A UK start-up called Allye has produced a prototype mobile energy storage system (ESS) which it said can alleviate grid capacity constraints for electric vehicle (EV) rapid charging hubs and at construction sites.
The mobile ESS, called the Max, has mixed lithium-ion chemistry battery architectures and delivers three-phase and single-phase outputs, with a range of power from 100 kVa to 200 kVa. Capacity is more than 300 kWh and gross weight is under 3.5 tonnes including trailer.
Allye made the claim that their ESS is “the world’s first” to combine batteries of different chemistries into a single system. It said combining NMC with LFP packs into one system enables the blend of high-cycle life and operation at high temperatures of LFP with the energy density, power density and operation at lower temperatures of NMC.
The company’s PR spokesperson, Ben Kilbey, justified the claim of being the world’s first: “If you google ‘mixed chemistry energy storage system’ nothing comes up except research papers.
“GS Yuasa did a system in a container. It was a trial and it included lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion. But lead-acid batteries are old tech. Ours are different chemistries of lithium-ion batteries.”
You can read BEST’s report on GS Yuasa’s recent mixed chemistry deployed system at the Royal Mint in Wales. Senior Technical Coordinator Peter Stevenson of GS Yuasa Battery Europe called Allye’s approach “interesting” but declined to comment further.
The International Lead Association said there are many examples of lead and lithium systems working well – and many effective mobile systems:
- Saft makes mobile ESS via Go Electric, Mosier Systems and others including Siemens
- GS Yuasa’s dual chemistry energy storage system at Portsmouth’s international port.
Dr Matt Raiford of the Consortium for Battery Innovation would not comment on the “old tech” charge, but said: “Advanced lead batteries are recognised as high quality, safe, reliable and cost-effective batteries for energy storage systems. They have a long track record of success – and the next generation batteries are equally highly-regarded and ideal for dual technology systems.”
Photo: Allye
