2000V DC architecture for BESS and solar PV systems • EVreporter

1500V DC architecture has been the norm for the last few years since it was upgraded from 1000V DC architecture. However, many companies are planning a shift to 2000V DC architecture, where the operating range would be between 1500V to 2000V DC.

Advantages of 2000V architecture

• Reduces the cost of Copper DC cables involved in Battery Systems and Solar PV Systems

• Allows for more (30%) MW capacity of Battery PCS/Solar Inverter for the same footprint.

• Reduces the cost of the overall project and enables better LCOE (levelized cost of electricity).

Challenges

• Going for a higher voltage is not straightforward. Their certifications are more difficult. In 2022, a popular inverter company planned to use a 3000V DC architecture but later cancelled the project due to certification challenges.

• New IEC standards need to be developed for systems above 1500V DC, as above 1500V DC is considered a high-voltage system.

Signs that 2000V system is coming to reality

• Sungrow integrated 2000V DC inverters into a grid-connected solar PV project in 2023.

• Battery companies like REPT and Envision have already launched 2000V DC architecture BESS.

• Many companies are gearing up to launch 2000V DC architecture inverters (Solar and Battery) and BESS.

• In 2021, Hioki launched a high-voltage probe as per CAT III 2000V safety standards for solar PV measurement.

• Battery Cluster Testing machines have come in the market which support 2000V DC, 300A. Previously, they were making 1500V, 400A type. The power of 600kW is kept the same, and the DC voltage platform has been changed from 1500V to 2000V.

Seeing the whole ecosystem build-up, it is definite that 2000V DC architecture is bound to come. It might come earlier than we think.

About the author

Rahul Bollini is an R&D expert in Lithium-ion cells with 9 years of experience. He founded Bollini Energy to assist in deep understanding of the characteristics of Lithium-ion cells to EV, BESS, BMS and battery data analytics companies across the globe. Rahul can be reached at +91-7204957389 and bollinienergy@gmail.com.

Also read: Derating of Lithium-ion Cells | Relationship between SoC, C rate and temperature