Plug and Play Energy
First in Africa: Huawei FusionSolar BESS
Mustek-owned ICT distributor Rectron has embraced innovative technology by acquiring a 1MW/MWh battery from Huawei to supply backup power to its head offices in Midrand. This move positions the company as the first in Africa to implement the Huawei FusionSolar LUNA2000-1.0MWH1H1 MW Smart String battery energy storage system (BESS).
The Technology Behind BESS
The BESS is an integration of batteries and inverters housed within a large container, boasting a 1MWh capacity and a minimum 1MW output, which is expandable in 200kW increments.
The Decision for Sustainable Power
The procurement of this system followed after Rectron CEO Spencer Chen’s visit to the Intersolar exhibition in Germany in June, where he determined that this BESS would provide a comprehensive power solution for the company’s needs.
Reducing Operational Costs
The introduction of the Huawei FusionSolar 1MWh battery aims to cut Rectron’s diesel expenditure significantly. The company has been spending around R120,000 monthly to fuel a 600kVA backup generator that powers its data center and security systems continuously.
Investment in South African Business
Chen emphasizes the company’s commitment to investing in local businesses, expressing hope that Rectron’s acquisition will act as an encouraging case study for other businesses contemplating similar sustainable solutions.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
With the new 1MW Huawei FusionSolar BESS in place, Rectron anticipates maintaining uninterrupted operations across its branches, which will boost operational efficiency and cut unnecessary overhead costs.
Installation and Future Plans
Maxim Business Solutions is set to complete the BESS installation by December. The system will be complemented by a 416kWp solar PV plant, anticipated to generate around 600,000kWh of power yearly. Rectron plans to rely on the battery and solar setup as its main electricity sources, with the grid and a backup generator as subsequent options.
Huawei’s Technological Edge
Huawei touts its BESS’s advanced power electronics technologies, ensuring higher energy efficiency and safety. The company outlines a four-layer safety design, including cell safety, electrical safety, mechanical safety, and system safety. Additionally, the system features cell-level monitoring to preemptively address thermal runaway.
Comparison with Other Energy Storage Solutions
Huawei’s FusionSolar LUNA2000 BESS is capable of supporting up to 2MWh capacity. In comparison, Tesla’s Powerwall 2 has significantly less capacity, and even though Huawei’s solution is smaller than Tesla’s Megapack, it comes with a substantial cost advantage.
Unrevealed Costs and Industry Adoption
While Rectron has not disclosed the financial details of the 1MW Huawei FusionSolar ESS, it’s noteworthy that other South African companies, such as Pilot Tools and Subaru, have also invested in similar capacity batteries. Mercedes-Benz has also implemented a BESS by Sunworx Solar with comparable output.
Conclusion
Rectron’s forward-thinking approach in implementing the Huawei FusionSolar LUNA2000 BESS signifies a leap towards energy efficiency and sustainability, setting a benchmark for other corporations in the region.
Source: Mybroadband
