Liquid vs Air Cooling System
– why does it matter?
The concept of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is increasingly attracting interest from organizations and businesses. BESS installations provide numerous advantages, such as improved energy independence and long-term cost savings. However, before investing in energy storage, it’s essential to understand several technical factors to make a well-informed decision.
A key consideration is selecting an appropriate cooling system, which is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of the batteries within a BESS.
One of these aspects is the choice of a cooling system, as it plays an important role in ensuring the safety and performance of the batteries within the system.
Which cooling system should I use?
The thermal management of batteries within a BESS has a significant impact on their performance and lifespan. A dependable cooling system is necessary to keep these batteries at an optimal temperature. When considering cooling options for a BESS, two primary methods are commonly available: liquid cooling and air cooling.
Air cooling for BESS
Air cooling involves using air, generated by installed fans, to dissipate heat and maintain the batteries’ temperature within the battery system. This cooling system is relatively straightforward in design and doesn´t require complex infrastructure, which makes the system easy to maintain. That is also why the air cooling system is much cheaper to install within a BESS compared to liquid cooling.
However, it has limitations when it comes to cooling larger BESS containers with high energy capacity due to the relatively low thermal conductivity of air. Thus, air cooling is best suited for applications in lower ambient temperatures with lower heat dissipation requirements.
Liquid cooling for BESS
In contrast, a liquid cooling system uses a circulating liquid to cool the batteries in a BESS. It involves circulating a liquid coolant through a network of pipes to absorb and transfer heat away from the batteries.
Liquid cooling is highly effective at dissipating high levels of heat and offers precise temperature control. However, it is a more complex system, requiring regular maintenance and a higher initial investment compared to air cooling.
Choosing the right cooling system
While many might assume that the cost-effective air-cooling system is the most economically efficient choice, the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice depends on the specific conditions of your system. Here are some key criteria to consider when making your decision:
- Cooling requirement: Evaluate the cooling demands of your BESS, considering factors like the performance of the prismatic cells and their heat dissipation rate, the working scenario of your application, the free space of the batteries, the environment, etc.
- Environmental adaptability: Consider the ambient temperature conditions in your location. Air cooling works well in cooler environments, while liquid cooling can adapt to a wider range of temperatures.
- Maintenance: Think about your capacity for system maintenance. Liquid cooling systems require more attention and upkeep.
- Size of the BESS solution: The air-cooled systems are limited to space constraints while liquid-cooled systems have a better scalability for larger systems.
Battery Storage from Sparq
Sparq provides tailored solutions based on your needs and power requirements. The size, storage capacity, design, and other specifications are totally customized to meet your demands.
You will work with our specialized team of product specialists and engineers to develop a system delivered and installed on time.
A complete BESS will be provided by your local representatives with a 10-year warranty, fully equipped with modern features designed in Sweden.
[…] As an investor, prioritize safety and avoid cutting corners. Your choice of cooling system, whether liquid or air, will also impact costs. Learn more about this in our article “Liquid vs Air Cooling System – Why Does It Matter?” […]