Atlas Copco Expands Energy Storage Systems Portfolio

Published: 11/9, 2023

Atlas Copco Power and Flow has launched five new models of its industry-leading lithium-ion energy storage systems. The new units take modular energy storage to a new level, expanding the spectrum of suitable applications, and providing customers with increased options for power.

The additions include a larger ZBC 300-300 unit and a smaller line of battery-based storage systems, the ZPB 45-60, ZBP 45-75, ZBP 15-60 models, and the ZBP 2000 with two flexible solar panels.

Designed with sustainability in mind and well-suited to noise-sensitive environments, these cutting-edge energy storage systems are ideal for applications with a high energy demand and variable load profiles, as they successfully cover both low loads and peaks. They can properly size cranes and other electric motors, and successfully manage peaks in energy demand for noise-sensitive events and for electric vehicle recharging stations. In addition, operators can synchronize several models, which can become the heart of any microgrid, storing and delivering energy coming from several energy sources, including renewables.

The small ZPB 45-60, ZBP 45-75, and ZBP 15-60 units are modular, mobile, and up to 70% lighter in weight than other battery systems, and so can easily be moved around site to provide clean and quiet energy where required. They can work alone in island mode, or can be coupled with a diesel generator to provide a hybrid solution with significant energy savings.

The ZBP models are easy to use and install and have lower maintenance needs than a standalone diesel generator, which translates into a reduced total cost of ownership. Featuring advanced high-density lithium-ion batteries, these energy storage systems provide excellent performance with more 12 hours of power from a single charge, and they can be fully charged in less than one hour.

ZBP 2000 is a fully sustainable portable solution as it comes with two foldable solar panels which could be used to recharge the unit in great weather conditions or to maintain a proper battery level during less efficient production days. It provides silent operation and zero emissions while working with solar energy. Up to five units can easily be joined in parallel to provide users with higher power levels of up to 10kW.

Compact and lightweight, with a footprint of 35 ft3 (1m3), this unit is robust enough to withstand conditions typically found on construction sites. The ZBP 2000 energy storage system has IK09 impact resistance classification and an Ingress Protection rating of IP65, meaning it provides exceptional protection from dust and water, so users can be confident it provides excellent reliable performance in harsh environments.

The ZBC 300-300 joins the ZBC 250-500 and ZBC 500-250 models are designed to meet the requirements for off- and on-grid applications, and is ideal in combination with renewable stations, providing up to 4,5MWh of storage capacity. It is a scalable solution, as up to 16 units can be connected in parallel. Moreover, when operating in hybrid mode with a diesel generator, users can reduce daily fuel consumption by up to 90%, depending on the application.

During stand-alone operation, these energy storage systems offer no fuel consumption and no CO2 emissions, operating at less than 80 dB(A), while allowing users to increase the productivity of their core business by up to 50%.

 

ECO, the Energy Controller Optimizer

All Atlas Copco’s energy storage systems come with their own intelligence, the ECO Controller,TM a unique in-house designed and developed energy management system With the introduction of this human-machine interface (HMI), operators will optimize energy generation, distribution, and consumption. ECO, as the ‘brain’ of the energy storage system, communicates with all components including inverters, batteries, solar charge controllers and energy meters. The controller ensures consistent operations and optimal performance of the entire installation, therefore enabling operators to minimize downtime. Atlas Copco’s ECO ControllerTM offers seamless user experience, provides performance data so customers can take any immediate corrective action, thereby increasing the lifetime of components and generators and the overall operational efficiency while reducing long-term costs.

Moreover, to enhance the electrification of certain sectors, Atlas Copco has launched the Z Charger for electric vehicles and heavy-duty machinery. This new solution, which increases the charging rate by boosting the voltage, decarbonizes the recharging of battery-driven machinery and vehicles when working with an energy storage system.