Chinese energy storage manufacturer Biwatt has introduced the PowerLake I3, a modular sodium-ion battery system designed specifically for commercial and industrial use. The platform utilizes sodium iron phosphate pyrophosphate (NFPP) chemistry and is available in both indoor rack and outdoor cabinet configurations. With capacities ranging from 43.6 kWh to over 2,000 kWh, the system offers flexible scalability for various energy needs. The technology is rated for 8,000 cycles and is designed to operate in diverse environmental conditions, supporting integration with standard inverters and energy management platforms to facilitate remote maintenance and system updates.
The PowerLake I3 platform is built upon 8.72 kWh battery packs, each containing 170 Ah sodium-ion cells. For indoor settings, the PLR-130-40 rack can be configured with five to 15 packs, providing between 43.6 kWh and 130.8 kWh. These units can be grouped to reach a maximum capacity of 654 kWh. The outdoor PLC-130-40 cabinet, which features an IP55-rated enclosure and air cooling, allows for up to 16 units to be connected in parallel, pushing the total system capacity to 2,092.8 kWh.
Both 130.8 kWh variants operate at a rated voltage of 769.5 V with a power rating of 65.5 kW. Biwatt recommends a 90% depth of discharge for the system, which is tested for 8,000 cycles under specific conditions of 25 C and 0.5 C charging and discharging. The indoor rack, which utilizes natural convection cooling, is rated IP20 and weighs under 1.82 tons. In contrast, the outdoor cabinet weighs 2.002 tons and is built to withstand a wider temperature range, supporting both charging and discharging from -30 C to 55 C.
The system is engineered for versatility, capable of functioning at altitudes up to 4,000 meters and in relative humidity levels between 5% and 95%. Connectivity options include RS485, CAN, USB, and Ethernet, ensuring compatibility with mainstream inverters and energy management software. The manufacturer has verified the system against several international standards, including UL 9540A, UN 38.3, and various IEC/EN certifications. While the technical specifications are detailed, the company has not yet disclosed pricing, warranty details, or specific commercial availability dates for the PowerLake I3 line.