An Energy Storage System (ESS) is a complete
solution for managing and storing energy from various sources, such as solar energy, wind power, or grid-connected electricity. An ESS system stores energy in batteries when production is high or electricity prices are low and uses it later when demand increases or when electricity prices rise. This enables a reduction in
dependence on grid-connected electricity and optimizes energy usage, leading to
cost savings and a more sustainable energy consumption.
An ESS system is very useful in on-grid applications (grid-connected systems), but also in off-grid solutions, where energy storage
is necessary to ensure continuous power supply. In on-grid systems, an ESS system can reduce your electricity bill by charging
the batteries when electricity prices are low and using the stored energy when prices
are higher.
Dynamic ESS
A unique feature from Victron Energy
Dynamic ESS is an advanced Victron feature that further enhances the management of your ESS system.
With Dynamic ESS, the system can automatically optimize energy usage by taking into account variable electricity prices (such as those offered through spot price agreements, for example Tibber), solar forecasts, and expected energy consumption.
To build an efficient ESS system with Victron Energy, several central components are required to work together to store, manage, and distribute energy. Below is a description of the most important products and their functions.
Victron Multiplus II 48/5000 – Powerful inverter and charger
Victron Multiplus II 48/5000 is one of the key
components in an ESS and off-grid system. It functions both as an inverter (converting direct current from the batteries to alternating current for
household appliances) and as a charger. The Multiplus II is available in several different sizes, but the most common model is 48/5000, which can deliver up to 5000 VA per unit.
Features in ESS system:
Three-phase system:
In systems that require three-phase power, three units of Multiplus II are used, one for each phase, providing a stable and even system for larger properties or commercial applications.
ESS
Assistant: With ESS Assistant, the system can be easily configured to optimize battery charging and manage energy from both the grid and solar panels.
Victron MPPT RS 450/200 – Solar charge controller for large installations
Victron MPPT RS 450/200 is a high-voltage DC solar charge controller that can handle a maximum input voltage of 450V DC and a charging current
of 200A. This makes it perfect for large solar panel installations in ESS and off-grid systems.
MPPT RS 450/200 can handle up to 11520W of solar panels, making it ideal for large solar parks and installations with high energy needs.
Victron LiFePO4 24V/200Ah (series connected to 48V) – Efficient energy storage
Victron's LiFePO4 batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate) are the
central energy storage component in an ESS or off-grid system. These batteries are extremely durable and safe, making them an excellent choice for systems that require high capacity and long lifespan.
Installation in 48V system:
For a typical 48V system, two 24V/200Ah batteries are connected in series to achieve the correct voltage. In a system where 20 kWh capacity is needed,
four batteries must be used – two series-connected pairs that are then connected in parallel, providing a total capacity of over 20 kWh.
Advantages of Lithium in ESS
High safety and stability: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a long lifespan and can handle thousands of charge cycles, making them a reliable component for long-term energy storage.
Fast charging and discharging:
These batteries can be quickly charged and discharged to meet the high demands of an energy system that switches between different sources.
Victron Cerbo GX – Control center for your energy system
Cerbo GX is Victron's main unit for monitoring and controlling all components in an ESS or off-grid system. It collects data from solar panels, batteries, inverters, and other connected devices, giving you full control over the system's functions.
Features:
Remote monitoring via VRM: With Victron Remote Management (VRM), you can monitor and control your system remotely via a user-friendly platform.
Intuitive interface with GX Touch: With the accompanying GX Touch screen, you get a clear visual overview of the system's status and can quickly make adjustments.
Victron Lynx system – The brain of your
battery management system
Victron's Lynx system is a modular and flexible
solution for managing and protecting batteries and energy flows in your ESS system. The Lynx system consists of several components that make it easy to
monitor, secure, and distribute energy.
Lynx Smart BMS (Battery Management System):
Lynx Smart BMS monitors and balances the battery cell voltages, protects against overcharging, and extends the lifespan of the batteries.
It ensures that the energy flow is optimal, both during charging and discharging.
Lynx Power In:
Lynx Power In is a module used to connect power supply units to the Lynx system. It serves as a central connection point for feeding power into the system, making it easy to connect power sources to the batteries or other parts of the energy system.
Lynx Distributor:
Lynx Distributor acts as a distribution hub with built-in fuses. This is where the energy flow is monitored and distributed to different parts
of the system. We recommend using Lynx Distributor on both sides of the Lynx Smart BMS, as this allows for fusing and monitoring of both incoming and outgoing energy. It provides extra safety and makes it easy to switch
fuses as needed.
Dynamic ESS from Victron Energy is an advanced feature that optimizes energy usage by automatically controlling the charging and discharging of batteries based on electricity prices, solar forecasts, and consumption patterns. This results in cost savings by charging batteries when electricity prices are low and using stored energy when prices are high. To use Dynamic ESS, an ESS system with Venus OS version 3.30 or later and two-way communication enabled on VRM is required. By meeting these requirements, Dynamic ESS can streamline energy management and contribute to significant savings.
The choice of battery size depends on your energy needs and how much energy you want to be able to store. To determine a suitable size, you should evaluate your average energy consumption and how long you want the batteries to be able to supply your system when needed. Important factors to consider are battery capacity (Ah/kWh), battery type (lithium or lead batteries), cycle lifespan, and compatibility with your energy storage system. Victron Energy offers several battery options that are well-suited for both small and large installations.
Individuals have the right to a green grant for the installation of energy storage systems, which covers up to 50% of labor and material costs. The deduction can amount to a maximum of 50,000 kronor per person per year, and if multiple people in the household are listed as owners of the property, the total sum can reach up to 100,000 kronor per household. This makes it more economically advantageous to invest in energy storage solutions, such as Victron Energy's ESS, for both grid-connected and off-grid systems.
Yes, a Victron system can be integrated with an existing solar panel system. When planning the integration, it is important to check that your current PV inverter is compatible and that the components you add can communicate smoothly with each other. Victron Energy products are known for their flexibility and can be customized to work with most solar installations. It is also good to consider how the energy flows will be managed and whether you need additional components such as a MultiPlus, Quattro, or a Cerbo GX for monitoring and system management.
