Battery box system is modular, and uses Harting connectors

Each cube has a length of something over 20cm and contains multiple layers of lithium-ion cells with its own battery management system. These are aggregated into industrial-grade cabinets and communicate via a bus system.

The standard version of the cabinet is 2m high and has space for 48 blocks. On the top floor of each cabinet is a control unit that communicates via CAN bus with each individual block and downstream control components.

The system can be scaled from a few kWh to more than 1MWh. “We can add more cabinets, and our battery blocks also fit in other industrial enclosures – for example, wall-mount cabinets that can be placed in small places”, said CEO Michael Schnakenberg.

One uses is compensating voltage for renewable power generation plants. “When voltage is too high, they charge current and have a load-relieving effect,” according to Commeo. “When a voltage drop occurs, they can feed in their storage contents. As a result, they cushion peak loads.”

Choosing a suitable connector for linking the blocks to down-stream systems involved a project with Harting. “The recognition factor of Harting connectors in the industrial environment is a factor,” said Schnakenberg. “Our customers know as soon as they see these interfaces that our batteries are compatible with their other facilities.”

The solution consists of integrating modules from the Harting Han-Modular series and the Han Docking Frame into one unit. “The interface for supplying power and data can be quickly placed into the energy storage blocks, whilst the housing for the modules is recessed in the block interior with the mating side protruding centrally from the back of the block,” said Harting.