Honeywell unveils 'Ionic' modular, scalable BESS for C&I applications

Multinational tech firm Honeywell has recently introduced its 'Ionic' end-to-end modular battery energy storage system (BESS) and energy management tool for global markets. The company claims that the system offers improved energy density compared to what's currently available on the market, while also delivering a significant reduction of installations costs. 

Honeywell Ionic targets commercial and industrial customers as well as independent power producers who are looking to optimize energy costs, store back-up power, and reduce their carbon footprint, the company adds. It's also applicable for front-of-meter users who are seeking to simplify the installation process and reduce installation costs.

The BESS is scalable from approximately 700 kWh to 300 MWh of energy capacity in a standard configuration and lasting up to two hours at maximum rate of discharge. The system is equipped with lithium-ion battery cells. 

The Ionic includes Honeywell's 'Experion' Energy Control System and a chemistry-agnostic Battery Management System (BMS) as well. Experion helps users to manage and optimize energy use by improving uptime, enabling peak shaving and providing the ability to create a Virtual Power Plant, according to the manufacturer. 

Honeywell adds that the BMS is configurable with advances in battery chemistry, thereby insulating the end user from future supply-chain risks. The modular architecture of the system even provides for simpler installation methods using a standard forklift and simpler site preparation – which significantly reduces installation costs fo the operator, the company notes. 

"Honeywell Ionic is designed to be an efficient and versatile component of customers' energy transition," said Chad Briggs, vice president and general manager of Projects and Automation Solutions at Honeywell Process Solutions. "Honeywell is developing battery energy storage solutions that help companies maximize their renewable energy resources and achieve their corporate sustainability goals."

Further, Honeywell's BESS claims to offer a sophisticated set of safety capabilities, including three layers of the latest generation BMSt Systems (BMS) ensuring battery health and system safety. 

Additionally, it can be configured with Li-Ion Tamer, which further improves the safety of Li-ion batteries, sensing thermal runaway before it occurs, according to the manufacturer. 

It is to be noted that Honeywell is already offering containerized battery energy storage solutions using 20-foot and 40-foot containerized BESS.