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NICHICON Announces Launch of the Industry’s Largest 16.6 kWh Single-Function Energy Storage System
Author: Nichicon
5/31/2019
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Nichicon Corporation announces their introduction of a large-capacity single-function energy storage system optimized for household consumption of electricity generated by solar power. This product makes it possible to store energy for longer, and makes storage more advantageous for the consumer than selling excess photovoltaic power.
The system was first displayed at the 9th International Smart Grid Expo from February 27 to March 1, 2019 at Tokyo Big Sight. The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy estimates that solar power generation systems will be installed in about 200,000 residences each year, and Nichicon’s 16.6 kWh ESS-U2X1 energy storage systems allow consumers to store household renewable energy in times of emergency, for up to 30 hours of usage.
Self-sufficiency is made possible by using electricity generated by solar power during the daytime and storing excess in the storage system for use at night. Nichicon also provides a 10-year warranty and 10-year disaster compensation, allowing no-cost correction to flood damage, lightning strikes, fire and wind damage.
This single-function unit is compatible with existing solar panels, and can be used for approximately nine hours in case of emergencies. Nichicon plans to launch sales in May 2019, with a sales target of 10,000 units per year.
The MSRP is four million yen, excluding tax.
The specifications are as follows.
| External dimensions | W 1060 x H 1250 x D 300 mm (storage unit) | |
| W 170 x H 140 x D 23.1 mm (indoor remote control) | ||
| Weight | 234 kg (storage unit) | |
| 320 g (indoor remote control) | ||
| Storage battery ratings | Battery type | Lithium-ion storage battery |
| Storage capacity | 16.6 kWh (storage unit) | |
| Initial effective capacity of storage battery | 14.3 kWh (according to JEM1511) | |
| Battery composition | One module = 8 series 1 parallel, all 6 modules in series configuration | |
| Rated voltage range | DC 176.6 V (input power range: DC 148.8–199.2 V) | |
| Grid connection operation rating |
Rated output | 3.0 kW ± 5% |
| Rated output voltage | AC 202 V (Single phase 2 wire type, however, connection is single phase 3 wire type) | |
| Output voltage range / rated frequency | AC 202 V ± 20 V/50 or 60 Hz | |
| Unnecessary radiation | VCCI class B compliance | |
| Independent output rating |
Max output | 2.0 kVA ± 5% |
| Max current | Up to 20 A | |
| Output electric system | Single phase 2-wire type | |
| Rated output frequency | 50 or 60 Hz | |
| Main circuit system | Inverter conversion method | Interconnection operation: Self-excited voltage type current control system |
| Independent operation: Self-excited voltage type voltage control system | ||
| Switching method | Sine wave PWM method | |
| Insulation method | Non-insulated transformer method | |
| Cooling method | Forced air cooling system | |
| Rated output available time | Independent output | 430 minutes |
| In grid interconnection | 280 minutes | |
| Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (excluding tax) | ¥4,000,000 | |