On August 23rd, Ningde Times 5MWh EnerD series liquid-cooled energy storage prefabricated module system successfully realized the world’s first set of mass production delivery.
The EnerD series products adopt the new generation of 314Ah cells for energy storage, equipped with Ningde Times CTP liquid-cooled 3.0 high-efficiency grouping technology, which optimizes the grouping structure and conductive connection structure of the cells, and at the same time adopts a more modularized and standardized design in the process of designing and manufacturing, so as to realize that the power capacity of a 20-foot single cabin has been increased from 3.354MWh to 5.0MWh, and the new EnerD series liquid-cooled prefabricated pods have achieved the first mass production and delivery in the world. Compared with the previous generation, the new EnerD series of liquid-cooled prefabricated energy storage pods saves more than 20% of floor space, reduces the amount of construction work by 15%, and decreases commissioning, operation and maintenance costs by 10%, and also significantly improves energy density and performance.
The Emergence of 314Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Cells as the New Large-Capacity Benchmark
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology has entered a new era defined by rapid advancement to large-capacity cells over 300Ah. The recent mass production and delivery of 314Ah LiFePO4 prismatic cells by leading Chinese battery maker CATL is a watershed moment signaling the arrival of 300Ah+ as the new high-capacity standard.
| Capacity | Manufacturer | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 300Ah | GOTION, HTHIUM, COSPOWERS, XDLE | 4 |
| 305Ah | CALB, Narada, COSPOWERS, FAR EAST BATTERY, JEVE, AESC | 6 |
| 306Ah | CATL, TrinaStorage, HTHIUM, Cornex | 4 |
| 310Ah | Chunlan | 1 |
| 314Ah | CATL, BATTERO, CALB, Ganfeng, Higee, ETC, HTHIUM, Cornex, SUNWODA, ZENERGY, TrinaStorage | 11 |
| 315Ah | AESC, shoto | 2 |
| 320Ah | REPT, HTHIUM, Great Power, Cornex | 4 |
| 325Ah | SVOLT | 1 |
| 340Ah | REPT | 1 |
| 360Ah | JEVE | 1 |
| 375Ah | Higee | 1 |
| 560Ah | EVE | 1 |
| 580Ah | Vision | 1 |
Large battery cells have obvious advantages in centralized energy storage:
1) Large cells reduce components at the pack level, offering greater cost reduction potential and higher volumetric energy density.
2) Large cells make it easier to achieve high capacity at the same system voltage.
3) Reduced parallel and series connections improve BMS data collection/monitoring accuracy and safety.
4) Simplified assembly processes with large cells can save costs in land, infrastructure, containers, etc.
Industry experts have suggested large cylindrical cells will converge to standardized dimensions for integration benefits. Continued capacity increases are expected but sizes will stabilize.
CATL is currently leading the charge on 314Ah LiFePO4, with over 7 different Chinese battery companies releasing their own 314Ah cells to compete. While 314Ah offers compelling benefits, experts say it is still uncertain whether this capacity will dominate long-term, as safety and cost-competitiveness will determine the ultimate winning large-cell chemistry.
Nonetheless, the rise of 314Ah LiFePO4 undeniably represents a historic leap, accelerating the battery industry firmly into the 300Ah+ era. These massive cells are disrupting previous limits and transforming the landscape for grid-scale energy storage. Their rapid adoption also highlights the ascendance of stacking technology to manufacture ever-larger LiFePO4 cells.
With ongoing improvements, stacking methods may outcompete traditional winding fabrication. Stacking better unlocks the potential of high-capacity LiFePO4 like 314Ah due to superior energy density, manufacturing process control, and safety performance. Major battery makers like CATL, BATTERO, CALB, Ganfeng, Cornex, SUNWODA, ZENERGY, TrinaStorage.
Three key stacking advantages:
1) 2X the number of tabs compared to winding reduces resistance 10-15% for less heat and longer cycle life.
2) No C-corner issue fully utilizes the edges for higher density to reduce project footprint and civil works.
3) avoids C-corner stress imbalance for flatter interfaces over life, improving capacity retention.
As stacking matures and domestic equipment improves, disadvantages can be overcome. Stacking and winding will likely coexist in complementarity and competition.
