BATTERY ENERGY

STORAGE SYSTEMS
CAPABILITY GUIDE
BATTERY ENERGY
STORAGE SYSTEMS
CAPABILITY GUIDE
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
CAPABILITY GUIDE

OVERVIEW Residential

The exponential growth in renewable wind and solar energy generation has triggered a corresponding
Solar Energy
demand for battery energy storage systems (BESSs). With dropping fossil fuel consumption, new country
climate goals, lower battery costs, and the prevalence of solar and wind power generation, the need for
storage systems has never been greater. Systems that generate and store energy, or are co-located, are
becoming the norm. In addition, the majority of upcoming energy storage construction will be for stored
power generated from solar or wind energy farms to be used only when needed. BESS
Commerical

The energy industry is segmented into three categories: residential, commercial or industrial, and
utility. Renewable energy generation is growing in all these segments causing an increased demand
for storage. For example, through the use of micro-grids, homes and business have begun generating
and storing solar power to save money and provide backup power when needed. Also, some countries
Wind Energy
are providing incentives to install solar panels to reduce stress on the power grid or switch to electrical
vehicles to achieve net-zero emission targets.
Utility
From a large utility’s perspective, a BESS offers increased capacity and lower costs by having stored
energy available when demand is high. Unlike traditional forms of generation, BESS systems do not
require a long time to power up or down, offering a quick and reliable solution to help balance the
electrical system as needed.

ABOUT LITTELFUSE
Littelfuse is an industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable,
connected, and safer world. We partner with companies worldwide to design and deliver
innovative, reliable energy storage solutions. Our engineers work directly with customers,
utilizing our application, compliance and regulatory expertise, to help speed up product
design and meet the unique needs of each client. Furthermore, we offer certification testing
to global regulatory standards, to help get products to market faster. With our global
customer support and manufacturing, we are committed to the highest quality standards
and ensure a seamless experience.
2 Littelfuse.com/BESS
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (BESS)
A Battery Energy Storage System or BESS is a large-scale battery system connected to the electrical grid
for both power and energy storage. Its components include:

■ Individual battery cells, that are contained in a battery system, convert chemical energy into
electrical energy
■ Battery modules are made up of cells arranged in series and parallel combinations. The battery
module also contains the module battery management system (MBMS) that monitors and controls
the operations of these cells
■ The rack holds a number of modules connected in series and the battery protection unit (BPU)—
also known as the battery rack controller
๸ The battery protection unit includes the rack battery management system (BMS) and monitors

the voltage, temperature and the state of the charge of the battery. It also regulates the
charging and discharging cycles of the battery
■ The container can hold several racks in parallel and may have additional components that help to
manage or control the environment within the container
■ The power conversion system (PCS) or bi-directional inverter converts direct current (dc)
produced by the batteries into alternating current (ac) supplied to the grid (facilities or end users).
It also charges the batteries by pulling power from the grid when needed

A BESS may also contain some safety systems such as a fire control system, a smoke detector, and a
temperature control system or even cooling, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. What is
included will depend on what is needed to maintain a safe and efficient BESS operation.

Power Conversion Electrical Grid

Cell Module Rack Container System (PCS)

Cylindrical

Prismatic

Pouch (polymer)

Littelfuse.com/BESS 3
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
CAPABILITY GUIDE

BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES

There are two general ways the components of an energy storage system are wired together—either
by alternating current (ac) coupling or direct current (dc) coupling. The difference lies in the path the
electricity takes once it is produced. Although solar panels generate dc electricity and solar batteries
store electricity in dc, end-users need ac electricity. Thus, a conversion must happen and there are
different paths to get there. See below for the pros and cons of each system.

Ac Coupled Solar System Dc Coupled Solar System

Solar PV Array
Inverter Solar Step-up
PV Array (Dc-Ac) Step-up Inverter Transformer
Transformer Dc Link (Dc-Ac)

Bi-directional Charge
Inverter Controller
BESS (Dc-Ac) BESS (Dc-Dc)

LEGEND: PV = photovoltaic Dc = direct current Ac = alternate current LEGEND: PV = photovoltaic Dc = direct current Ac = alternate current

Features: Features:
■ Includes two inverters: ■ Utilizes a single inverter to power loads which saves money
๸ Solar inverter
๸ Bi-directional inverter with battery
■ Fewer components reduce costs and maintenance
■ Has higher efficiency since the power is not inverted multiple times
■ Offers higher flexibility
๸ Less energy losses
■ Easier installation, especially for retrofits
■ Shorter cables between BESS and PV help reduce losses
■ Can retain grid-tied inverter to save costs
■ Not ideal for retrofits
■ The system is less efficient since the energy used by the batteries is ๸ Need to replace existing inverter
inverted multiple times
๸ In many cases PV array wiring needs to be reconfigured
๸ Each level of conversion creates more losses
๸ Complex installation with an existing PV system
■ Ideal for retrofits
๸ This method is more cost effective if there is an existing PV system

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CIRCUIT PROTECTION PRODUCTS FOR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) demand a comprehensive circuit protection strategy. Within a
BESS, the major areas of concern are protection against electrical overcurrent, ground faults, arc flash,
and transient overvoltage. Littelfuse offers products that will protect your system and extend the life of
your equipment.

Dc Panel:
■ Semiconductor High-speed Fuses
๸ PSX High-speed Square Body Fuses (for 1500 V Systems)
Battery Protection Unit:
๸ PSR High-speed Square Body Fuses (for 1000 V Systems)
■ Energy Storage Rack (ESR) Battery Protection Fuse
■ LS7R Series - Dc Disconnect Switch ■ SPD2 Series - Surge Protective Devices (if battery racks contain
■ SPD2 Series - Surge Protective Devices SPDs and are more than 10 meters away from the dc panel)
■ AF0025 Series - Arc-flash Relay

Container:
■ PGR-8800 Series - Arc-flash Relay
■ Arc-flash Point Sensors

Power Conversion System (PCS):

■ PGR-8800 Series - Arc-flash Relay
๸ Arc-flash Point Sensors

■ SE-601 Series - Dc Ground-fault Monitor

■ Semiconductor High-speed Fuses
๸ PSX High-speed Square Body Fuses
Battery Dc Cabinet:
(for 1500 V Systems)
■ Arc-flash Point Sensor
๸ PSR High-speed Square Body Fuses
■ Semiconductor High-speed Fuses
(for 1000 V Systems)
Module: ๸ PSX High-speed Square Body Fuses (for 1500 V Systems)
■ Class J Fuse Disconnect Switch
■ JLLN Series - UL Class T Fast-acting Fuse ๸ PSR High-speed Square Body Fuses (for 1000 V Systems)

■ NTC Thermistor Temperature Sensor

■ TPSMC Series - Surface-mount 1500 W TVS Diode
■ 501A Series - 1206 AECQ-compliant Fuse

Littelfuse.com/BESS 5
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
CAPABILITY GUIDE

CIRCUIT PROTECTION PRODUCTS FOR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

High-Speed Square Body Fuses CNN 48 V Dc Fuses Ground-Fault Protection Temperature Sensors
Energy storage customers require CNN fuses are specifically designed A variety of factors can contribute to Littelfuse offers a broad
higher dc voltage rating, higher for heavy loads associated with dc the development of ground faults. Even selection of Negative
dc current rating, and higher battery-powered equipment such as low-current ground faults can often go Temperature Coefficient
interrupting rating fuses to battery systems. Its compact size unrecognized and cause serious damage. (NTC) thermistors,
protect batteries and dc circuits. saves space and provides design BESSs are typically ungrounded systems Resistance Temperature
The PSX and PSR square- flexibility. A window displays fuse and may remain in operation after the Detectors (RTDs), as well as probes and assemblies,
body fuses deliver high-speed status for added convenience. first ground fault, resulting in higher to meet the unique temperature sensing needs of
protection at an increased voltage on the unfaulted bus with reference to ground your battery energy storage system at the cell and
voltage and interrupting rating to Dc Disconnect Switches but with no current flow. However, subsequent ground module levels.
help prevent costly catastrophic faults on the opposite bus can have catastrophic
failures due to overcurrents. In The energy-efficient and compact consequences from both an equipment-protection
dc disconnect switches quickly TLS Compact Current-Limiting Fuses
addition, the small case size and worker-safety perspective. Ungrounded, and even
facilitates the design of more break or resume the flow of grounded BESSs, require ground-fault detection and The TLS series fuses are
compact high-energy density current safely to prevent shock protection to keep systems operating. engineered to operate
systems. These semiconductor hazards when trying to isolate up to 170 V dc to provide
fuses will protect applications circuits or repair systems. current-limiting short-circuit
Available in various voltage and ampere ratings, they Surface Mount Fuses protection for cables and
in energy storage and power
conversion operations. are applicable for energy storage systems, photovoltaic The 501A series AECQ-compliant components found in the dc
and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). fuses and halogen-free fuse series are power distribution circuits like
The PSX Series has a voltage rating of 1500 V dc and specifically designed to provide protection modules found in battery energy storage systems. The
an interrupting rating of 250 kA dc. to cell monitoring within battery energy compact design and multiple mounting configurations
Class J Fuse Disconnect Switches
The PSR Series has a voltage rating of 1000 V dc and storage systems. of the TLS series allow it to be used in a variety of
The Class J Fuse Disconnect applications.
an interrupting rating of 150 kA dc. Switch combines a switch
and multiple fuses in a single, Surface Mount TVS Diodes
Arc-Flash Protection compact device. This switch, The TPSMC series of TVS Diodes UL Class T Fast-Acting Fuses
Arc-flash relays quickly detect with both front or side operation, is designed specifically to protect Space-saving Class T fuses are
a developing arc flash by offers a simpler way to manually sensitive electronic equipment from the most compact fuses available
sending a trip signal to the open and close a circuit while voltage transients induced by lightning in ratings above 30 amperes. In
circuit breaker, which reduces safeguarding against overcurrent and short circuits. and other transient voltage events. fact, they are less than one-third
the total clearing time and When it detects an overload or short circuit, the fuse Its small size and surface-mount form the size of comparable Class R
any subsequent damage. They do this by providing blows automatically to open or break the circuit both factor are ideally suited to protect battery sense lines fuses. When rated in accordance
an output that directly activates an electrical system upstream and downstream and shuts off the equipment. from these events. with the NEC, Class T fuses
circuit breaker, which cuts off the current flow to the provide fast-acting overload and
arcing fault. The installation of an arc-flash relay ESR Battery Protection Fuses Surge Protective Devices short circuit protection for non-
reduces the total clearing time and the amount of inductive circuits and equipment.
The Energy Storage Rack (ESR) series Surge protective devices (SPDs)
energy that is released through an arcing fault which of fuses is designed specifically to provide battery energy storage
in turn helps limit damage to equipment and injuries protect battery racks in energy storage system protection from transient
to nearby personnel. systems, inverters, and many other dc overvoltage events lasting
applications. This 1500 V dc high-speed micro-seconds. By limiting the
square body Class aBat partial range overvoltage to the equipment during
fuse is extremely fast-acting. It has these events, costly damage and
superior short circuit protection and low minimum downtime can be mitigated.
breaking capabilities (MBC) to cover a range of
overcurrents that traditional high-speed partial range
fuses do not protect against.
6 Littelfuse.com/BESS
SUCCESS STORIES
Expanding Energy Storage Safeguarding a More Efficient Beating the Competition With Design, Packing in More Power With the Right
System Capacity Inverter Design Service and Delivery Fuse Protection

Customer: Integrator Customer: OEM Customer: OEM Customer: Integrator

Application: Battery Rack Application: Inverter Application: Battery Control Panel Application: Battery Rack
Product: PSR Series High-Speed Product: PSR Series High-Speed Product: PSX Series High-Speed Product: PSX Series High-Speed
Semiconductor Fuse Semiconductor Fuse Semiconductor Fuse Semiconductor Fuse

Problem: Problem: Problem: Problem:

A battery energy storage system (BESS) An OEM of solar power systems was designing An OEM of battery control panels needed to A battery energy storage system (BESS)
integrator wanted to provide its utility customer energy storage systems that incorporated a new, provide a reliable and high-performance product integrator wanted to provide its utility customer
the ability to respond faster and longer to more efficient inverter. that required customization, had a short lead time the option of integrating different batteries
increases in power demand while lowering its and strict cost parameters. depending on the energy storage system size
operating costs. This inverter relied on a high-power insulated and duration.
gate bi-polar transistor (IGBT) that operates at With numerous competitors and limited
The integrator selected lithium-ion batteries to both high voltage and high current. If the inverter customers in this market, the OEM needed to The integrator selected lithium-ion batteries to
address the utility’s requirement for a higher- is not protected in the event of a fault, it would exceed design expectations, meet tight deadlines address the utility’s requirement for a higher-
capacity battery module but needed a fast-acting result in a catastrophic failure and rupture of the and lower expenses to win the contract. To capacity battery module but needed a fast-acting
fuse with a higher short-circuit current rating to IGBTs. This could cause potential breakdown of stay ahead of competitors, the OEM frequently fuse with a higher short-circuit current rating to
protect it. the inverter taking the energy storage system updated their designs but needed reliable protect it. As more battery racks are added to a
offline and forcing an electric utility to buy power components to limit risks and wanted reputable system, the available fault current increases. This
Solution: at a premium to meet peak demand. suppliers who could supply products—with new creates the need for a fuse with a higher short
With 150 kA dc breaking capacity, the Littelfuse specifications—within an extremely limited circuit current interrupting rating to mitigate the
PSR series high-speed semiconductor fuse Solution: timeframe and keep costs inline. let through of that fault current.
offered the protection the integrator wanted The Littelfuse PSR series high-speed
in order to reduce the dc panel count and add semiconductor fuse, with faster interruption Solution: Solution:
more battery units. In addition, by using the PSR time, protects the customer’s IGBT from the After working together with the OEM’s engineers, With 250 kA dc breaking capacity, the Littelfuse
square-body fuse (similar to the previous block- aforementioned catastrophic failure when a fault Littelfuse was able to provide a new product PSX series high-speed semiconductor fuse
style fuse form factor) the integrator avoided the occurs. This helps reduce downtime and gets the with better performance in an extremely short offered the protection the integrator wanted
cost of making significant design changes. This inverter system back online quicker. In addition, development window. The new 1500 V dc fuse while increasing the system energy density and
new system design offered the utility the ability the PSR fuse with lower power consumption and had to incorporate the OEM’s latest specifications reducing the balance of system components. This
to rely on the BESS for a longer period of time remote monitoring, allows the OEM to give its including UL certification for 250 kA interrupting design offered the utility a faster and more cost-
during high peak-power demands and lower its utility and energy storage customers the ability to rating. In addition, various departments at Littelfuse efficient power demand response.
operating costs. meet energy demand cost-effectively and reliably. including procurement, manufacturing, warehouse,
shipping, product management and sales, worked
together to deliver the final product within weeks
meeting the OEM’s truncated and rigid schedule.
Littelfuse.com/BESS 7
 LOCAL RESOURCES FOR A GLOBAL MARKET
North America
Littelfuse World Headquarters
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Chicago
Chicago, IL 60631, USA
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Europe
Littelfuse.com/BESS
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Bremen, D-28279, Germany For a comprehensive library of resources including datasheets, product
+49 421 82 87 3 147 manuals, white papers, application guides, demos, online design tools,
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Littelfuse products live up to the highest

standards for performance, reliability,
Standard Title General scope Region
safety and regulatory compliance. This part of IEC 60269 has supplementary requirements that apply
IEC 60269-7 Technical Standards for Low-voltage Power Fuses Global
Working with Littelfuse offers access to fuse-links for the protection of batteries and battery systems.
to dedicated application engineers who
These requirements cover inverters, converters, charge
provide expert design consultation, Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System
REACH perform comprehensive tests simulating
UL 1741
Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources
controllers, and interconnection system equipment (ISE) intended North America
for use in stand-alone or grid-connected power systems
the harshest environments and evaluate
HF e3 results. Our testing facilities are
reassessed annually by the certifying UL 1973 Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications
A safety standard for stationary batteries for energy storage
applications that is not specific to any one battery technology or
North America
chemistry and can apply to Li-ion battery ESSs, as well as ESSs
bodies to ensure compliance. Choosing
using other battery chemistry.
Littelfuse components help achieve
regulatory compliance for products Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire This document evaluates the fire characteristics of a battery
UL 9540A North America
faster and with less expense. Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems energy storage system that undergoes thermal runaway
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