EV batteries help store energy for large solar projects

       B2U Storage Solutions, which repurposes electric vehicle batteries for energy storage systems, has begun operations at its SEPV Sierra hybrid solar + storage facility in Lancaster, California, with a 25-MWh system. The storage capacity of the project is made up of 1.300 reused EV battery packs from Honda and Nissan.

       The Sierra hybrid storage facility is directly connected to the grid and sells power and grid services into California's wholesale power market, generating over $1 million in revenue alone in 2022. Sierra began commercial operations in 2020. with the team gradually increasing capacity.

　　This is the world's largest operational UL 9540-certified ESS utilizing second-life EV batteries, utilizing B2U's patented EV Pack Storage (EPS) technology. In addition to deploying Honda and Nissan EV batteries at scale, B2U has successfully tested GM Bolt and Tesla Model 3 battery packs with its EPS system, demonstrating the EPS system's ability to be configured to operate any EV battery, according to a press release from the company.

　　"B2U's EPS technology was created to address the challenges of second life in large-scale energy storage. "EV battery packs are deployed in cabinet enclosures using the pack's existing battery management system, effectively eliminating repurposing costs," explained Freeman Hall, co-founder and CEO of B2U Storage Solutions. "The EPS system's Cabinet Controllers connect and disconnect batteries wired in series and parallel strings during charge and discharge cycles so that weaker batteries with lower capacity do not limit the output of stronger batteries. This approach allows our system to achieve an efficient energy yield despite the capacity variance inherent in second life batteries."

　　The EPS system has UL 9540 certification. It constantly monitors and controls each battery to ensure that operating specifications are met; EPS cabinet controllers and ancillary equipment sense and manage the internal cabinet environment around each battery pack. To reduce potential risks, battery packs are automatically disconnected if any component deviates from its operating specifications or design limits.

　　B2U is working on new projects to expand its operational project portfolio. According to the company, deploying EV batteries in second life applications in large scale ESS is well-suited to the challenges of EV battery reuse, where the available capacity of second life EV batteries is rapidly expanding and may exceed 200 GWh by 2030. according to a McKinsey market analysis.