One common mistake when looking for a BESS supplier is to view the container as a standard, off-the-shelf product. In reality, each BESS project is a unique engineering problem, with different batteries, PCS, cooling systems, and safety requirements.
A “one-size-fits-all” solution not only wastes space, but can also seriously impact performance and safety. This is why a manufacturer’s customization capabilities – also known as OEM/ODM capabilities – become one of the most important selection criteria.
1. OEM and ODM: Understanding the Manufacturer's Capabilities
When working with a manufacturer, you will come across two main terms:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): You (the customer or system integrator) are the one who provides the complete detailed engineering design drawings. The manufacturer will use their manufacturing expertise to manufacture exactly according to those drawings.
- ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): You simply provide the input requirements (e.g. “I need a 40ft container to hold 2 MWh of LFP batteries, 1 MW PCS, and maintain the internal temperature at 25°C”). The manufacturer will use their team of engineers to design the entire solution for you, from equipment layout, airflow calculation, to fire protection system design.
A leading BESS manufacturer must have strong capabilities in both areas, especially ODM, showing that they are not only a fabricator, but also a consulting and solution design partner.
2. Why is “Tailor-Made” Design Important?
Customization allows for optimization of three core elements that a standard container cannot:
- Optimizing Energy Density: Custom design allows for the most scientific arrangement of battery racks, PCS and electrical cabinets, allowing you to “cram” the most capacity (kWh) into a given space while still ensuring safety and maintenance access.
- Optimizing Cooling Performance (HVAC): This is vital. Each type of battery, PCS, generates a different amount of heat. A “tailored” design will calculate the exact airflow required, placing the HVAC intake and exhaust vents in optimal locations to cool evenly, eliminate “hot spots” and prolong the life of the battery.
- Absolute Safety Integration: Fire protection and explosion control requirements are unique to each project. A custom design allows for seamless integration of clean agent fire suppression systems (such as Novec 1230), gas detection sensors, and explosion vents in carefully calculated locations.
3. Core Customization Elements to Evaluate
When evaluating a manufacturer's customization capabilities, consider the following:
- Structure: Ability to change container size, reinforce heavy load-bearing floors, create fireproof partitions.
- Materials and Coatings: Ability to offer material options (steel, stainless steel) and specialized coating systems (e.g. C5-M for marine environments) for corrosion protection.
- Auxiliary Systems: Capability to design and integrate complex systems such as HVAC, fire protection, lighting, soundproofing and insulation.
- Openings and Connection Points: Ability to cut, reinforce and seal power cable entries and access/maintenance doors as required by drawings.
Conclusion: Never settle for a standard container solution for a complex BESS project. Choosing a manufacturer with strong OEM/ODM capabilities is the first step to ensuring your system is designed for optimal performance, safety, and cost. It is the difference between a “box” and a “solution.”
TAIYO ENERGY – CREATING THE FUTURE OF ENERGY STORAGE
Understanding the components of a BESS is the first step to mastering the technology. At Taiyo Energy, we have taken the next step: mastering the manufacturing process. We are proud to be a pioneering Vietnamese enterprise, investing in technology and people to create international standard energy storage container solutions.
With a CSC (Bureau Veritas) certified factory in Hai Phong, superior logistics advantages and precision machining capabilities, we are committed to providing “Made in Vietnam” solutions with global quality, ready to participate in the clean energy supply chain in Southeast Asia.
Let Taiyo Energy be your strategic partner in your energy project. Explore our customized container solutions (OEM/ODM) today!
