BIRMINGHAM, England, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — At Solar & Storage Live (SSL) 2024, CATL has introduced the TENER Flex rack energy storage system, enhancing its TENER series with a state-of-the-art solution that combines flexibility, safety, and high performance. This new offering aims to promote a global transition towards green energy with innovative solutions tailored to market needs.
The unveiling follows the successful launch of CATL’s first TENER product, TENER Base, in June in Munich, Germany. This TEU containerized energy storage system quickly gained popularity due to its advanced safety features, zero-degradation during the first five years, and an impressive energy output of over 6 MWh. CATL’s commitment to adapting to client needs has been a driving force behind its recent innovations.
Recognizing the unique geographical challenges faced in commercial battery storage across the UK and Europe, CATL has developed the TENER Flex, a compact solution designed to minimize product size without compromising on the essential safety, longevity, and energy density associated with the TENER brand. The term “Flex” embodies this product’s significant usability enhancements, allowing it to adapt to various topographical and climatic conditions while maintaining zero-degradation.
Flexible Scalability and Deployment
One of the standout features of TENER Flex is its optimized structure, which can be deployed in a space-saving, back-to-back, skid-mounted configuration. This design maximizes station benefits and operational flexibility. As energy systems degrade, the necessity for augmentation often leads to high costs; however, TENER Flex addresses this with a string power conversion system (PCS), enabling AC-side augmentation and simplifying the installation process. Its compatibility with existing infrastructures, combined with reduced labor, time, and operational costs, makes it ideal for large-scale projects requiring substantial end-of-life capacity storage.
Flexible Power Distribution
TENER Flex also excels in power distribution capabilities, catering to both large-scale industrial and residential applications. It supports both String PCS and centralized PCS, integrating seamlessly with power conversion systems ranging from 600V to 1500V. Each rack operates independently, ensuring system continuity even in the event of a single rack failure. This reliability reduces downtime and maintenance costs, making TENER Flex a cost-effective solution for projects of any scale, ready to meet growing energy demands.
Flexible Operating Environments
The TENER Flex system is designed to perform reliably across a range of challenging environments, withstanding temperatures from -40°C to 60°C and operating at altitudes up to 4000 meters. With an IP56 rating, it offers protection against heavy rain and humidity levels from 0 to 100%. This robustness ensures that TENER Flex can function efficiently in diverse settings, from urban areas to extreme climates such as deserts and snowy mountains.
Flexible Transportation
Transportation has often posed challenges for flexible energy storage deployment, but TENER Flex overcomes this obstacle with its compatibility across various transport vehicles, catering to regional transportation requirements.
Reliable Noise and Safety Management
Balancing energy efficiency with stringent noise and safety management, TENER Flex achieves a noise level of just 65 decibels. This feature is particularly beneficial for installations in sensitive environments such as hospitals, schools, and markets. Safety is paramount in TENER Flex’s design; it employs a validation platform that simulates grid-level safety threats under various power grid scenarios, ensuring adherence to rigorous safety standards. Continuous monitoring of each cell throughout its lifecycle allows for timely maintenance and optimized performance, ultimately extending the system’s lifespan.
With an industry-leading PPB-level failure rate for individual battery cells, TENER Flex not only reduces operating costs but also enhances the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) across its entire lifecycle.
CATL has solidified its presence in the UK market by successfully completing over 40 projects with a total capacity of around 3 GWh, all achieved without any accidents. Notable projects include participation in Europe’s largest grid-side battery energy storage project, the Minety Battery Energy Storage System, and a long-term agreement with Gresham House for up to 10 GWh of battery energy storage systems. In 2024, CATL collaborated with Rolls-Royce to integrate TENER products into the mtu EnergyPack QG solution.
To further enhance customer support, CATL operates a robust global network of aftersales stations. With 770 centers worldwide, supported by over 200 supervisors and 70 technical specialists, the company ensures maintenance within three days and a 24-hour response time. The establishment of the CATL Global Training Center aims to provide comprehensive multilingual support, with over 20 training sessions planned globally.
Conclusion
The launch of TENER Flex marks a significant advancement in flexible energy storage solutions, reflecting CATL’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the demand for efficient and reliable energy storage continues to grow, TENER Flex is poised to play a pivotal role in the transition towards a greener energy future.
