In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague welcomes Dr. Zhehan Yi, Utility and ESS Product Solutions Director at CPS America, for an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge utility-scale energy storage solutions. Dr. Yi shares his journey from electrical engineering to becoming a key player in the renewable energy sector, offering unique insights into the evolving landscape of energy storage technology.
The conversation centers around CPS America's groundbreaking 5 megawatt-hour battery storage container solution, a game-changer in the utility-scale storage market. Dr. Yi explains the innovative string structure approach employed by CPS, drawing parallels with their success in the PV inverter market. He delves into the benefits of this modular design, including enhanced controllability, easier maintenance, and the ability to perform rack-level augmentation.
Dr. Yi and Montague discuss the concept of the "smart grid" and its role in revolutionizing power distribution. They explore how advanced communication and controllability are transforming the century-old grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing integration of renewable energy sources and smart devices.
The episode also touches on current trends in utility-scale storage projects across different US markets, from the smaller projects on the East Coast to the massive installations in the Southwest. Dr. Yi provides valuable insights into the various applications of energy storage, including energy arbitrage, peak shaving, and supporting EV charging infrastructure.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of CPS America's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions, including balance of system components and medium voltage transformers. Dr. Yi emphasizes the importance of localized support and customer service in setting CPS apart from competitors in the energy storage landscape.
Whether you're an energy professional, developer, or simply interested in the future of renewable energy, this episode offers a wealth of information on the cutting edge of energy storage technology and its crucial role in the global energy transition.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhehanyi/
http://www.chintpowersystems.com/
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
03:10 Dr. Yi's Background
07:02 The Evolution of the Smart Grid
08:46 Defining the Smart Grid for Lay People
10:45 Dr. Yi's Role at CPS America
11:55 CPS's Energy Storage Product Evolution
14:54 The 5 Megawatt-Hour Container Solution
23:48 Battery Lifetime, Degradation and Lead time
26:04 Use Cases and Cycling of Utility-Scale Batteries
29:13 Hot Markets for Energy Storage in the US
31:34 CPS's Competitive Advantages
35:18 CPS as a Total Solution Provider
37:40 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
