Scalable energy storage system (ESS) for the power grid of tomorrow.
Romeo Power Technology
Year: 2017
ONE MODULE, MULTIPLE SYSTEMS
The Stack battery module is the basic building block for multiple systems across different market sectors.
Each module has a capacity of 13 kWh, liquid cooled, with blind-mate connectors.
01.
Stack Outdoor /
Utility ESS
308 kWh/tower, fully scalable. Designed to withstand the harshest environments - sunshine or snow.
02.
Stack Indoor /
Commercial ESS
103 kWh/unit, exceptional energy density thanks to its vertical stacking capability.
03.
Edge /
Residential ESS
An ultra low-profile energy storage solution for homes, housing a single 13 kWh stack module.
Stack Outdoor
A fully scalable energy storage system for utilities and industrial sites.
Liquid Cooling.
The system utilize rear mounted radiators and pump for cooling. Cooling lines run through each module to dissipate heat evenly.
SPECS
24 Stack battery modules; 308 kWh of capacity per tower. An energy backup / peak-shaving system that can withstand the toughest environments.
Market Competition.
The goal is to design a system with the highest energy density that’s also scalable, easy to install, and requires little maintenance.
EXPLORATIONS
A number of concepts were created in parallel with engineering development, and the design evolved as specs became more defined. The overarching theme was to strive a balance between practically and personality.
01.
Form Refinement
Fine-tune proportions, adjust structural details based on engineering feedback.
02.
Functional
Refinement
Added side air intake for the radiator, since the original plan to utilize thermal runaway vent to serve dual functions didn’t meet airflow requirements.
Also added louvers on vents for additional weather proofing, especially in extreme weathers.
03.
System Integration
Worked closely with the engineering team to ensure all system components are neatly integrated into the tower, and easily accessible for maintenance or repairs.
Alpha Build.
This is it! The Alpha build has a different side air intake vent design that’s more weather proof, and the louvers are inverted for a cleaner aesthetic.
*black hardware are for prototyping only
Block.
6 towers + 1 inverter unit, 1850 kWh.
Installed on a concrete block with conduits embedded inside.
Stack Indoor
A fully scalable energy storage system for businesses - from small office to skyscraper.
SPECS
8 Stack battery modules and 103 kWh of capacity per unit, exceptionally space-efficient when stacked.
Basic Architecture.
In order to achieve maximum scalability, energy density and space efficiency, it was clear that the indoor system needed to stack up to ceiling height.
Initial Engineering Structure.
Although functional, it was crude. It had exposed mounting hardware, a slapped-on thermal run-away vent, and visible screw points throughout.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Powerful, elegant, stealth.
Because the indoor version is closer to a consumer-facing product, the design language needs to be more refined and detail orientated.
01.
Integrated Stacking Hardware
The stacking hardware is housed inside the beams, and 4 fascia panels go on top of the stress bearing sub-structure to achieve a minimal, industrial aesthetic.
02.
Optimized Airflow
Drawing air from the back instead of two sides enables more efficient air flow, and reduced noise by using fewer but larger fans.
03.
Hidden Thermal Runaway Channel
Sleek and sets flush with the entire system. In a case of an thermal event, the reversed U shape channel inside to direct the flame to go side-ways instead of towards the ceiling.
04.
Liquid Cooling
Based on internal thermal testing, liquid-cooled system has a higher round-trip efficiency and is much quieter on any given temperature.
