Product FAQ
What does ZESS stand for?
Zinc Energy Storage System (ZESS)
What is ZESS technology?
The ZBB Zinc Energy Storage System is a proprietary and patented regenerative fuel cell based on zinc/bromide technology. The ZESS technology is based on the reaction between two commonly available chemicals, zinc and bromide
Is it environmentally safe?
Yes the ZESS uses a low toxicity electrolyte and recyclable plastic.
What does the ZESS consist of?
The ZESS consists of cell stacks and electrolyte. Where the cell stack consists of carbon positive and negative electrodes separated by a micro porous separator and the electrolyte is contained in two reservoirs one is the catholyte and the other being the anolyte.
How does the ZESS system work?
An aqueous solution of zinc/bromide is circulated through the two compartments of the cell from two separate reservoirs. The electrolyte stream in contact with the positive electrode contains bromide which is maintained at the desired concentration by equilibrating with a bromide storage medium. The bromide storage medium is immiscible with an aqueous solution containing zinc bromide. ZESS uses electrodes that cannot and do not take part in the reactions but merely serve as substrates for the reactions. During the charge cycle metallic zinc is plated from the electrolyte solution onto the negative electrode surfaces in the cell stacks. Bromide is then converted to Bromine at the positive electrode surface of the cell stack and is immediately stored as a safe chemically complexed organic phase in the electrolyte tank. When the ZESS discharges, the metallic zinc plated on the negative electrode dissolves in the electrolyte and is available to be plated again at the next charge cycle.
What energy sources are the ZESS systems compatible with?
The ZESS systems are highly compatible with global renewable energy markets including wind, solar, hydroelectric, biofuels, ocean power and biomass as well as the electric utility grid or any other electrical generating source.
Does it have “turn key capabilities”?
Yes, the ZESS product is a complete manufactured and tested energy storage system designed for ease of simply plugging the systems into the grid or other alternative source (plug n play).
Is it modular?
The system is manufactured in a modular form where the base products are the ZESS 50 (50kwh) and the ZESS 500 (500kwh), and any number or combination of the ZESS products can be connected in a parallel formation allowing for a fully customized scalable system. Individual ZESS units can be exchanged without disrupting the remainder of the system.
How many modules does the ZESS 50 consist of?
The ZESS 50 consists of one 50kWh module, a Power Conversion System (PCS) and an overall system control package which allows immediate and direct connection with the AC utility grid.
How many cell stacks are in each module?
Each module contains 3 cell stacks having an open cell voltage of 108V.
How many cells are contained in each cell stack?
Each cell stack contains 60 cells in series arranged in bi-polar configuration.
What is the discharge capacity of the module?
The module has a discharge capacity of 50kWh at a maximum continuous rate of 25kW.
How long does it take to charge?
The module is chargeable from a variety of power generation sources at differing charge rates, enabling fast re-charge time of approximately 3 – 4 hours.
What is the energy density of the ZESS?
The energy density is (75 to 85 watt-hours per kilogram).
How many amps can be continuously sustained during the discharge cycle?
Up to 300A/DC.
Can it be equipped to be totally self-contained and run independently from the grid?
Yes, with the properly specified PCS.
How many modules does the ZESS 500 consist of?
The ZESS 500 consists of 10 – 50kWh modules, a Power Conversion System (PCS) and an overall system control package.
Is each module used in the ZESS 500 the same as that used in the ZESS 50?
Yes.
How are the modules connected in the ZESS 500?
Modules are connected in two separate series strings, five modules per string, offering maximum flexibility.
What is the total open cell voltage of the ZESS 500?
Total open cell voltage is 540V.
How long does it take to achieve a full-charge cycle?
The normal string current is 150A and achieves a full-charge cycle in 4.5 hours.
How many amps can be continuously sustained during the discharge cycle?
The ZESS 500 can achieve a complete continuous discharge twice the 150A rate (600A for total ZESS 500 DC system).
How long can the ZESS achieve maximum continuous power during discharge?
The ZESS 500 can achieve maximum continuous power of 250kW and sustain it for duration of two hours (500kWh) with 200% peaking capability.
How can it be connected to the grid?
Both the strings are connected to the PCS, with the AC side of the PCS connected to the utility grid and / or the customer load.
What temperature can the ZESS be stored in?
The ZESS storage systems can be located anywhere in a temperature range of 32F to 120F in its standard configuration; options are available for high temperature environment as well as low temperature environments. This is primarily due to the fact that the environmentally safe and low toxicity electrolyte is made up of mostly water.
What temperature can the ZESS be operated in?
The ZESS storage system can be operated in a temperature range of 32F to 104F in its standard configuration, options are available for high temperature environments as well as low temperature environments.
Is it easily transported?
Yes, the ZESS 500 is easily transported on a 20-foot flat bed trailer.
What is the weight of the ZESS 50 module?
3,200lbs
What is the weight of the ZESS 50 enclosure (empty)?
500 lbs
What is the weight of the PCS (inc enclosure)?
1,000 lbs
What are the dimensions of the ZESS 50?
84” H X 48” W x 48” D
What are the dimensions of the PCS Enclosure?
92” H x 36” W x 36” D
What is the total weight of 10 modules in the ZESS 500?
30,000 lbs
What is the weight of the PCS?
10,000 lbs
What is the weight of the shipping container?
10,000 lbs
What are the dimensions of the each module used in the ZESS 500?
73” H x 44” W x 42” D
What are the dimensions of the shipping container?
8ft H x 8ft W x 20ft D
What are the dimensions of the PCS
96” H x 96” W x 54” D
What are the dimensions of the trailer?
4.5ft H x 8ft W x 45ft D
What is the life cycle of the ZESS module?
It can exceed 2000 full charge and discharge cycles during its operating lifetime (0-100% state of charge, SOC)
Can it be fully discharged?
Yes the ZESS product can be fully discharged (100%) without damage or degradation of performance or life expectancy
What is the ZESS product made of?
The ZESS products are manufactured with cost efficient, recyclable plastics
Where can I find out more information on the ZESS product?
You can contact ZBB Energy on 262 253 9800 or e-mail us through our contact page form located in our website.
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