AC block
| Other names | AC block container Alternating current block |
|---|---|
| Type | Energy storage device |
| Industry | Energy storage |
| Inception | 2022[1] |
| Definition | Integration of battery racks and string PCS into one container[2] |
An AC block, whose full name is alternating current block,[3] also known as AC block container,[4] is a container that integrates power conversion systems (PCSs) with batteries.[5] First introduced in 2022,[6] these devices are mainly used in the energy storage industry. AC block products are mainly composed of PCSs, thermal management and other components, as well as cabling.[7] It is seen as an alternative to the DC block container.
Currently, the number of companies that manufacture AC blocks is limited.[6] The main manufacturers of such products include Sungrow,[8] NV Energy,[9] Fluence,[10] and Wärtsilä.[11] Although this product type was not introduced until 2022, this emerging product design is gaining increasing popularity in the battery energy storage industry.[12]
Compared to DC block containers
[edit]Compared to DC block containers, AC block containers reduce space requirements,[13] providing better reliability,[14] and easier installation.[15] However, in the short term, AC ones will come at a cost premium. In the long run, the advantages of AC block products may drive down the overall system costs.[6]
History
[edit]The first AC block product was launched in 2022.[16] In October 2023, another product in the same category was made available by Sungrow. In 2024, Wärtsilä released an AC block BESS called Quantum 3.[17]
In early 2025, Sungrow introduced the "AC block based on triple-E integration" concept,[18] where "triple-E" refers to power electronics, electrochemistry, and electrical grids. In June, the company rolled out the PowerTitan 3.0,[19] which was built upon this specific concept.[18]
Manufacturers
[edit]According to a research report published by S&P Global Commodity Insights, as of November 2023, the manufacturers that produce AC blocks were very limited.[6] Sungrow Power Supply and Rimac Energy were included in this report.[6]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Fluence Energy launches its AC block energy storage system". EE Times. February 17, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Top 5 global inverter trends to watch in 2025". S&P Global. January 29, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Cameron Murray (November 13, 2024). "Ease of installation and better availability to drive shift to AC block solutions". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Marija Maisch (March 19, 2024). "Next-gen battery trends". PV Magazine. Archived from the original on September 13, 2025.
- ↑ Ameya Paleja (September 16, 2024). "Quantum 3: Wärtsilä unveils smart container-like grid-level energy storage system". Interesting Engineering.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - 1 2 3 4 5 Anqi Shi; George Hilton (November 21, 2023). "Will AC blocks become the standard product offering for energy storage systems?". S&P Global.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Andy Colthorpe (October 22, 2025). "'Developers don't want geopolitical risks': Fluence talks up US domestic content strategy". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Sungrow Launches New Solar and Energy Storage Products at RE+ 2025". Financial Times. September 10, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ David Wagman (December 12, 2022). "NV Energy to add BESS as it works to trim reliance on western energy markets". Renewable Energy World.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Andy Colthorpe (February 14, 2025). "Fluence launches AC block BESS solution with 'industry-leading' energy density". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Cameron Murray (April 1, 2025). "Wärtsilä on design, mitigation and new tech for quietening BESS". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Cameron Murray (November 26, 2024). "The evolving dynamics of the energy storage system integrator landscape". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Veselina Petrova (July 16, 2025). "Battery maker IPS launches Bulgaria's first Net-zero strategic project". Renewablesnow.com.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Cameron Murray (December 3, 2024). "Minimising the role of EPCs in BESS and the 'shocking' cost of US manufacturing". Energy Storage News. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Andy Colthorpe (April 17, 2025). "AC blocks continue to grow in popularity". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Marija Maisch (February 19, 2025). "Fluence launches highly-modular 7.5 MWh AC-based BESS platform". PV Magazine. Archived from the original on June 19, 2025.
- ↑ Jo Borrás (September 15, 2024). "Wärtsilä makes a quantum leap with Quantum 3 utility scale BESS". Electrek.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - 1 2 "Sungrow introduces its PowerTitan 3.0 smart storage platform". Ta Kung Pao. December 12, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Cameron Murray (June 11, 2025). "Sungrow launches PowerTitan 3.0 with modular design". Energy Storage News.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)