When businesses consider investing in an Energy Storage System (ESS), technical specifications alone are not enough. What matters most is how the system performs in real-world operating conditions.
Will production continue during a grid outage? Can an ESS be integrated with an existing solar power plant? How complex is energy management after installation? And will the investment deliver long-term value?
The first industrial Elecnova ESS project implemented in Ukraine provides practical answers to these questions. The system was deployed with backup power capability, integrated into an existing Huawei PV power plant, managed through a centralized Energy Management System (EMS), and configured to support Active Consumer operation. The project also proved that an industrial ESS can be integrated into an existing grid-tied solar power plant without replacing the installed inverters or photovoltaic modules, significantly expanding the functionality of the entire energy infrastructure.
Project Overview
At the time of implementation, the facility already operated a solar power plant consisting of:
- Huawei grid-tied inverters with a total installed capacity of 400 kW;
- LONGi Solar photovoltaic modules with a total installed capacity of 500 kW.
The objective was not to build a new power plant, but to extend the capabilities of the existing installation. The customer required backup power for critical equipment, energy storage functionality, Active Consumer operation, and centralized management of the facility’s energy flows.
To achieve these goals, an industrial Elecnova Energy Storage System was integrated into the existing energy infrastructure.
Grid-Connected and Backup Operation - Without Compromise
One of the key requirements for modern industrial ESS solutions is the ability to operate both in parallel with the utility grid and independently whenever necessary.
Under normal operating conditions, the system charges or discharges the batteries according to the control strategy defined by the EMS. In the event of a grid outage, Elecnova automatically switches to backup mode and continues supplying power to designated critical loads. For industrial facilities, this significantly reduces the risk of production downtime and interruptions to critical processes.
Power Transfer Is So Fast That Critical Equipment Keeps Running Uninterrupted
One of the key features of this project is the integration of an STS (Static Transfer Switch). The STS enables ultra-fast automatic transfer between the utility grid and backup power.
For servers, automated production lines, industrial control systems, and other mission-critical loads, even a brief power interruption can result in equipment shutdowns or data loss. The STS minimizes this risk by providing a virtually seamless transition between power sources.
No Need to Upgrade the Existing Solar Power Plant
Many businesses postpone investing in energy storage because they assume it will require extensive modifications to an existing solar power plant.
In this project, no major upgrades were required. The Elecnova ESS was integrated into the existing PV system with Huawei grid-tied inverters and LONGi Solar photovoltaic modules without replacing any of the primary equipment.
This approach reduced implementation time, avoided unnecessary costs, and maximized the value of the customer’s existing energy infrastructure.
The ability to integrate with existing grid-tied PV systems makes Elecnova an attractive solution for businesses that have already invested in solar generation and now want to expand the functionality of their energy infrastructure.
Everything You Need Is Already Included
Another key advantage of the Elecnova industrial platform is its fully integrated design.
The solution includes:
- LFP battery modules;
- PCS (Power Conversion System);
- STS (Static Transfer Switch);
- EMS (Energy Management System);
- BMS (Battery Management System);
- fire suppression system;
- liquid cooling system;
- protection and monitoring systems.
There is no need to source equipment from multiple manufacturers or verify compatibility between individual components. As a result, implementation is faster, technical risks are reduced, and the entire ESS operates as a single integrated solution.
Why Elecnova Uses Liquid Cooling
Battery temperature has a direct impact on both performance and service life. That is why Elecnova industrial ESS solutions utilize an advanced liquid cooling system.
Compared with conventional air cooling, liquid cooling provides more uniform temperature distribution throughout the battery cabinet, improves heat dissipation, and minimizes temperature differences between individual battery modules.
For industrial users, this translates into more stable system performance under high loads and a longer battery service life.
8,000 Cycles, a 10-Year Warranty, and 100% Depth of Discharge
An industrial Energy Storage System is designed for long-term operation. Elecnova provides a battery warranty of up to 8,000 charge/discharge cycles or 10 years, whichever comes first.
Another key advantage is the 100% Depth of Discharge (DoD), allowing virtually the entire available battery capacity to be utilized under normal operating conditions.
This enables businesses to maximize the value of their energy storage investment and more accurately predict long-term project economics. Actual battery lifetime, however, depends not only on battery specifications but also on operating conditions, temperature management, and the EMS control strategy.
Energy Management System (EMS)
The Energy Management System (EMS) determines how efficiently the entire energy storage system operates.
It controls:
- when to charge the batteries;
- when to use stored energy;
- how the ESS interacts with the solar power plant;
- how the system operates alongside the utility grid;
- which loads should be backed up;
- how energy flows are managed across the facility.
For this project, engineers developed a dedicated EMS control strategy tailored to the customer’s Active Consumer operating model.
There is no universal EMS configuration. Every facility has its own load profile, production processes, installed PV capacity, and business objectives. That is why a properly configured EMS transforms an Energy Storage System from a simple battery into a comprehensive energy management platform for the entire facility.
Scalable as Your Business Grows
Energy requirements evolve over time. As production expands or additional PV capacity is installed, businesses may require greater energy storage capacity.
The Elecnova platform is designed for scalable deployment without rebuilding the existing system. A single installation can be expanded to include up to six battery cabinets, providing a total output of up to 750 kW while allowing the energy storage system to grow alongside the customer’s operational needs.
Implementing an industrial ESS involves far more than simply delivering equipment to a site. It requires seamless integration with an existing solar power plant, coordination with the utility grid, development of a customized EMS control strategy, commissioning, and long-term technical support.
This comprehensive approach is exactly what Modern Energy provides.
Modern Energy became the first company in Ukraine to supply industrial Elecnova Energy Storage Systems and participated in the country’s first industrial Elecnova ESS implementation at a manufacturing facility in the Vinnytsia region, together with its installation partner ADSK Innovative Technologies.
In addition to equipment supply, Modern Energy provided system configuration support, engineering consulting, commissioning assistance, and ongoing technical support for both partners and end customers.
Real-World Performance Confirms the Technology
The first industrial Elecnova ESS project implemented in Ukraine demonstrates that modern energy storage is far more than a high-capacity battery.
Elecnova enables industrial facilities to maintain critical operations during power outages, integrate energy storage into existing grid-tied PV systems, centrally manage energy flows, maximize battery utilization, and expand system capacity as business requirements grow.
Ultimately, it is the combination of advanced technology and sound engineering that unlocks the full potential of an industrial Energy Storage System, delivering reliable performance and long-term value for years to come.
