Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has long been used for off-grid renewable energy system. Lead Acid batteries technology is the most widely used. For example, in Malaysia, a total of 30MWh battery storage using Lead Acid battery has been implemented for 162 rural schools in 2010. I was one of the project team members that implemented the project which benefits almost 10,000 school children and teachers. The systems were still in good operation till today.
Due to rapid change of technology, new battery technology has emerged with more advantages compares to Lead Acid battery. One of the technologies is Sodium Nickel Chloride battery. The battery is more efficient, less space required and last longer up to 10 years. For that, the latest off-grid solar Photovoltaic (PV) hybrid project to electrify another 64 rural schools in Malaysia was designed using Sodium battery of 16MWh storage capacity. I am responsible as the lead designer and head of supervising team for the project which started in 2020.
A visit to the factory of the Sodium battery manufacturer was held on 16th January 2023. The visit aimed to do inspection and conduct Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) on the energy storage components before the battery system is delivered to Malaysia for installation. The factory is in Stabio, Switzerland and owns by FZ Sonick S.A. The manufacturer is a well-known battery producer in Sodium battery technology. Several testing procedures had been conducted such as X-Ray test, Helium leak test, Discharge Capacity test and Open Circuit Voltage test according to the standard and specification. The visit provides in-depth information and knowledge on the battery technology. To date 30 of the rural schools have been electrified with green and clean energy using solar PV and Sodium battery technology.
Text by: Dr. Abdul Muhaimin Mahmud