TBEA Xi’an Electric Technology Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of power transformers, power quality equipment, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), introduced its utility solar + storage system lineup at Intersolar Europe 2026.
This lineup consists of two grid-forming string PCS-based integrated MV (medium-voltage) stations + containerized BESS, aimed at Europe’s standalone and collocated projects.
These PCSs are placed between the utility grid and the BESS to transmit or absorb a specified real-time apparent power at the point of connection (POC), meeting grid stability requirements. Unlike a centralized PCS-based BESS architecture, it features multiple modular PCSs for rack-level management, such as strings.
The company displayed its TE10000KT-EL series string PCS + MV station, coupled with a 5 MWh BESS on either side, for grid- or power-generation-side energy storage projects with real-time demands up to 10 MVA. For lower demands up to 6.25 MVA, the company showcased its TM-S6250 AC/DC series BESS, coupled with multiple TE435/392K-HV series liquid-cooled string PCSs. The latter has a rated capacity of up to 435 or 392 kVA, while the former’s rating was not provided in the company’s LinkedIn thread.
For real-time state-of-charge (SoC) balancing, this rack-level charge control helps reduce the ‘bucket effect’ in the storage system compared to a single PCS-based platform. It helps to conserve additional charges and improve real-time storage capacity. The bucket effect occurs when a single PCS-based BESS includes a weak or degraded battery rack compared to others, affecting overall system performance. The TE435/392K-HV series PCS has a rated maximum conversion efficiency of 99% with an operating temperature range of -40 to +70°C.
These PCSs operate in conjunction with the grid in either grid-following or grid-forming mode. In the former, they sync with the grid’s real-time voltage and frequency and operate according to the grid operator’s commands. By balancing active and reactive power at the grid level, they enhance renewable energy (RE) integration and utilization. As a result, these attributes mitigate the fluctuating characteristics of RE sources on the grid.
On the other hand, grid-forming technology helps a PCS to create its own voltage and frequency, emulating a synchronous generator. According to the company, the TE435/392K-HV series PCS switches to grid-forming mode within µs of a command via a fiber-optic-based high-speed control communication platform, PowerHUB3.0. It provides synthetic inertia to restart a dead grid, known as a black start. It also supports fast frequency-response ancillary services to maintain grid stability.
These PCSs have a grid short-circuit ratio (SCR) tolerance range of 1 to 40, covering weak and strong grids and avoiding frequent disconnection.
In terms of operation & maintenance (O&M), their modular design allows dispatchable energy to be delivered to the grid in a unified form. It facilitates rack-level fault finding and automatic disconnection without affecting system-level performance. This distributed architecture also reduces DC breaking current during circuit breaking or opening compared to conventional alternatives, reducing the risk of DC arcing.
