New Industry Products

GS Battery (USA) Inc. Introduces Hybrid Energy System

December 10, 2012 by Jeff Shepard

GS Battery (USA) Inc. announced the deployment of their Hybrid Energy System (HES). Equipped with 48 volts of ECO R® advanced lead acid battery technology, the integrated, compact unit addresses the most common renewable energy storage needs in an easily installed, indoor/outdoor cabinet. Nine (9) HES cabinets are in-service with 3 systems deployed by EPRI for the Tennessee Valley Authority SMART Station Program and 6 storage-only systems deployed as part of a complete EV charge station by Oak Ridge National Labs' U.S. Department of Energy EV Charger trial program.

The HES unit is capable of powering critical loads and has an optional integrated electric vehicle charger plug, level 2 EVSE. The option of combining battery storage with PV power generation gives the HES unit the expanded capability to operate either tied into the grid, as a stand-alone unit or in a hybrid mode. Rated NEMA 3R, the cabinet is built of outdoor grade aluminum and has an eco-green power coat finish. Additional options include an AC and a DC load centers, a PV charge controller, auxiliary heating and air conditioning, a hydrogen sensor and fan cooling.

"Customers are initially deploying the HES systems to store energy supplied by photovoltaic arrays and using this energy to charge electric vehicles," said Jeff Hires, Engineering Manager, GS Battery and the HES designer. "The option of Level 1 and Level 2 charging makes this system ideal for locations installing a stand alone charging station at an affordable cost. Plus, remote monitoring and control are built in making the system accessible anywhere over the internet."

"The advantages of the HES system, a true plug and play design, includes its versatility and its potential for future expansion as the user's needs evolve," commented Vince Pusateri, Senior Director of Business Development, GSB. "The initial use might be EV charging and as the user's needs change, the HES can be enhanced to include a UPS function, peak load shaving and even act as a stand-alone PV plus storage system for residential and small commercial use."

The HES system is unique in the market and is a cost effective solution for installers, integrators and distribution partners. The unit may be eligible for state and federal renewable energy or storage system rebates.