Danfoss powers high-capacity SmartGrid energy storage

NETHERLANDS: The surge in demand for electricity, alongside the growth of green energy sources like wind and solar power, is stretching the Dutch national grid to its limits. This strain has led to numerous challenges, such as overloaded connections hindering businesses from acquiring new or more substantial power sources. Moreover, investors in renewable energy struggle to sell their surplus power effectively.

To combat these challenges, SmartGrid — a Dutch company based in the town of Hengelo — has introduced sustainable battery energy storage systems (BESS). These BESS solutions help companies, construction sites, distribution centers, and events grappling with power supply issues. Powered by Danfoss VACON® NXP power converters, SmartGrid's innovative smart battery containers help businesses mitigate power shortages. This was exemplified by the annual Lambertus Fair in Hengelo, which became the Netherlands' first major zero-emission fair. Discover how Danfoss power converters enable SmartGrid's sustainable battery containers for businesses struggling with power shortages.

The utility landscape faces a pivotal shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives. However, this transformation coincides with a heightened need for consistent power due to the increasing congestion of the grid and the energy transition.

That was the challenge Lambertus Fair faced when they held the first major zero-emission fair in the Netherlands in 2022. The diesel generators that had previously been used had to be replaced with greener alternatives, while maintaining the same stable supply of electricity — constant power for several days. In the event industry, you don't have time for power shortages. To address the requirements for both performance and sustainability, Danfoss Drives' team partnered with SmartGrid to develop a battery energy storage capable of meeting the needs of the Lambertus Fair.

The VACON® NXP Grid Converters ensure precision and power for applications that require robust and dynamic performance. In 2020, during development of the batteries, SmartGrid chose these power converters based on their trust in Danfoss’ expertise and reliability.

Danfoss was involved early in the development of the battery containers. SmartGrid and Danfoss' Application Development Center (ADC) in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, rigorously tested four prototype containers to ensure precise current transmission without grid disturbances.

These smart containers store surplus green energy during high supply and release it during shortages. Depending on the power shortage, one or more 10-foot battery containers can be supplied to act as a vital support mechanism. Integrated with lithium iron phosphate batteries and controlled by power converters, these containers efficiently manage energy flow, ensuring a constant grid utilization rate of 100%.

Additionally, a VACON NXP Grid Converter inside each container controls the charging of the batteries and the conversion of 800 V DC to 400 V/50 Hz and 240 V AC when discharging. By 2022, SmartGrid had built 30 battery containers, primarily for the rental sector. The battery containers are built in two versions with a capacity of 250 kVA at 500 kWh and a capacity of 500 kVA at 1000 kWh.

Benefits of VACON® NXP Grid Converter

• Suitable for a DC input of up to 800 V, with AC output of 520 A
• A built-in sine filter ensures high power quality with a nice AC sine wave
• A common-mode filter equalizes the differences between the system's common mode voltage, which arise when transforming
• A low-complexity, lighter system due to no need for a separate transformer
• Performs well at low loads

The Hengelo Lambertus Fair utilized three 10-foot battery containers, replacing diesel generators and ensuring uninterrupted power throughout the four-day event. Leveraging a 40 kW on-site grid connection, the fair enjoyed uninterrupted green power, showcasing the potential of these innovative solutions.

Moreover, the longevity and reliability of lithium iron phosphate batteries stood out. Retaining 80% capacity after 8000 cycles, these batteries promise 21 years of daily discharge and recharge without performance concerns. Finally, as the smart battery containers can store solar and wind power, they serve as a step towards utilizing the energy available to support the green transition.