Glossary
All answers in order.
Key terms from the world of batteries, explained clearly and simply
Artificial Intelligence in Battery Management
Artificial intelligence (AI) supports battery management by analysing large volumes of operational data and identifying complex patterns or anomalies. It can assist with battery state estimation and forecasting, but does not replace the protection functions of a battery management system or expert assessment. NOVUM uses AI as a data analysis tool and combines its outputs with the expertise of experienced battery specialists.
An aging forecast describes the expected changes in key battery parameters—such as capacity, internal resistance, and efficiency—over time.
Cell quality analysis examines the structure, materials, and condition of individual battery cells to evaluate manufacturing quality, aging mechanisms, or potential anomalies. It may include both non-destructive and destructive testing methods.
Degradation refers to the progressive aging of a battery, which leads to a reduction in available capacity, an increase in internal resistance, or a decline in performance.
The term “service life extension” refers to technical and operational measures that can slow down aging processes and increase the useful operating life of a battery storage system.
Battery management system (BMS)
A battery management system (BMS) monitors and controls a battery to keep it within defined operating limits. It measures parameters such as cell voltage, temperature and current, estimates states such as state of charge, and protects the battery against critical conditions. In stationary battery energy storage systems, the BMS provides a core layer of protection and control.
A battery module consists of several battery cells that are electrically connected to one another and assembled into a single mechanical unit.
Operating profiles describe typical charging, discharging, and usage patterns of a battery storage system.
Battery Operational Data Analysis
Operational data analysis is the systematic evaluation of measurement and status data from a battery storage system.
A battery rack combines multiple battery modules into a single support and connection unit.
BESS stands for Battery Energy Storage System and refers to a battery storage system that includes all components for storing, controlling, and converting electrical energy.
BESS Monitoring involves the continuous collection, monitoring, and analysis of operational data from a battery energy storage system.
The C-rate describes how quickly a battery is charged or discharged relative to its rated capacity.
A battery's capacity indicates how much electrical charge it can store and release. It is measured in ampere-hours (Ah); for battery storage systems, the storable energy is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh).
The cost per cycle indicates the cost associated with a single complete charge and discharge cycle of a battery.
Data collection involves the continuous recording of operational, status, and environmental data from a battery storage system.
Data quality describes the suitability of measurement data for technical analyses and decision-making.
Economic Viability of Battery Storage Systems
The cost-effectiveness of a battery storage system is determined by the interplay of investment costs, operating costs, potential revenue, and the system's technical lifespan.
Efficiency optimization for battery storage systems involves tailoring their operation specifically to the respective application and economic goals.
EIS – Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a non-destructive measurement technique used to analyze the internal state of a battery.
Throughput refers to the cumulative amount of energy that has been charged into and discharged from a battery during operation.
Through factory acceptance testing (FAT), NOVUM verifies before delivery whether the utility-scale battery storage system meets the agreed technical requirements and performance indicators.
A KPI check is the review of defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for a battery storage system.
LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate and refers to a lithium-ion cell chemistry characterized by high thermal stability, a long service life, and good safety
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices in which lithium ions move between the anode and the cathode. During charging, they move toward the anode; during discharging, they move back toward the cathode, releasing electrical energy in the process.
Maintenance management for battery storage systems involves planning, implementing, and documenting all measures necessary to ensure reliable system operation.
A multi-use case refers to the combined or alternating use of a battery storage system for multiple applications. These include, for example, balancing power, electricity trading, peak load shaving, optimization of self-consumption, and other grid services.
NMC stands for lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide and refers to a lithium-ion cell chemistry with high energy density and good performance.
An operational forecast describes the expected future use of a battery storage system based on historical data, planned deployment strategies, or market conditions.
A warning of an impending failure provides early indication of unusual trends in the operational data of a battery storage system.
The power rating of a battery storage system indicates how much electrical energy the system can absorb or deliver at a given moment. It is typically expressed in kilowatts or megawatts and determines how quickly the battery can charge or discharge. Power must be distinguished from energy capacity, which is measured in kilowatt-hours or megawatt-hours.
Predictive maintenance uses operational data to identify maintenance needs for battery storage systems at an early stage.
The prevention of overheating involves measures designed to detect critical heat buildup in battery cells, modules, or entire battery storage systems at an early stage and to reduce the risk of thermal runaway.
Reference values describe the known initial state of a battery or battery storage system at a specific point in time.
The remaining service life refers to the expected remaining period or the number of additional charge- and discharge cycles during which a battery will continue to meet defined requirements for capacity, performance, or safety.
Round-trip efficiency describes the efficiency of a battery storage system over a complete charging and discharging cycle.
Safety monitoring for battery storage systems refers to the continuous monitoring of safety-related operating data at the cell, module, and system levels.
The Site Acceptance Test (SAT) evaluates a battery storage system after it has been installed at its intended location.
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and refers to a control system used to monitor, control, and collect data from technical facilities.
SoC drift describes the increasing discrepancy between the state of charge (SOC) calculated by the battery management system and the actual available energy capacity of a battery.
The State of Charge (SoC) describes a battery's current charge level and is expressed as a percentage between 0 and 100. Since the SoC cannot be measured directly, the battery management system calculates it based on parameters such as current, voltage, temperature, and the battery's operating history.
The State of Health (SoH) describes a battery's health relative to its initial state and is usually expressed as a percentage. Since it cannot be measured directly, it is often determined based on the available capacity, the internal resistance, or a combination of several state variables.
Sudden aging refers to an unexpectedly rapid deterioration in a battery's condition after it has previously aged at a relatively steady rate.
Supplier qualification is a structured evaluation process for assessing manufacturers and suppliers from both technical and organizational perspectives. The goal is to reduce risks and evaluate a supplier’s suitability for a specific storage project.
Thermal runaway refers to an uncontrolled exothermic reaction within a battery cell that can lead to a rapid rise in temperature, gas release, fire, or the failure of adjacent cells.
Utility-scale battery energy storage system
A utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) is a stationary system that stores electrical energy and releases it when needed. These systems typically provide substantial power and energy capacity for applications such as energy trading, renewable energy integration and grid services. Power, measured in megawatts, indicates the charging or discharging rate, while energy capacity, measured in megawatt-hours, describes how much energy the system can store.
Warranty compliance refers to adherence to the warranty terms and conditions for a battery storage system as defined by the manufacturer.
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