Project Overview
Kosrae Utilities Authority (KUA) required a compact outdoor-cabinet battery energy storage system to support a hybrid solar-diesel mini-grid and deliver reliable electricity to the remote coastal community of Walung Village in Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia. The project formed part of the Asian Development Bank-financed FSM Renewable Energy Development Project, aimed at raising renewable energy penetration, reducing diesel dependence, and extending grid-quality power access in line with the national Energy Master Plan targets.
After evaluation of technical proposals and regional deployment experience, a 100 kW / 160 kWh LiFePO4 outdoor cabinet BESS was selected for its integrated design (PCS, battery modules, BMS, thermal management, and fire suppression in a single IP54/IP55 enclosure), proven performance in tropical island environments, and full compatibility with hybrid microgrid control. The system was engineered, manufactured, shipped, and commissioned to work alongside approximately 60–100 kWp of rooftop and canopy solar PV plus a backup diesel generator, enabling high renewable self-consumption, seamless islanded operation, and stable supply for households, the local school, and community facilities.
Challenge & Solution
Challenges
- Unreliable local grids threaten power continuity for commercial applications.
- Limited space demands compact storage with integrated power conversion.
- Remote islands complicate equipment transportation, installation, and maintenance.
- Variable demand and renewables require flexible energy dispatching.
SUNPAL ESS Solutions
- 100kW/160kWh integrated ESS combines storage and power conversion.
- LiFePO₄ batteries deliver stable, scalable daily cycling and backup.
- Outdoor cabinet design simplifies deployment and system integration.
- Integrated BMS and EMS coordinate charging, discharging, and dispatch.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Rated Power | 100 kW |
| Battery Capacity | 160 kWh |
| Battery Chemistry | LiFePO₄ |
| System Type | Outdoor All-in-One ESS Cabinet |
| Installation Type | Outdoor |
| Power Conversion | Integrated PCS |
| Fire Protection | Integrated Fire Suppression |
| Enclosure Protection | IP54 / IP55 |
| Application | Microgrid & Backup Power |
| Solar PV Compatibility | Approx. 60–100 kWp |
| Operating Mode | Grid-connected & Islanded Operation |
Project Timeline
MAY 2024 | Solution Design & Tender Support
SUNPAL ESS developed the 100kW/160kWh ESS solution and provided technical documentation and project support to help the customer secure the project contract.
MAY 2024 | Contract Signing
Following the customer's successful tender process, the project contract was awarded and engineering preparations were initiated.
JUL 2024 | System Design, Manufacturing & Testing
The detailed system design was finalized, followed by production and testing of the 100kW/160kWh ESS cabinet with integrated battery, PCS, BMS, EMS, and outdoor protection systems.
OCT 2024 | Shipping & Site Installation
The completed ESS cabinet was transported to the Walung Village project site, followed by equipment installation and electrical system integration.
NOV 2024 | Commissioning
Guided commissioning was completed, verifying charging, discharging, monitoring, protection, and intelligent energy management functions.
