Altech Batteries Limited (ASX: ATC) has confirmed it has two prototypes of the 60 KWh (ABS60) battery pack currently being produced and fabricated at the Fraunhofer IKTS facility in Hermsdorf, Germany.
Once completed, the battery packs will undergo cycling testing under extreme conditions, and they will be available for testing at customer premises.
The design for the CERENERGT Sodium Chloride Solid State (SCSS) 60 KWh battery pack (ABS60), destined for the renewable energy and grid storage markets, was launched by Altech and its joint venture partner Fraunhofer in November 2022. This battery pack boasts a rated operating voltage of 600 volts at 100 amp (A).
Following the launch, the joint venture carried out extensive cycling simulations to evaluate the temperature profile of the internal components of the battery. Typically, the charging process involves a net endothermic (heat energy absorption) reaction, whereas the discharge process leads to an exothermic (heat energy release) reaction. The simulations indicate that the battery can undergo charge and discharge cycling while maintaining stable internal temperatures without overheating, even under extreme conditions such as a desert environment, where the ambient temperature was recorded at 60°C. No instances of overheating were reported during these simulations.
Based on the results of these simulations, the specifications for the 60 KWh battery packs have been finalised, and orders for materials required for the production of two prototype batteries have been placed. This process involves the manufacture of 480 ceramic solid-state cells, along with the production and procurement of auxiliary equipment including but not limited to cabling, module structures, composite isolation cabinet and battery management system (BMS).
On 29 March 2023, Altech launched the design for its 1.0 MWh GridPack (ABS1000) battery system. The pre-installed solution is equipped with up to 18 ABS60 60 KWh battery packs connected to a pack power management system. The Altech GridPacks are designed with the “plug and play” feature to ensure that they can be easily installed in remote locations.
The Altech GridPacks have been engineered to ensure complete protection from both dust and any external environments. This means that there is no need for any additional shelters or buildings to house the Altech GridPack batteries, and they can be safely installed outdoors in any weather conditions. The Altech GridPacks will be constructed using a sea container design, which facilitates their easy transportation by sea or road to the installation site, as well as ensuring simple installation.
Managing Director Iggy Tan said unlike other mega battery pack designs on the market, these GridPacks can be stacked on top of each other. This minimises the battery footprint, and permits easy scalability to meet any energy storage requirements.
He said the stackable feature, coupled with the “plug and play” design, makes the GridPacks the obvious choice for BESS solutions to meet any future energy storage requirements. The Altech GridPacks are also designed without the requirement for any moving parts such as cooling fans, which are typically found in lithium-ion battery mega packs. This is a notable advantage, as end-users have raised concerns about the noise generated by mega packs, preventing them from being placed near residential areas. With the absence of any moving parts, the Altech GridPacks are practically maintenance-free and completely noise- free in operation, making them an ideal solution for noise-sensitive environments.
We have built a dynamic and fast moving project team incorporating personnel from Altech, Fraunhofer and various leading German engineering companies and industrial contractors. The advancements made on the final designs of the 60 KWh Battery Pack in such a short time frame are outstanding. I am very pleased with the progress” Mr Tan said.