Why do energy storage systems need to be equipped with battery thermal management systems (BTMS)?

The main reason for using a battery thermal management system (BTMS) in energy storage is to maintain the energy storage batteries at an appropriate temperature for safe and efficient long-term operation. Without BTMS, batteries are prone to performance degradation, shortened lifespan, and even serious safety incidents such as fires due to temperature runaway.

Safety control: Preventing thermal runaway and fires.
Energy storage systems typically consist of tens of thousands or even millions of batteries, on a large scale. Lithium-ion batteries are highly prone to chain thermal runaway under conditions such as high temperatures, overcharging, and internal short circuits. BTMS is the key to preventing and suppressing such risks.

Performance Assurance: Maintaining Optimal Operating Temperature
Battery performance is highly sensitive to temperature. At low temperatures, capacity and power are severely reduced; at high temperatures, internal chemical reactions and aging are accelerated. The Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) ensures that the battery operates within the ideal range of 15°C to 35°C by heating or cooling as necessary.

Extended Lifespan: Enhancing Temperature Uniformity and Cycle Life
Excessive temperature differences within a battery pack can lead to the "bucket effect," where some batteries deteriorate faster, reducing the overall lifespan. BTMS effectively controls temperature differences (typically within 5°C), improving uniformity and ensuring the system achieves cycle life targets of thousands or even 8,000 cycles.

All-Climate Adaptability: Dealing with Complex Operating Environments
Energy storage stations may be deployed in a wide range of climates, from -40°C to +50°C. BTMS is an essential technology for enabling normal charging and discharging of batteries in extreme cold or heat, ensuring system reliability.

 

Overall, the core value of using BTMS in energy storage systems lies in achieving overall system safety, efficiency, and long lifespan through meticulous temperature management. This is the cornerstone for the large-scale and highly reliable application of electrochemical energy storage technology.