Atlas Copco, a leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions, has launched the ZBC 1000-1200, its largest container energy storage system (ESS) in the prime power market, which delivers 1MW of power output and 1.2MWh energy capacity from a single unit.

The new ZBC 1000-1200 is built using the same advanced and trusted battery technology as the company’s existing range of ESS, to deliver a reliable source of power to keep critical jobs in operation and enable users to reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent while saving on costs.

The unit is ideal for demanding applications including construction, mining, events, ports, and emergency power.

Atlas Copco’s ZBC 1000 Energy Storage System can be used on a construction or event sites reducing the number of generators needed, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, says the company.

“The ZBC 1000-1200 is exceptionally easy to use, providing quick and easy connection with a power lock socket. Being ‘plug and play’ means users can save installation time as there is no need for bolting cables to busbars,” says Barbara Gregorio, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager for Atlas Copco Portable Power and Energy solutions.

“The system is incredibly reliable, having been built with Atlas Copco’s proven technology coupled with LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate batteries. For additional durability, this battery energy storage system includes an advanced thermal management HVAC system so it can provide lasting power from -20 deg C to +50 deg C, and it is suitable for use at higher altitudes plus offering extra winterisation fit for tough climate challenges,” she adds.

ZBC 1000-2000 energy storage system is also suitable for microgrid solutions in mining environments.

ZBC models provide users with flexibility as they can operate as a standalone solution or in hybrid mode with several sources of energy (including renewables). For users wanting even more power or to set up the systems as a micro grid, these 1 MW container battery packs are scalable, with up to eight units connected in parallel, delivering up to 8 MW of power.

“Using a ZBC 1000-1200 on a construction or event site means that users can reduce the number of generators needed, drastically reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By using these container ESS, users can also reduce the need for fuel management servicing and maintenance associated with generators, reducing operational costs,” Gregorio points out.

Mining applications

Atlas Copco’s ZBC 1000-2000 energy storage system is also suitable for microgrid solutions in mining environments.

Furthermore, when the ZBC is installed as a hybrid solution, working alongside generators, it can increase the lifetime and utilisation of those generators.

Providing versatility, the ZBC can be connected with generators from all manufacturers, with the battery energy storage system acting as a primary power source and generators as the secondary source.

“Multiple generators are frequently used to create a power plant within mining sites. However, these are now being replaced by one energy storage system to achieve the same power levels. The ZBC 1000-1200 energy storage system is ideal for a microgrid solution in mines for electrical shovels, tunnel boring machines and substations,” he says.

Emergency power

This battery ESS is also ideal for emergency power use as it supplies power quickly in case of a grid power failure, with fast energy transfer.

“Generators typically experience a delay, but the new 1 MW battery system eliminates that risk and provides operators with peace of mind that power will be available, so they can keep their critical operations running,” explains Gregorio.

Applications which have a high initial load will also benefit from the new ZBC 1000-1200 container battery pack. For example, modern large cranes within ports require approximately 10 times higher nominal power to start. The ZBC 1000-1200 can easily handle this larger inrush current.

To ensure optimal performance, all the energy systems are available with Atlas Copco’s user-friendly and intuitive energy management system, the ECO Controller, which monitors and controls the system by integrating performance data and centralising all hybrid energy sources.

The controller effectively communicates with all components in the installation such as inverters, batteries, solar charge controllers, energy meters and third-party monitoring systems.

All ZBC battery pack systems also connect to Atlas Copco’s intelligent telematics system FleetLink, so users can remotely monitor their machines in real time to optimise fleet usage, reduce maintenance costs, and ultimately save time and money.

“Our next-generation energy storage solution is our biggest yet, with 1,000 kW power output and an energy capacity of 1,200 kWh packed into a HQ 20ft container,” Gregorio continues. “It has been specially designed to provide a reliable and long-lasting power solution for the most critical rental applications that require a constant and significant flow of energy.

Atlas Copco now has eight battery energy storage system models in its portfolio, ranging from the compact ZBP portable variants starting at 2 kW of power to this new largest 1 MW ZBC container battery pack. 

The company offers innovative compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction equipment, power tools and assembly systems.