Huawei Unveils Next-Generation Smart ESS Platform for Renewable Energy Networks

Huawei has recently introduced its cutting-edge LUTERRA platform at Intersolar Europe, which took place in Germany. This new Energy Storage System (ESS) has been conceived to empower clients in enhancing their renewable energy networks. Steve Zheng, the president of Huawei's Smart ESS division, elaborated on how LUTERRA achieves industry-leading efficiency through easy-to-install battery storage solutions capable of forming a grid at a plant level (GFM).

The technology behind Huawei’s Smart ESS is already proving its effectiveness in real-world applications. Among its significant contributions is the world's largest 100% renewable energy microgrid located in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea resort area. This operational project, now more than two years in service, demonstrates the successful coordination of GFM energy resources across multiple sites on a gigawatt-hour scale.

Although few projects may match the sheer capacity of the 400 MW of photovoltaic energy combined with 1.3 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) implemented in the Saudi initiative, Huawei’s technology aims to maximize revenue, enhance performance, and integrate seamlessly with solar energy for a wide array of clients. Zheng highlighted how the platform maintains a round-trip efficiency (RTE) of 93.1% at a low voltage side of the power conversion system (PCS) at a standard ambient temperature while achieving a state of charge (SOC) accuracy of 2.5% at both extremes and 3% on the plateau.

The well-engineered design of the system encompasses comprehensive thermal management, spanning from cell to pack, integrated cooling systems, and a high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) switching architecture. This configuration yields distinct performance advantages for long-duration energy storage (LDES) applications compared to competitors. By employing a chain architecture alongside an optimizer for each pack and a controller for every rack, Huawei adeptly addresses electrochemical inconsistencies, particularly in battery lifecycle variation.

This next-generation solution sees an increase in AC voltage to 1000V for the first time, using SiC components. Such advancements reduce system losses and elevate efficiency. Additionally, Huawei's unique, smart distributed cooling technology increases heat dissipation surface area, enhancing thermal efficiency and overall system performance by more than 10% compared to conventional solutions.

Installation and logistics have also been streamlined for ease of use, as noted by Steve Zheng. For a 1 GWh BESS plant, the LUTERRA platform minimizes delivery time by at least 30%, cuts down auxiliary component costs (BOP) by a minimum of 20%, and requires just one square meter per megawatt-hour installed—compared to standard solutions.

The utilization of Huawei’s patented busbar architecture allows for flexible installations, capacity expansion, and adaptive charge/discharge rates throughout the project lifecycle, crucial for maintaining grid stability via inverter-based formations. As readers of Energy-Storage.news may recognize, the development of grid-forming technologies has gained immense significance in enhancing electrical grid stability globally. Historically, grid frequency and voltage relied on spinning mass from thermal generation turbines, primarily fossil-fuel-based.

As these assets are phased out or surpassed by variable renewable energy resources (ERV), new challenges must be met to sustain system stability. Fortunately, inverters equipped with GFM capabilities can offer the necessary inertia, short-circuit ratios (SCR), and other critical functions vital for black start capabilities. Adoption of GFM technology is actively ongoing in strategic countries and regions, including the UK, Australia, and China, as they implement grid-forming resources.

Earlier this year, Germany’s four transmission system operators (TSOs) launched a long-term inertia services market eligible for GFM BESS assets. Meanwhile, the European TSOs’ association, ENTSO-E, has outlined technical guidelines for grid-forming requirements.

Steve Zheng described, “Grid-forming technology is vital for sustaining a stable electrical grid integrating high proportions of renewable energy. It has evolved from individual pieces of equipment to entire arrays and power plants.” Huawei has developed six essential grid-forming capabilities including inertia, short-circuit level regulation, primary frequency control, power oscillation damping, black start capability, and switching connections in virtual synchronous generator (VSG) mode.

Zheng reiterates the importance of advancing grid-forming technology on a plant level. In a 100 MW BESS scenario, numerous power electronic devices need to operate in GFM mode, presenting a technical challenge in ensuring these components work seamlessly together for grid stabilization through integrated hardware and software solutions.

Huawei’s technology has also found applications in large-scale grid-forming projects beyond Saudi Arabia, including in Germany, Bulgaria, the Philippines, and China. Huawei’s product roadmap focuses on system and array-level optimization, emphasizing the need for not just maximizing the power density of an individual BESS container but considering the performance of the entire system or power plant.

Zheng pointed out, “A solar panel solution must be optimal for the whole plant to succeed. A solitary container does not equate to a true energy storage system. The cells alone do not constitute an energy storage entity.”

Thus, Huawei views each panel as a basic unit in designing and planning their solution rather than blindly pursuing higher power densities in single containers. The Smart String Grid-Forming ESS platform design features a 1000V AC dual-stage high voltage architecture, adept at addressing critical operational challenges during the front-of-the-meter (FTM) phase in utility-scale renewable energy plants and storage deployments for commercial and industrial sectors, particularly given increasingly stringent grid-support requirements.

Regarding architecture, Zheng believes that the dual-stage solution provides superior grid security compared to single-stage approaches. During high voltage operation (HVRT), surge currents can cycle between the electrical grid and the PCS. Especially under low battery charge states, this can lead to serious battery isolation issues or potentially unsafe situations. Furthermore, during low voltage operation (LVRT), active power is needed to help rapidly recover grid strength. Such advantages are not available in single-stage setups.