Safety testing starts with the product concept
“TESVOLT takes the issue of safety very seriously – something that distinguishes it from its competitors. The Wittenberg company not only submits its finished storage systems to us for testing, it also involves us during the product development phase, to make its energy storage systems as safe as possible,” reports Roman Brück, Head of the Components, Power Electronics and Certification Department at TÜV Rheinland. “Unfortunately, product safety testing is not yet a matter of course within the storage system industry.”
Maximum safety and ongoing huge demand
“Demand for energy storage systems and renewable energy installations is greater than ever, now that Europe is aiming to achieve independence from Russian gas. At the same time there is short supply of electronic chips and other components. Consequently, demand for storage systems is outstripping supply,” explains Daniel Hannemann, CEO and Co-Founder of TESVOLT. “Despite this difficult situation, we’re investing in the safety of our storage systems, because quality and investment security are key to long-term energy transition. Which is why we opted for voluntary testing by a recognised and rigorous expert body.”
Multi-stage safety concept
TESVOLT pursues a multi-stage safety concept. Production at its Wittenberg site includes partially automated complete cyclic conditioning; every battery module is fully charged and discharged and tested for irregularities in temperature, voltage or internal resistance. Finally, fully automated end-of-line inspections ensure maximum safety, with every battery cell tested and less efficient battery modules automatically removed.
In addition, all TESVOLT energy storage systems are designed with multiple in-built safety features. The battery cells are subject to six safety mechanisms. For example, a safety fuse will interrupt the electrical current if the unit experiences a short circuit or overcurrent. In the event of excess pressure, a safety valve on the cell opens to compensate. Sturdy aluminium housing protects every cell from mechanical damage.
“The heart of our safety concept is our certified, award-winning battery management system (BMS) which constantly monitors every battery cell. If a cell exceeds its safe operational range, the BMS activates the ‘safe state’, which interrupts the power supply,” says Simon Schandert, CTO and Co-Founder of TESVOLT.
TESVOLT’s A and E series battery storage systems are tested in accordance with IEC standards 62619, 62620, 61000, 61010, 61508 and UN38.3. In addition, TESVOLT is ISO 9001:2015 certified for the successful implementation of quality management throughout the company.
