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Symbolfoto: Das AIT ist Österreichs größte außeruniversitäre Forschungseinrichtung

Stationary Storage Development

Grid-connected battery storage systems

Grid-connected battery storage systems enable more efficient use of renewable energy sources by storing and releasing energy as needed. They play a crucial role in integrating renewable energies into the power grid and can help improve the reliability and sustainability of energy supply.

AIT is a pioneer in the field of battery storage systems, with core competencies ranging from battery cell development to integration into the power grid.

Operation of Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems

Grid-connected battery storage systems contribute to grid stability by buffering fluctuations in electricity generation or demand. They can discharge energy to address shortages or absorb excess energy to stabilize the grid.

Applications of Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems

There are several use cases for grid-connected battery storage systems, including:

  • Intra-day energy trading
  • Balancing energy trading
  • Provision of ancillary services
  • Self-consumption optimization in combination with renewable energy
  • Peak load shaving
  • Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
  • Community storage
  • Swarm storage

Development Services for Stationary Energy Storage Systems

Stationary storage systems are becoming increasingly critical in future electrical energy systems.
The AIT supports manufacturers and system integrators in the design, development, and testing of stationary storage components and systems. Our research unit offers simulation solutions and rapid prototyping approaches.

Product Development

As part of product development, we conduct a comprehensive market analysis at the component and system levels to identify optimal configurations from battery cells to storage systems.
We also develop advanced battery management algorithms and controls to ensure efficient and safe energy management.

Cell and Battery - Component Development:

  • System design with a focus on performance and energy density
  • Cell selection for module and pack prototyping
  • Battery management systems (BMS), thermal management, and safety considerations

1D, 3D, and co-simulation for material, cell, and pack levels

  • Model-based material development and processing, including electrode formulation, engineering, and evaluation in various cell configurations
  • Development of BMS algorithms for SoX estimation and other operational parameters

Development Support

We provide extensive services in development support, including prototyping of storage systems and individual components. Our experts translate your functional requirements into precise specifications at the component or system level, covering:

  • Necessary functional requirements to provide the specified functionalities
  • Operational parameters and requirements, considering all relevant system variables
  • Specifications regarding safety and operational reliability of the system

All requirements are aligned with existing standards to facilitate validation during acceptance testing.
We also conduct simulations and tests of components, controls, and the integrated system, including interoperability with other devices. Laboratory tests are performed to evaluate system performance and safety.

  • System integration simulations using advanced grid simulation techniques with tools like DigSilent PowerFactory, Neplan, and others
  • Component interaction evaluations based on laboratory assessments using hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) approaches

Final Product Monitoring

To ensure quality and performance, we perform various measures, including:

  • Field monitoring and analysis to observe and evaluate products in real-world conditions
  • Failure and post-mortem assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses
  • Product benchmarking to compare the product’s performance against others on the market

Battery Testing Laboratory

Our expertise is complemented by state-of-the-art battery testing laboratories, supporting the procurement process of battery storage systems. From technical specification creation to offer evaluation and acceptance testing, we serve as your independent partner throughout the process.

Qualification Testing

We provide complete characterization of storage systems and components, including:

  • ICT interoperability testing
  • Accelerated aging tests to ensure system performance and safety
  • Customized performance and safety tests

ICT & Control Systems

  • Design, testing, and implementation of control systems
  • Device interoperability and communication path integration testing
  • Field monitoring of controller prototypes

Acceptance Testing

AIT offers comprehensive tests to validate defined specifications, including:

  • Factory acceptance testing and witnessing of individual components and full systems using calibrated measurement equipment
  • Detailed laboratory assessments of performance, aging, safety, and environmental factors
  • Field commissioning and witnessing to validate the functionality of installed systems

Testing International Standards for Storage Systems

Cell & Battery:

  • Accredited testing for electrical, mechanical, environmental, and safety standards according to: IEC 61427, IEC 62133, IEC 62281, IEC 60068-2, UN38.3, ISO 9227, EN 1097-6, ISO 9277, and ISO 13317
  • Functional and safety testing with HiL test benches and real systems under controlled conditions
  • Diagnostic evaluations of components and cells through multi-directional measurement techniques, including post-mortem and in-situ analysis

Power Conversion Systems (PCS):

  • Grid integration testing according to national and international standards, including: VDE AR N 4105, VDE 0124-100, VDE 0126-1-1, EN 50438, EN 50549-1/2, BDEW, FGW TR3, CEI0-21, and CEI0-16
  • Performance testing according to EN 50530 and EN 61683
  • EMC tests, immunity tests, safety assessments, and fault analysis of PCS components

ICT & Control Systems:

  • ICT interoperability testing (e.g., SunSpec compliance)
  • End-to-end functionality testing from communication interfaces to power interfaces
  • Integration testing with third-party devices such as sensors, PV systems, and grid operator gateways

Storage Systems:

  • Comprehensive performance evaluation of entire storage systems, including application-specific assessments
  • System integration testing, including relevant components and services
  • Field testing, data analysis, and benchmarking

Independent Testing of PV Storage Systems

Based on extensive laboratory infrastructure and 20 years of experience in PV inverter testing, AIT offers independent PV storage system testing according to the BVES Efficiency Guidelines.
The test portfolio includes performance evaluations of power conversion devices, batteries, and control systems for DC-, AC-, and PV generator-coupled systems in the kW to MW range.

Power Conversion Devices (Inverters):

  • High-precision measurement of conversion efficiency for grid feed-in, battery charging, and discharging under full and partial load conditions
  • Measurement of stationary and dynamic MPP tracking efficiency (including EN 50530 tests)
  • Standby and idle consumption

Battery:

  • Round-trip efficiency with full-cycle tests at nominal and partial load conditions
  • Evaluation of net storage capacity
  • Measurement of battery losses

Control System:

  • Dynamic control behavior (step response)
  • Control system accuracy (steady-state error)

Further solutions for photovotaics und electric grids