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Caterpillar Unveils Its Latest Energy Storage System

New suite of battery technologies aid renewable energy integration.

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Caterpillar energy storage systems
Caterpillar energy storage systems. PHOTO | FILE

Caterpillar has unveiled its new Cat Energy Storage System (ESS), featuring a suite of innovative battery technologies designed to support the integration of renewable energy sources and potentially reduce energy costs.  

The line-up of the Caterpillar energy storage system comprises the Cat Power Stabilization (PGS), and Cat Energy Time Shift (ETS) with Energy Capacity Expansion (ECE) modules.

The ESS provides flexible, scalable and modular designs for various electric power distribution applications, including gen set transient assist, grid integration and support, energy time shifting, power stabilization, power factor correction, and integrating renewable energy sources.

The standard 20-foot modules consist of lithium-ion batteries, the Cat Bi-Directional inverter and an isolation transformer – to simplify transportation, installation, integration, and maintenance processes.

Lithium-ion batteries are known to provide excellent energy density, efficient energy discharge/recharge capabilities, and prolonged lifespan.

The batteries help to offset variations in output from renewable energy sources while helping to stabilize transient sources and loads, whether on-site or within the utility grid.

An option for heavy-duty, self-contained mobility is available for both stationary and rental applications. This incorporates a shock-isolated battery structure, an air-ride trailer, and an onboard microgrid controller, enabling faster deployment.

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The Cat ESS modules are ideal for industrial environments such as mining, oil and gas, and for installation in utilities, data centres, small towns, and campuses.

Upon installation, these devices can tackle common power delivery problems, including power outages, deviations in frequency, and voltage fluctuations.

The units are highly effective in optimising the performance of high-efficiency natural gas generators operating in island mode, as well as in applications where maintaining high power quality is crucial.

The Cat PGS modules range from 840 to 1260 kW in rating and offer a capacity between 448 and 672 kWh. They can be linked to deliver over 100 MW of power.

The Cat ETS modules have a rating spanning from 570 to 1000 kW, and can achieve an energy time-shift capacity ranging from 1500 to 9100 kWh when paired with ECE modules.

The ETS modules not only encompass all the capabilities of PGS modules but also facilitate the harnessing of excess renewable energy, thus contributing to peak shaving and bolstering grid support.

Every Cat ESS module can include Cat Connect Remote Asset Monitoring (RAM), which can monitor 13 to 200 key performance indicators at one-second intervals, with data transmittable via satellite, cellular, or local networks for sharing.

The Caterpillar energy storage systems are available for purchase or rental from the equipment giant’s dealers in select regions across the world.

James Baraza, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from JKUAT, specializes in heavy equipment and brings 10+ years of construction industry experience and technical expertise to his reporting.