Atlas Copco expands its portfolio of Energy Storage Systems to transform the portable power supply sector
06 July 2023
Atlas Copco Power and Flow has launched five new models of its industry-leading lithium-ion Energy Storage Systems (ESS). 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 state-of-the-art systems, which have been designed with sustainability in mind, are suited to noise-sensitive environments, such as events, metropolitan construction sites, telecom, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas and rental applications, and enable operators to dramatically reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The additions to Atlas Copco's portfolio 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. With a complete offer of ESS, users will now benefit from increased flexibility and versatility in their operations, with both stand-alone and hybrid solutions across their sites.
Our customers are increasingly seeking clean energy solutions to be more sustainable and efficient in their operations .” “Atlas Copco has been at the forefront of power generation for many decades, and we are renowned for our high performance and high-quality equipment. The move towards battery storage solutions is a natural evolution for us and we have continued to develop the ESS portfolio using the best battery technology for our targeted applications, making the benefits of clean power available to more applications and for new opportunities in our sector.
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. For example, they can properly size cranes and other electric motors, and successfully manage peaks in energy demand for noise-sensitive events and for electric vehicles (EV) recharging stations. Furthermore, operators can synchronize several models, which can become the heart of any microgrid, storing and delivering energy coming from several energy sources, including renewables.
ZBP models, small and extra small energy storage systems
ZBP 45-60, energy storage system
The small ZBP units - the ZPB 45-60, ZBP 45-75 and ZBP 15-60 - present a new design, 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 are ideal for applications such as events and telecom, and 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 (TCO). Featuring advanced high-density lithium-ion batteries, these energy storage systems provide excellent performance with over 12 hours of power from a single charge, and they can be fully charged in less than one hour (depending on the model).
ZBP 2000, portable energy storage system
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 is suitable for small events and small construction sites, providing 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 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.
ZBC 300-300 to complete the medium range of ESS
ZBC 250-575 energy storage systems
The ZBC 300-300 joins the ZBC 250-500 and ZBC 500-250 models to complete the medium range of ESS and is a 10ft container designed to meet the requirements for off- and on-grid applications. These medium energy storage systems are ideal in combination with renewable stations, providing up to 9,2 MWh of storage capacity ―with 16 ZBC 250-575 units 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
Atlas Copco’s ECO Controller™
All Atlas Copco’s energy storage systems come with their own intelligence, the ECO Controller™, which is a unique in-house designed and developed Energy Management System (EMS). 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.
Atlas Copco Z Charger, fast charger 160kW
Moreover, to enhance the electrification of certain sectors, Atlas Copco has launched its own fast charger for electric vehicles and heavy-duty machinery - the Z Charger. 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.