The Modular Energy Storage Architecture (MESA) Standards Alliance is now working with the SunSpec Alliance on testing and certification for the MESA-Device specification. Vendors can now receive certification via third-party authenticators, ensuring their products meet the requirements of this specification and will be interoperable with other certified components of energy storage systems (ESS).
“The MESA Standards Alliance prides itself on collaboration as it works toward the creation of open, non-proprietary specifications and information models that utilities, developers, and manufacturers alike can use to achieve interoperability in the storage industry. This milestone represents a significant step toward the ability to become Certified to the MESA-Device specification,” said Scott Gibson of Snohomish County Public Utility District, Chair of the MESA Board of Directors.
A new Specification Compliance Verification Guide is now posted on the MESA and SunSpec websites describing the process to verify inverter compliance with the SunSpec Modbus-based MESA-Device. Compliance with the MESA-Device specification ensures greater interoperability among the components of the ESS (the inverter, power control system, and energy source (e.g., lithium-ion battery)) across the spectrum of distribution-connected systems.
MESA, along with SunSpec member companies and strategic partners, was critical in working toward this milestone. The certification program and Specification Compliance Verification Guide will improve open standards in the industry and enhance interoperability while indicating compliance.
The process described in the Specification Compliance Verification Guide leverages the SunSpec certification program. “MESA-Device enables interoperability amongst DER system components, and SunSpec’s certification program is central to the process for verifying inverter compliance with the specification. We are excited for what this means for the future of interoperability and DERs everywhere,” said Tom Tansy, Chairman of SunSpec Alliance.
News item from SunSpec
Solarman says
The MESA standards alliance, may or may not take off. First it is mentioned DNP3 protocol, then later on Modbus was also mentioned. Modbus is a truly open standard that’s been around for about 40 years and has been used on field transducers to electronic variable frequency drive products. The McMicklen energy storage system fire and explosion has pointed out a “standard plan” is needed for what is perhaps a “lithium ion battery chemistry” specific protocol to be used to control and isolate an ESS if an internal explosion or thermal run away happens again. Now we’re into the realm of energy density, chemistry volatility, and monitoring and control systems needed to make a reliable, manageable energy storage system.
The lead/acid batteries still used today with all of their failings, like operation temperature, sulfating in the long term and if the battery pack is not regularly fully charged (no partial charge) operation and for reliable operation no more than 50% DoD. Put these batteries in a box to help regulate battery temperatures, monitor the battery pack with a thermistor for changing charging with temperature swings and let them work. Lithium works well even at partial charge but temperature swings can affect energy storage and discharge, keeping DoD at 80% can give one 15 years of service life and BMS units are getting more complex and expensive as part of the overall battery pack price. It has been said that even with the more expensive LMC, LCA battery chemistries, packs in bulk manufacturing are coming in at $100/kWh. Then why do larger scale ESS units like Sonnen ecolinx, Humless and Generac with about 30kWh of energy storage cost in the $32K to $38K price range? It is the packaging, ancillary components and software included in the ESS package that adds cost adders to a battery pack that is mass produced for around $3K. Even with a 50% markup in pack price, $4,500 30kWh battery pack is a small part of the overall ESS cost. Should be able to put an ESS of 30kWh storage out for around $500/kWh total, less when economies of scale kick in.