BYD’s New 14.5 MWh Haohan BESS: Pushing Energy Storage Performance & Cost Past Tipping Points

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BYD recently introduced the new “Haohan” BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), as reported in PV Magazine’s ESS News, CnEVPost, and multipleChinesemediachannels. The 14.5 MWh of capacity and 52.1% VCTS (Volumetric Cell to System) are industry leading. However, the implications go far beyond the technical specs.

The 14.5 MWh in the next-generation ESS is almost three times as much as Tesla’s latest 28 ft, 5 MWh Megapack 3. When packaged in a 20 ft container (typical in China), the new battery delivers 10 MWh, roughly 50% greater capacity compared to the top competitors. According to BYD, the number of packs can be cut by more than half, with land use reduced by 30%.

In addition to the battery, BYD introduced the GC Flux, a grid-forming inverter for 2.5 to 10 MW systems. BYD claims a 38% performance improvement and a power density of 1,474 kW/m². The inverter can manage three times its rating in overloads for 10 seconds and includes grid-forming features such as up to 25 seconds of inertia response, 1–1500 Hz damping range, and voltage and frequency control in under 100 milliseconds. BYD also introduced the GC Master EMS, which acts as the brain of the system and supports up to 10 million data points with a 400% increase in computing power compared to conventional platforms.

While BYD didn’t outright say it, technology transfer from its automotive division seems to have benefitted its energy storage. While the 2710 Ah size is specific to ESS, the Blade Battery was developed for EVs, with benefits to physical stability, safety, and packaging. Being water and dust proof is an expectation for a car, but the application of IP66 to BESS lets it be used in harsh environments with improved reliability. The 99.31% efficiency for the GC Flux inverter with a 130% increase in power density sounds unlikely for conventional components, but it could use components similar to the 99.86% efficient SiC power electronics in the 1000V Super E platform. Even if the specific components are different, the technology, scale, and supply chain used for BYD’s cars undoubtedly help its energy storage business. And the company can spread around its industry-leading IP to more products.

System-Level Cost Reduction Reaching Tipping Points

In combination, the savings from the new system are substantial. BYD estimates that project-level costs are reduced by nearly 22%, while site, equipment, shipping, and installation costs drop by 30%. System downtime and maintenance are both claimed to be reduced by 70%. Overall levelized cost drops to 0.1 RMB/ kWh ($0.014 USD/kWh).

With the introduction of this system, solar will go beyond being just the least expensive form of new generating capacity in many places. Solar stored in batteries will also become the least expensive form of dispatchable and baseload energy for many. Renewable curtailment can go down, with excess generation charging inexpensive BESS. Fossil-fuel-based dispatchable energy generation (e.g., natural gas “peaker plants”) can be replaced, while baseload generation can go offline.

The system also incorporates blockchain-based carbon tracking, claiming 18% lower carbon impact than industry averages. This should help to address emerging regulations and EU carbon border tariffs.

Seeing such progress will likely stimulate a few countries to use protectionism to multiply the price or block the most advanced batteries, making their energy-intensive industries less competitive in the process. However, using these energy storage systems could speed up electrification, reduce the cost of electricity, make charging EVs more attractive, and stimulate economic growth, while reducing emissions. We could see a rapid energy transformation in many countries, especially in the developing world.

Preparing for the Next Phase of Growth

Although many are just realizing it now, BYD has been in the ESS storage business since 2008, over a decade before Tesla. However, its corporate structure, uncoordinated press management, and a lack of reporting (particularly in the West) has made it difficult for most people to know what is going on. BYD has largely flown under the radar, while attaining up to 30% market share in the US and 80% in the UK. It is also supplying the largest grid-scale energy storage battery in Saudi Arabia and the massive Kenhardt Power Station in South Africa. Now, BYD’s energy storage division has officially changed its name from “Shenzhen Pingshan Fudi Battery Co., Ltd.,” to “Shenzhen BYD Energy Storage Co., Ltd.,” which makes the connection to its corporate parent clearer. The company has also expanded its scope to include technology services, power transmission and distribution, and control equipment.

While the speed records of BYD’s cars have gotten more attention recently, its stationary storage will likely have greater impact. The Haohan battery is a significant advancement from existing products and challenges assumptions around the viable application of battery storage. Given BYD’s speed in technology and product development, and the tipping points being reached, even if more people are not hearing about its energy storage systems, they will be seeing the effect soon.