Technical Service Center /Hank Lan & Tony
EUTS@meanwell.eu

 Home solar and energy storage systems are rapidly advancing. Integrating bidirectional power supplies and control systems can enhance energy efficiency, achieving home energy autonomy and sustainable development. This article focuses on the application and analysis of MEAN WELL's BIC-2200 series bidirectional power supply in home energy storage systems.

In the early days of home solar systems, the electricity generated was typically consumed by household appliances, and sold excess power back to the grid to offset electricity costs. However, the economic benefit of selling excess solar power back to the grid has been declining over time. On the other hand, innovation in battery technology have made home energy storage solutions became more cost-effective for homeowners to store and use their own generated power rather than selling it back to the grid. This has led to a growing demand for energy storage systems, as homeowners seek to maximize the use of their solar energy and reduce dependency on the grid.

1. Batteries 
2. Inverters
3. Chargers
4. Control Systems

Home energy storage systems allow homeowners to use stored energy during peak hours, reducing electricity bills and enhancing energy independence.

Integrate components such as smart chargers and inverters, homeowners can enhance their current solar setup to better utilize generated power. The smart charger enables efficient battery charging, while the inverter converts stored battery power back into usable household electricity. This is where bidirectional power supplies come in. 

Bidirectional power supplies like the BIC-2200 are particularly beneficial in home energy storage systems. For example, when solar panels generate excess power that is not immediately consumed by home appliances, the control system can direct the power to the bidirectional power supply and convert this AC power to DC to efficiently charge home storage batteries. This seamless integration ensures that no generated energy is wasted, storing the excess energy for later use. 

Figure 1. Bidirectional Power Supplies - Store Excess Power

On the other hand, during periods of high-power demand, such as when multiple electric devices are in use, the bidirectional power supply can reverse its function. It converts the stored DC energy from the batteries back to AC power, which can then be used to power household appliances. 

 

Figure 2. Sensorless Motor startup voltage

Integrate Bidirectional Power Supply to The Control System

The bidirectional power supply is essential in home energy storage systems as it converts the flow of energy into and out of the battery, providing flexibility for both charging and discharging. This flexibility forms the foundation for effectively storing and utilizing energy.
 

For more detailed information, please refer to the full article.
 

Disclaimer: Delivering energy back to the grid is in most countries subjected to specific regulations. The user should make themselves familiar with the local regulations and requirements before connecting the BIC-2200 to the power grid and take the necessary actions to fulfill all local regulations before connecting the BIC-2200 to the power grid. MEAN WELL cannot be held responsible for a violation of any local regulations by connecting the BIC-2200 to the power grid.
 

For related product and application requirements, please contact MEAN WELL distributors or MEAN WELL application engineers.
Also, do not forget to stay tuned for online products and solutions courses on MEAN WELL virtual EXPO.