is not available or prohibitively expensive.

Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions' approach to high-voltage applications

The future of battery storage lies in safety and reliability. The transition to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries has enhanced the appeal of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by offering improved safety, longer lifespans, and better thermal stability.

Leveraging Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions' high-voltage LFP technology provides safer and more reliable energy storage solutions. Their focus on high-voltage applications ensures that each system meets substantial power requirements, offering dependable energy management and backup power. This commitment to innovation and safety positions Briggs & Stratton as a key player in the future of energy storage, helping homeowners and businesses transition to more controlled energy practices. Here are three top priorities of their high-voltage approach.

1. A focus on safety in high-voltage applications

Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions prioritizes safety with its proprietary, non-hazardous LFP battery design. This design, combined with their unique HV BMS (High Voltage Battery Management System), offers superior reliability, safety, and performance compared to other technologies. The PHI HV system can also interface with third-party external BMS of your choice. The stability and safety of high-voltage LFP batteries are enhanced through specialized designs and materials, incorporating protections against overcharging, over-discharging, extreme heat, thermal runaway, and short-circuiting.

LFP cells are cobalt-free, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway and fire propagation, which are common hazards in traditional Li-ion batteries. Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions batteries are UL1642 & UL1973 Certified and UL9540A safety tested, ensuring reliable performance with some of the longest warranties available.

2. High-performance priorities for high-voltage batteries

Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions focuses on innovative solutions to address the growing demand for scalable and configurable energy storage systems. These modular systems allow them to be tailored to specific project requirements. By leveraging an inverter-agnostic approach, these battery systems can integrate seamlessly with any inverter. The ability to configure systems from 200 VDC to 1250 VDC and 43kWh to 2MWh ensures they meet diverse voltage and energy needs, making them highly adaptable for various commercial applications.

The high-performance capabilities of Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions' LFP batteries are a key factor in their effectiveness. These cobalt-free batteries benefit from over a decade of innovation, optimizing their lifecycle, depth of discharge, and charge/discharge rates. This results in enhanced round-trip efficiency, durability, and longevity. The robust nature of LFP chemistry allows these batteries to maintain system integrity even under extreme conditions, ensuring reliable performance. This makes them ideal for high-voltage applications that require consistent and dependable energy storage solutions.

Another significant advantage is flexibility in system configuration. Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions' stackable and expandable batteries can be housed in outdoor containers, eliminating the need for additional building construction to protect system electronics. This simplifies installation and commissioning and provides greater versatility in system placement. Using 24V or 48V modules enables users to optimize power density and space utilization according to their specific needs.

Communication capabilities via Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, CAN, Sunspec/MESA, and EMS controls from approved providers further enhance the system's adaptability and integration with existing infrastructure.

3. Cost-effective high-voltage energy storage

High-voltage battery systems are known for their longer cycle life, allowing them to undergo more charge and discharge cycles without significantly decreasing capacity. This reliability is particularly useful for applications involving frequent charging and discharging, such as grid peak shaving and demand response.

Strategic energy management is key when selecting the most cost-effective solution for high-voltage energy storage systems. Briggs & Stratton's HV batteries are designed to maximize cost savings through this strategic energy management. These systems reduce or eliminate peak electricity charges by discharging stored energy during periods of high electrical demand. This peak-shaving capability lowers operational costs and  improves overall energy efficiency.

Learn more about Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions' high-voltage battery storage systems for your high-voltage applications.