Ukrainian businesses are increasingly adopting energy storage systems (ESS) to enhance energy resilience, provide backup power for critical loads, and make more efficient use of their own generation. At the same time, for businesses, it is important to understand how such solutions work not only in theory but also under real operating conditions.
A practical example of such a solution was presented by Modern Energy, a member of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU), which, together with ADSK Innovative Technologies, implemented an industrial project in Ukraine featuring an Elecnova ESS.
The project demonstrated the possibility of integrating an industrial ESS into an existing solar power plant without replacing the installed grid-tied inverters or solar panels. The system provides backup power for critical loads, energy storage, and centralized management of energy flows through an EMS (Energy Management System).
From an operating solar power plant to a comprehensive energy system
At the time of the project’s implementation, the facility already had a solar power plant equipped with:
- Huawei grid-tied inverters with a total capacity of 400 kW;
- LONGi Solar panels with a total capacity of 500 kW.
The main objective was not to build new generation capacity, but to expand the functionality of the existing energy infrastructure.
An industrial Elecnova energy storage system was integrated into the existing solar power plant, enabling the facility to provide backup power for critical loads, store electricity, and implement various energy consumption management scenarios.
One of the key advantages of the project was the ability to integrate the ESS into the existing solar power plant without replacing the grid-tied inverters or solar panels. This made it possible to use the infrastructure already in place and avoid the additional costs associated with extensive reconstruction.
Backup power without prolonged interruption of operations
The Elecnova system can operate both in conjunction with the external power grid and in autonomous mode.
In the event of an emergency power outage, the system automatically switches to backup power and continues supplying electricity to designated loads at the facility.
For critical equipment, the speed of this transition is particularly important. The implemented project uses an STS (Static Transfer Switch), which enables a rapid transition between the external grid and autonomous power supply.
This helps minimize risks for server equipment, automated production lines, control systems, and other consumers that are sensitive even to short-term voltage interruptions.
EMS turns a battery into an energy management tool
An important component of the project is the Energy Management System (EMS), which determines how the facility’s entire energy system operates.
The EMS controls:
- when to charge the batteries;
- when to use the stored electricity;
- how to interact with the solar power plant;
- how to operate with the external grid;
- which loads need to be backed up;
- how electricity flows should be distributed.
For the specific facility, the specialists developed a dedicated EMS operating logic taking into account its consumption profile, solar power plant parameters, and operation as an active consumer.
Thus, in this project, the ESS functions not simply as a backup battery, but as a fully-fledged energy management tool for the facility.
A comprehensive solution in a single energy system
The Elecnova industrial platform includes:
- LFP battery modules;
- PCS;
- STS;
- EMS;
- BMS;
- a fire suppression system;
- a liquid cooling system;
- protection and monitoring systems.
This integrated approach eliminates the need to independently select equipment from different manufacturers and ensure its compatibility.
The liquid cooling system plays a particularly important role, helping maintain a uniform temperature across the battery modules, efficiently dissipate heat, and reduce temperature imbalance between system components.
For the battery component, Elecnova offers a stated warranty of up to 8,000 cycles or 10 years, depending on which condition occurs first. The system also provides for 100% depth of discharge (DoD) in accordance with operating conditions.
The system can scale together with the facility
Another feature of the solution is the possibility of future expansion.
According to the company, up to six energy storage cabinets with a total capacity of up to 750 kW can be connected to a single system. This allows the system’s capabilities to be gradually increased in line with changes in the facility’s energy needs or expansion of its production capacity.
Modern Energy provides comprehensive project implementation
Implementing an industrial energy storage system involves much more than simply supplying equipment. It requires selecting the right configuration, integrating the ESS with the facility’s existing solar power plant and electrical grid, developing EMS operating algorithms, commissioning the system, and providing ongoing technical support.
This is the comprehensive approach provided by Modern Energy, a SEAU member and the company that was the first in Ukraine to begin supplying Elecnova industrial energy storage systems.
The company participated in the implementation of this project at a facility in Vinnytsia Oblast. Modern Energy specialists provided technical configuration support, as well as service and consulting support to the partners and the customer.
Practical experience for Ukrainian businesses
The implemented project demonstrates that a modern energy storage system can become an integrated component of a facility’s energy infrastructure.
Combining Solar PV + ESS + EMS makes it possible to simultaneously enhance energy resilience, provide backup power for critical loads, make more efficient use of on-site solar generation, and centrally manage energy flows.
For Ukrainian businesses operating amid unstable power supply, such solutions are becoming an important component of the transition toward more autonomous, flexible, and controllable energy infrastructure.
The Solar Energy Association of Ukraine welcomes the implementation of practical projects by its members and continues to support the development of advanced solar generation and energy storage solutions in Ukraine.