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Connection technology for energy storage systems

Connection technology for energy storage systems

Energy storage: The key to sector coupling

Symbolic representation of a battery energy storage cell

Electrical energy storage devices play a crucial role in the implementation of sector coupling. Rely on innovative connection technology from Phoenix Contact for your energy storage solution.

White papers and case studies

A rendering of an e-vehicle charging storage unit in a residential garage, with the car and sunset lighting in the background.

The need for robust and reliable connectors

Residential energy storage systems (RESS) are one of the growing ways to realize this vision of an All Electric Society. Designed for use in homes, an RESS stores excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar panels, for use on demand when a residence truly needs it.

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An abstract graphic of a bright room with rows of energy storage battery racks, and a large battery highlighted in the center. The battery is filled with bright green bubbly liquid, and various icons related to clean energy float around the battery.

Connector and cable considerations: Utility-scale energy storage battery racks

Electricity in our daily lives is an unconscious convenience until it is not available. Planned, unplanned, and controlled outages in the form of blackouts cause disruption. Climate change-inducing extreme weather events that contribute to outages are making energy storage more important than ever. This white paper will investigate the role that connectors and cables play in energy storage systems.

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A photo taken from a low angle of a green grassy field with wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage units grouped together. A bright blue sky is in the background.

Energy storage: The key to sector coupling

Learn what is important in the selection, design, and operation of energy storage systems in this white paper. The issues covered include increasing security of supply through batteries and power-to-X processes, as well as the selection of suitable connection technology.

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Man with green battery and icons for sector coupling

We are therefore the ideal partner

As a company empowering a CO₂-neutral world, we support you with leading solutions for sector coupling
Implement your individual contacting solutions for battery storage systems and Power-to-X applications
Take advantage of reliable connection technology for safe and space-saving wiring of your energy storage
Identify optimization potential through professional consultation with our experts for energy storage applications

Utility-scale storage

Solutions for utility-scale storage

Utility-scale storage systems are used as a backup for the grid. They allow high peak loads despite inadequate grid infrastructure – for example, in fast charging stations for electric vehicles. Another application for large-scale storage systems is the storage or provision of energy depending on the electricity price in energy trading.

Connectors for residential storage battery modules

Battery modules are the heart of energy storage systems. They contain battery cells in which the electrical charge is stored as chemical energy. Each battery module features cell balancing, which ensures that all the battery cells maintain an equal state of charge.

Connection technology for battery racks

Each level of an energy storage system places different requirements on the
electrical connection technology for signals, data, and power. The comprehensive portfolio for device and field wiring from Phoenix Contact covers these requirements.

One subsection of the potential requirements is the insulation capability or the resistance to mechanical, thermal, and chemical influences. Others include the bending radii of the conductors or, for example, the number of cores and approvals. The following two application examples for battery module wiring and for battery rack connection illustrate the versatility of device and field wiring.

Our connection technology portfolio for energy storage

Energy storage systems are made up of different components that all contribute to the function of the overall system. Benefit from our portfolio of PCB connections, connectors, and electronics housings that demonstrate our strong innovation power. Get solutions for signal, data, and power transmission from a single source and integrate them into your applications.

Interactive Image Map: Connectors for energy storage in a battery rack

Battery-pole connectors

Device and cable connectors that are protected against polarity reversal are ideal for use in energy storage systems.

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Signal connection with insulation displacement connection technology

Transmit information securely and reliably with connectors from Phoenix Contact.

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Signal connection with insulation displacement connection technology

Lever-actuated PCB terminal blocks

New levels of convenience with LPT series PCB terminal blocks.

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Lever-actuated PCB connectors

New levels of convenience with LPC-series PCB terminal block connectors.

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Board-to-board connectors

Robust FINEPITCH series board-to-board connectors.

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Signal connection with Push-in Technology

Convenient PCB terminal blocks with a compact size.

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Signal connection with Push-in Technology

Circular connectors

Greater flexibility when it comes to the device connection and system cabling.

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Single Pair Ethernet connectors

The standardized SPE interfaces are ideally suited for efficient data transmission.

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Components for rack BMS insertion

The rack BMS slide-in module connects to the overall system via a blind-mating feature on the rear, thus not endangering the installer in any way. On the front, the individual battery modules of the rack are connected via efficient and user-friendly plug-in connections. Innovative connection technologies for fast and reliable manufacturing processes are used for the internal wiring of power, signal, and data components.

Interactive image map: Connection technology for energy storage

Battery-pole connectors

Device and cable connectors that are protected against polarity reversal are ideal for use in energy storage systems.

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Lever-actuated PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors

New levels of convenience with LPT and LPC series PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors.

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Lever-actuated PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors

Board-to-board connectors

Robust FINEPITCH series board-to-board connectors.

More about board-to-board connectors

IDC female connector strips for BTB connectors

Pre-assembled IDC female connector strips with flat-ribbon cable for immediate use in the device.

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IDC female connector strips for BTB connectors

RJ45 jacks for PCBs

Reliable data transmission with various connection options such as SMD and wave soldering.

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Feed-through connectors

Our product range for PCB connectors offers a variety of connection options – from established screw connection and IDC fast connection to innovative Push-in Technology.

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RJ45 jack insert

Reliable data transmission in a robust design, 10 Gbps, CAT6A special tool-free assembly thanks to IDC connection.

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Universal current transducers

MCR current and voltage transducers can be used to convert direct, alternating, and distorted currents and voltages into a standard analog signal.

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Busbar connection

Connectors for connecting to the busbar simplify the installation of slide-in systems in energy storage systems.

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Residential storage

Solutions for residential storage

Coupled with a photovoltaic system, energy storage devices play a huge role in homes. The proportion of self-generated electrical energy used in the household’s own electricity consumption is increased significantly. In the event of a disturbance in the public grid, it enables a continuous, self-sufficient supply.

Connectors for the Power Control Unit in the residential storage system

The Power Control Unit is the central control element of the residential storage system. It organizes the charging and discharging processes of the battery modules and ensures their safe operating state. To do this, it monitors currents and voltages and the temperatures inside the modules.

Interactive Image Map: Power Control Unit in residential storage systems

EtherCAT P

The DMCC 0.5 PCB connector features Cat5 transmission characteristics and EtherCAT P qualification.

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SPTAF series PCB terminal blocks with a low installed height

The low installed height of the SPTAF PCB terminal block is ideal for energy storage systems and flat modules.

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SPTAF series PCB terminal blocks with a low installed height

Board-to-board connectors

Robust FINEPITCH series board-to-board connectors provide shielded and unshielded solutions for signal and data transmission.

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Lever-actuated PCB connectors

Benefit from a new level of convenience with LPC-series PCB terminal block connectors.

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Feed-through connectors

Our product range for PCB connectors offers a variety of connection options – from established screw connection and IDC fast connection to innovative Push-in Technology.

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RJ45 connectors

Compact RJ45 connectors and patch cables support high-speed data transmission of up to 10 Gbps.

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Connectors for DC and AC cabling

The portfolio ranges from connection technology for photovoltaic panels, to DC connectors for field cabling, right through to device connections for signals, data, and power.

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Interactive Image Map: Residential storage battery module

Lever-actuated PCB connectors

Benefit from a new levels of convenience with LPC-series PCB terminal block connectors.

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Modular rectangular connectors

With modular rectangular connectors of the VARIOCON series you can combine power, signal, and data transmission in one connector. Screw, crimp, or direct PCB connection can be selected for the device side.

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PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors

Benefit from versatile connection technology solutions in different shapes, colors, and connection options as well as from our extensive development and manufacturing expertise for your individual connection solution.

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Products

Industrial storage

Energy storage devices have long been used in commercial buildings and factories to provide an uninterruptible power supply. New technologies extend the range of possible applications in energy management. For example, using energy storage devices to cap peak loads significantly reduces energy costs for companies.

Utility-scale storage

Utility-scale storage systems are used to support the grid. For example, they allow high peak loads despite inadequate grid infrastructure – for example, at fast charging stations for electric vehicles. Another use of utility-scale storage systems is in the energy trade, i.e., the storage and provision of energy depending on the price of electricity.

Residential storage

Coupled with a photovoltaic system, energy storage devices play a huge role in homes. The proportion of self-generated electrical energy used in the household’s own electricity consumption is increased significantly, and continuous autonomous supply is possible in the event of a malfunction in the public grid.

Connectors for battery poles and the busbar connection

Busbar connectors and battery pole connectors can be used quickly, safely, and economically in energy storage systems for applications up to 1,500 V. Benefit from the advantages of both connection technologies for front or rear connections.

Battery-pole connectors

Device and cable connectors that are protected against polarity reversal are ideal for use in energy storage systems.

Go to the battery-pole connectors

Connectors for busbar connection

Connectors for connecting to the busbar simplify the installation of slide-in systems in energy storage systems.

Go to the connectors for busbar connection

Solutions for reliable electrical connections in battery and Power-to-X systems

The key to a CO₂-neutral society lies in the efficient use of renewable energy. Energy storage systems are the basis for this. The reliability and efficiency of the storage systems depend not least on the cabling and the electrical connections. They form the cardiovascular system of the energy storage concept.

Dr. Rüdiger Meyer - Phoenix Contact, Expert for energy storage systems

Dr. Rüdiger Meyer, expert for energy storage systems at Phoenix Contact

Do you have a question? - Contact our energy storage expert, Dr. Rüdiger Meyer

The basis for sector coupling: Energy storage YouTube

The basis for sector coupling: Energy storage

Batteries and Power-to-X concepts increase security of supply and enable consistent sector coupling in the energy supply industry. Phoenix Contact provides you with internationally certified connection technology designed to meet the high demands of energy storage systems.

Home storage, industrial storage, and large-scale storage as the links for sector coupling

Energy storage devices compensate fluctuations in renewable energy, thus guaranteeing a stable energy supply. For a huge range of applications, energy storage devices must operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. Resilient and durable electrical connection technology is necessary to satisfy these requirements.

All Electric Society YouTube

Empowering the All-Electric Society

The greatest challenges facing humanity – the fight against climate change and safeguarding sustainable development – can be met from a technical perspective by the All Electric Society.

It is a world in which affordable electrical energy generated from renewable sources is available on a virtually unlimited basis as the main form of energy. The key to making this world a reality is the comprehensive electrification, networking, and automation of all sectors of the economy and infrastructure. Phoenix Contact is empowering industry and society to forge ahead with this transformation as we move toward a sustainable world.

Find out more about technical solutions for the All Electric Society

Questions and answers about energy storage systems The answers to a large number of questions are already available. Just take a look at our FAQs. If the corresponding answer is not included, feel free to contact us.

Technician controlling energy storage systems

Why is energy storage technology important?

Energy storage systems are used in a huge range of applications – for example, for providing electricity in the event of grid outages. Energy storage systems have an important role to play in the energy revolution, especially with the increased use of renewable energies. This is because renewables are not available at all times to meet demand. The supply of and demand for electrical energy are quite often out of sync. Energy storage systems can bring synchronization to this equation by storing excess electricity produced by solar power and wind power systems. Whenever the demand for energy from the grid is higher than that available, the energy storage systems can make this excess electricity available again.

Do battery energy storage systems pose any significant dangers?

Despite occasional reports of fires or other accidents involving battery energy storage systems, the answer to this question can be answered with a no. State-of-the-art battery energy storage systems are produced by the manufacturers in accordance with applicable directives and standards, and are installed and commissioned by specialists. That said, battery energy storage systems are also to be considered as devices and plants with a very high energy content. Dangerous conditions can arise in the event of unauthorized access, willful destruction, or circumvention of the safety measures and equipment. However, the manufacturers themselves take such scenarios into account with failure mode and effects analyses.

Do battery energy storage systems require maintenance?

As is the case with most technical devices and systems, battery energy storage systems should also be checked and serviced regularly. Depending on the storage media used, this maintenance work can be reduced significantly to just visual inspections, the tight fit of screw connections, and so on – as is the case with common lithium-ion batteries. With other systems, however, the amount of work can also be higher, for example in lead-acid batteries, where the electrolyte has to be checked and topped up regularly.

Can the battery-pole connectors be plugged into any position?

The Phoenix Contact battery-pole connectors can be plugged in and pulled out in any orientation. Moreover, they can be rotated through 360° when plugged in. This makes maintenance and troubleshooting so much easier. Moreover, it increases flexibility when designing the system.

Is it possible to reverse the “+” and “-” poles with the battery-pole connector?

Unintentional polarity reversal of the battery connection can lead to enormous damage and, in the worst case, to danger to life and limb. Therefore, the Phoenix Contact battery-pole connectors are color-coded and mechanically coded. The plus pole only fits into the plus position, and negative only into the negative. Moreover, it is also ensured that the two polarities cannot be short-circuited. This is because if this were the case, the high energy content of the battery would cause the conductors to melt and, with a high degree of probability, lead to a fire in the system.

E-paper

Solutions for energy storage

Find out about suitable electronics and housings for energy storage, and find the ideal connection technology for your requirements. Clear product tables make selection easier for you.

Open the e-paper