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The Chinese manufacturer has unveiled its next-generation commercial and industrial energy storage system, Chess Plus. The product is currently available in China and the US, and a European version is currently under evaluation. BYD Energy Storage, a unit of Chinese conglomerate BYD, has unveiled its latest C&I energy storage system, Chess Plus, based on 320 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) thick-film cells. A company spokesperson confirmed to ESS News that the product is currently available in China and the US, and that a European version is being evaluated. Chess Plus is a highly compact modular system that integrates the Battery Management System (BMS), Distributed Management Controller (DMC), Power Management and Control Unit (EMCU), Energy Management System (EMS), and AC unit. The Chinese version of the product also incorporates a fire protection host inside the container, while the American version has a separate intelligent HVAC component. Chess Plus features ultra-long-life battery cells that withstand over 10,000 cycles. BYDs thick-foil battery cells, specifically designed for battery storage applications, feature ceramic terminals, developed to eliminate leakage risks and improve corrosion resistance. According to the manufacturer, its thick-foil cells have passed extreme stress tests, including thermal runaway simulations (-25–55°C) and overcharge thresholds of 260%. Its dual-mode cooling system—liquid cooling for the batteries, which achieves a temperature difference of less than 2.5°C between battery cells, and intelligent forced-air cooling for the electronic equipment—reduces auxiliary power consumption by 20% while improving thermal consistency. According to BYD, this design extends component life by 30%. To enhance the safety profile of its latest product, BYD has incorporated a 2-hour fire-resistant battery casing and an integrated aerosol fire extinguishing system. Chess Plus integrates edge computing for real-time state of charge (SOC) optimization and failure prediction. The product is equipped with a black start function, which enables off-grid/microgrid operation and switching between grid and off-grid at the millisecond level. The 233 kWh Chinese system was unveiled at the 15th China International Clean Energy Expo, held in Beijing on March 26. Its nominal voltage is 729.6 V DC, and its operating voltage ranges from 604.2 to 832.2 V DC. Its rated power is 125 kW. The Chinese product has a rated line voltage of 380 V and is designed for a rated line frequency of 50 Hz. It measures 1258 x 1680 x 2240 mm and weighs 3500 kg. Its operating temperature range is -20°C to +55°C. The US version of the product has a storage capacity of 350.1 kWh. Its nominal voltage is 1094.4 V, and its voltage range is 889.2 V to 1248.3 V. Its rated power is 175 kW. The Chinese product has a nominal line voltage of 480 V and is designed for a nominal line frequency of 60 Hz. It measures 1,658 x 1,680 x 2,560 mm and weighs less than 4,500 kg. Its operating temperature range is -25°C to +55°C. Both the Chinese and American versions have a charge-discharge rate of 0.5 C. Both have IP55 and IP65 protection ratings, as well as C4 anti-corrosion rating. Only manufacturers that master cell-level R&D can deliver true value and efficiency. Chess Plus reflects our 17 years of experience in energy storage and our commitment to sustainable innovation, said Wang Xiaoye of BYD Energy Storage at the product launch in China. |
