What is the SwitchESS Project?
SwitchESS is a French company that has revolutionized the energy storage landscape with its pioneering switched-cell technology. Born in 2018 out of collaboration with CEA TECH and based in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, SwitchESS develops innovative battery energy storage systems (BESS) that integrate inverter, charger, and battery management functions into a single, disruptive architecture. This cell-wise driving expertise brings modern functionality and efficiency to traditional battery applications, ranging from kilowatt-level systems to those operating at hundreds of kilowatts. It even extends to special applications requiring both AC and DC solutions – think electrical distribution networks and EV charging. The project’s DNA is built on a commitment to enhancing both performance and safety through individual, real-time control of each cell in the pack… a breakthrough approach that redefines what is expected from power storage systems.
Main Benefits: Key Figures and Facts
The SwitchESS solution delivers a wide range of performance improvements and operational advantages. Some key figures and facts are:
- More than a 10% increase in roundtrip efficiency, translating into improved power conversion efficiency.
- 15% service life improvement, ensuring batteries perform optimally for longer periods.
- Autonomy improvement of around 20%, highlighting its effectiveness in energy management.
- Individual management of the charging status for each cell, which increases both safety and reliability.
- Ability to mix cells with heterogeneous chemistries or varying states of health, which was impossible with traditional architectures.
Technology and Traditional Challenges
The technology behind the SwitchESS project marks a stark contrast to traditional battery systems. In conventional battery architectures, the inverter’s performance can degrade the overall energy storage system in terms of efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with battery specifications. Other drawbacks include issues related to the size, dimensions, and cost of the inverter, as well as the fact that battery performance is heavily dependent on the weakest cell. A traditional setup does not allow for the isolation of a faulty cell, meaning that any cell that is discharged, over-tempered, or faulty inevitably limits the performance of the entire battery. Additionally, the need for low dispersion in cell performance and the lengthy, expensive process of cell sorting for reusing second-life cells are significant hurdles that have long plagued battery architectures.
SwitchESS 3-in-1 Architecture: A New Era
The SwitchESS battery 3-in-1 architecture transforms traditional energy storage by incorporating switched-cell technology. This method not only isolates a failing cell to ensure continuity of service and enhance safety but also enables improved power conversion efficiency. With the technology’s real-time control over each battery cell, issues like state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) estimation errors are minimized. The architecture also reduces the emission of CEM and simplifies diagnostics and maintenance, leading to higher reliability overall. This innovative design is a game-changer in the battery management realm, turning old disadvantages into new advantages and opening the door for a future where battery systems are more efficient, flexible, and secure.
Our Services Overview
SwitchESS not only pioneers technology but also provides extensive services in battery system development. These services cover every phase of the process, from conception to production. The offerings include:
- From BMS Conception to Production: This includes design and manufacturing of battery energy storage systems based on the patented switched-cell architecture, along with hardware architecture design and cutting-edge software engineering and data processing.
- Firmware Design: Functional analysis, architecture definition, and code implementation form the backbone of firmware development, ensuring that every function meets rigorous testing standards.
- Electronic Board Design: Beginning with block diagram definition, the selection of electronic components, and careful board layout, this service guarantees robust electronic solutions that are tested thoroughly.
- Prototypes: The design and manufacturing of advanced representative prototypes allow testing and refinement in real-world scenarios.
Each service is designed to translate advanced theory into practical, industrialized battery solutions that set new performance benchmarks.
Innovation Meets Reliability
The SwitchESS project is an example of how innovative engineering can overcome older limitations. By addressing the inherent drawbacks of traditional battery systems – such as the challenge of relying on the weakest cell and the inability to mix cell chemistries – this project offers a robust solution that enhances diagnostic simplicity and maintenance. With individual management of each cell, the technology ensures that a faulty or over-stressed cell does not compromise the entire battery, leading to a safer and more efficient energy storage solution. The incremental improvements in efficiency and lifetime create a compelling case for rethinking how energy storage systems are built and maintained in a future driven by renewable energy and smart technologies.
Project Impact and Sustainable Goals
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By improving efficiency and extending battery lifetime, SwitchESS supports sustainable energy practices and reduced environmental impact.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The development and industrialization of a disruptive battery management system underline advancements in technological innovation and smarter infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhanced reliability and safety of energy storage contribute to building greener, more resilient urban environments.
About SwitchESS and Its Vision
SwitchESS stands as a leader in electricity storage solutions for stationary applications based on the switched-cell concept. The company’s goal is to develop, industrialize, and market power storage solutions that combine safety, balancing, and power conversion through the real-time control of each cell. This approach offers not only a significant increase in roundtrip efficiency but also absolute safety, promising a future where energy storage systems are smarter and more adaptable. The address is at ZA Actipolis, 6 avenue Ferdinand de Lesseps in Canejan, France, with further inquiries directed to contact@switchess.com. The project is poised to influence a range of applications, from electrical distribution networks to EV charging infrastructures, by ensuring that energy storage remains both cutting-edge and reliable.
