Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, BYD operates in four major industrial arenas – Automobiles, Urban Transit Solutions, Electronic Devices, and Renewable Energy, which includes both solar power and battery technology.
Originally a battery-making enterprise, BYD expanded into the auto sector in 2003. The company has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar corporation with a workforce of over 220,000 and an extensive international distribution network.
BYD’s Battery Portfolio
BYD recently launched its third iteration of energy storage batteries, widening its offering to suit an array of energy storage needs.
One of the defining characteristics of these new-generation batteries is their modularity; they can be stacked to achieve storage capacities of up to one megawatt-hour (1MWh).
Premium LVL Series
Building on the achievements of the first-generation B-Box Pro, the revamped Battery-Box Premium LVL has an increased capacity of 15.4kWh and various technical enhancements for more straightforward installation and setup.
Additionally, this new series is backward-compatible with the second-gen model, allowing some existing systems to be upgraded.
Battery-Box HV Types
The high-voltage (HV) line-up presents a sophisticated, modular tower design that is centered around Lithium Iron Phosphate cells. These are available in two voltage configurations to meet varying inverter and energy storage prerequisites.
Series-connection of modules can ramp up the system voltage from a baseline of 200V (with 2 x HVS units) to a maximum set-up involving five modules. The HVM variant necessitates at least 3 x 50V modules (150V) and can include up to eight. However, the two versions are not compatible.
A top-fitted battery management unit (BMU) is required to administer individual modules and facilitate communication with a suitable high-voltage hybrid inverter.
Battery-Box LV Series
The low-voltage (LV) version uses the same core cells but operates at a nominal voltage of 51.2V. Similar to the HV model, the LV system also calls for a BMU to manage the modules.
Each battery unit provides 4.0kWh of storage, and up to six can be combined in a single tower to reach a 24kWh total. For larger storage needs, multiple 4-module towers can be interconnected, up to a ceiling of 16 towers or 256kWh.
Prismatic Battery Cells
BYD diverges from the cylindrical cell norm by using prismatic battery designs, which they assert enhances both reliability and safety. Their preferred chemical formulation is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), known for its stability and safety features.
Notably, LFP doesn’t rely on cobalt, a material that is not only expensive but also fraught with ethical concerns.
Inverter Compatibility
A distinct advantage of BYD’s batteries lies in their wide compatibility with various off-grid and hybrid inverters. To verify this, BYD has established an expansive testing facility to ensure seamless integration with leading inverter brands.
The batteries use the industry-standard CAN-Bus communication protocol, allowing approved inverters to be effortlessly configured.
BYD’s Warranty Policy
BYD backs its batteries with a standard 10-year warranty, predicated on two main criteria: remaining capacity after a decade and overall energy throughput based on charge/discharge cycles.
The warranty assures that the end-of-life storage capacity will exceed 60% of the original specifications, which is in accordance with leading manufacturers like LG Chem and PylonTech.
Final Thoughts
BYD has quickly ascended the ranks to become a dominant player in the stationary energy storage sector, offering an extensive range of battery solutions compatible with leading inverter brands for various residential and commercial applications.
While earlier models had some limitations in colder climates, more recent offerings have resolved these issues. BYD has also collaborated closely with inverter makers and installation experts to create intelligent, user-friendly battery systems that are easier to install and manage.
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