Difference Between 48V and 24V Energy Storage System
There are many differences between 24V energy storage system and 48V energy storage system, and we need to make reasonable choices for different applications and budgets. The specific introduction is as follows:
1.Electrical performance
Voltage level: This is the most direct difference between the two,the output voltage of a 24V system is 24 volts, while that of a 48V system is 48 volts,the 48V system can transmit more power at the same current,according to the power formula P=UI, when transmitting the same power, the current of the 48V system is relatively smaller than that of the 24V system,which helps reduce line losses.
Number of batteries in series: Taking the common lithium iron phosphate battery as an example,the nominal voltage of a single lithium iron phosphate battery is generally 3.2V,24V energy storage system typically requires 8 batteries to be connected in series;48V energy storage system requires around 15 or 16 batteries in series, and an increase in the number of batteries in series will increase the overall complexity and cost of the 48V system,but it can also provide higher voltage and capacity.
Charge and discharge current: Under the same capacity and power requirements, the charge and discharge current of a 24V energy storage system will be greater than that of a 48V system,for a 1000W load,24V system requires approximately 41.7A of current, while a 48V system only requires approximately 20.8A of current.
2.Applications
24V Energy Storage System:Commonly used in scenarios with relatively low voltage requirements and low power demands,such as small electric tools, electric bicycles,household emergency lighting, portable outdoor power sources,etc. These devices usually do not require too high voltage to function properly,24V system is sufficient to meet their power needs and has the advantages of low cost,high safety,relatively small size and weight.
48V Energy Storage System:More commonly used in applications that require higher voltage and power,and require larger energy storage capacity,such as communication base stations,backup power sources for data centers,small distributed energy power stations,some electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles,the 48V system can provide more stable and powerful power support,meeting the high power and large capacity energy storage needs of these devices and systems.
3.System cost and efficiency
Cost side:Generally speaking,48V have a higher initial purchase cost compared to 24V due to the need for more battery units in series,as well as the potential need for higher voltage resistant electronic components and more complex battery management systems,however,in some large-scale energy storage applications,48V may have better economic viability in long-term operation due to their high transmission efficiency and low line losses.
Efficiency side:The 48V has a smaller current when transmitting the same power,according to Joule’s law Q=IIRt,a smaller current means less heat loss in the line,therefore,in long-distance transmission or high-power applications,the efficiency of the 48V is usually higher,however,in some low-power,short distance transmission scenarios,the efficiency loss of 24V energy storage systems is not significant,and due to the relatively simple system,it can still maintain high efficiency under specific conditions.
4.Security and Maintenance
Security:From the perspective of electric shock risk,the 48V system voltage is higher,and theoretically,the risk of electric shock is relatively higher,but in practical applications,as long as appropriate safety protection measures are taken,such as insulation design,grounding protection,etc.,both can operate within a safe range,however, 24V systems have more advantages in scenarios where safety requirements are extremely high and personnel may frequently come into contact.
Maintenance difficulty:Due to the large number of batteries connected in series,the consistency issue between batteries is more prominent in the 48V,which requires a more accurate battery management system for balanced charging and discharging management,resulting in relatively high maintenance difficulty and cost,once individual batteries have problems,it may have a significant impact on the performance and safety of the entire system,the 24V is relatively easy to maintain,and battery consistency issues are relatively less severe.