Samsung SDI Targets Global ESS Market with Capacity and Safety Enhanced SBB

Participation in InterBattery Europe 2024

On the 19th, at 'InterBattery Europe 2024' held in Munich, Germany, Samsung SDI is showcasing the upgraded SBB 1.5, an enhanced version of the existing SBB (Samsung Battery Box). Photo by Samsung SDI

Samsung SDI participated in 'InterBattery Europe 2024' and unveiled the 'SBB (Samsung Battery Box) 1.5,' which features enhanced capacity and safety, marking its first public introduction as it targets the global ESS (Energy Storage System) market.

'InterBattery Europe' is an exhibition held over three days starting from the 19th in Munich, Germany. It is one of the exhibitions held within 'The Smarter E Europe,' the largest energy industry exhibition in Europe. This year, a record-breaking total of 2,800 companies participated.

Under the theme 'Sustainable Future Realized with PRiMX (Prime Battery for Maximum Experience),' Samsung SDI, which unveiled the SBB in Munich last year, made a surprise reveal of the significantly upgraded SBB 1.5 this year.

The SBB is a product installed with high-nickel NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) battery cells, modules, and racks inside a 20-foot container box, ready to use immediately upon connection to the power grid. It won the 'Best Innovation Award in ESS' at the 'InterBattery Awards 2024' held in March this year.

The SBB 1.5 achieves a total capacity of 5.26 MWh by loading more batteries through internal space optimization, and its container unit energy density has improved by approximately 37% compared to the previous model. Additionally, four containers can be installed adjacently to reduce installation space.

In terms of safety, the heat propagation blocking effect of the previously applied direct injection system has been greatly enhanced through EDI (Enhanced Direct Injection, module-integrated direct injection) technology, strengthening fire prevention and containment functions. The EDI technology sprays extinguishing agents to the entire module containing the affected cell in case of a fire inside the SBB, preventing the spread of the fire.

Along with the SBB 1.5, Samsung SDI also unveiled a future cell lineup strategy optimized for the ESS market. Starting in 2026, the battery lineup for power ESS products will include LFP batteries, targeting the ESS market with a 'two-track' strategy alongside high energy density NCA batteries. Furthermore, Samsung SDI plans to actively respond to new demands such as the increase in data centers due to the acceleration of the AI era by supplying high-output cells for UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems.

Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of Samsung SDI, stated, "We plan to lead the global ESS market by launching a diverse product lineup including the new SBB product realized through our super-gap technological competitiveness and actively pioneering new markets driven by the acceleration of the AI era."