Power modules for battery storage systems

Safe charging and discharging

With rising electricity consumption and the integration of diverse energy sources, battery storage systems are increasingly coming into focus. Consequently, residential, industrial, and utility-scale storage systems—defined by their battery storage capacity—are increasingly used. Industrial and utility storage systems, whether stationary or distributed, store valuable wind and solar energy.

Storing and providing energy

To ensure a stable power supply from solar, wind, and water, energy systems must balance the volatility of renewables with reliable, adequately sized storage. In this context, Phoenix Contact’s new 19″ power modules actively charge battery storage systems via AC/DC or DC/DC modules, storing excess energy from sources like photovoltaics for later use. As a result, these scalable solutions manage peak loads, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and deliver economic and environmental benefits by lowering energy costs and maximizing resource use.

The All Electric Society

While, battery storage solutions aren’t intended for extended periods of low wind or sunlight but should complement diverse energy sources. Based on this principle, this principle guided Phoenix Contact’s design of the All Electric Society Park in Blomberg. The concept of The All Electric Society envisions a future where renewable electricity is globally available, affordable, and abundant—enabled by full electrification, networking, and automation across all sectors. At the park, renewable sources like photovoltaics and wind trees are managed by an energy flow system that stores surplus energy in on-site batteries. To support this, these systems use coordinated Phoenix Contact components, with efficient and safe power modules playing a key role.

A holistic approach for battery storage systems at Phoenix Contact

In the context of industrial and utility-scale storage systems, products already proven in industrial settings are preferred. Accordingly, ISO containers vary in layout based on battery capacity and system requirements, often using components common in control cabinet construction. With its extensive product and system portfolio, Phoenix Contact serves as a one-stop shop for battery storage solutions.

How do I charge and discharge my batteries reliably with the power modules?

For the Power Conversion System (PCS), standard 19″ cabinets can be installed in ISO containers and flexibly equipped with Phoenix Contact power modules. This setup allows for scalable power levels per cabinet. Reducing customization costs—especially for small series or new products—. Enabling faster time to market. Moreover, the modules feature internal electrical isolation, often eliminating the need for external transformers, and meet emission class B standards. This makes them suitable for urban use. Additionally, their modular design and simple connections support easy cabling and independent load operation. Communication with the battery system is handled by the Phoenix Contact PLCnext controller via a daisy-chain setup using the AXL F IF CAN module.

Furthermore, Phoenix Contact provides unidirectional and bidirectional power modules for charging energy storage systems. Unidirectional modules (AC/DC and DC/DC with integrated MPPT) are ideal for photovoltaic integration. Bidirectional AC/DC modules eliminate the need for a second inverter. This enables safe bidirectional energy flow while saving space and cost. They support island grids with black start, unbalanced load, and grid-forming capabilities, and respond rapidly to load changes. Up to 48 modules can be connected in parallel for outputs up to 1.5 MW, in compliance with local grid regulations.

Phoenix Contact’s robust power modules can be quickly removed and replaced. Furthermore, allowing efficient maintenance planning and reduced system downtime.