Acrel Temperature Measuring Solution in Energy Storage Application

Application of Acrel Temperature Measuring Products in Energy Storage Container Projects

Abstract

Energy storage containers play a vital role in power transmission and distribution systems, storing surplus electricity during off-peak hours and releasing power to meet peak demand. The DC busbars inside containers carry continuous operating current, which causes cumulative heat and risks of overcurrent surges. Without real-time temperature monitoring, abnormal temperature rise will trigger severe electrical hazards. Taking an energy storage container project in Hangzhou as an example, this paper analyzes the defects of inductive power-taking sensors (unavailable for static DC circuits) and battery-powered sensors (short service life under high ambient temperature). A measurement solution combining the ARTM-8 temperature scanner and wired PT100 probes is proposed. The system supports real-time temperature collection, digital display, over-temperature alarm and relay signal output, delivering long-term stable temperature monitoring for DC sections and guaranteeing safe operation of energy storage systems.

Keywords: Energy Storage Container; DC Busbar; Temperature Monitoring; Wired Temperature Measurement; Temperature Scanner; PT100 Sensor

1 Overview

Energy storage containers serve as core facilities of power grids, storing excess power during low-load periods and discharging to relieve grid pressure at peak hours. They also act as backup power supplies and cut electricity costs for industrial and commercial users.

DC busbars inside energy storage containers carry constant load current and easily accumulate heat. Sustained high temperature without monitoring will lead to insulation aging, short circuits and other electrical accidents. Therefore, continuous temperature monitoring of DC busbars is an essential safety measure for all energy storage container projects.

2 Product Requirements & Configuration Scheme

Two mainstream temperature sensors cannot meet the demands of energy storage DC busbar monitoring:

Inductive power-taking temperature sensors rely on alternating current variation to generate power via electromagnetic induction. No fluctuating current exists on static DC busbars, so such sensors cannot work normally.
Battery-powered wireless temperature probes feature simple installation, yet high internal cabinet temperature will drastically shorten battery service life, leading to frequent maintenance and unreliable long-term operation.

To solve the above pain points, the project adopts a wired monitoring system consisting of the ARTM-8 temperature inspection unit and PT100 temperature sensors. The technical requirements for ARTM-8 are listed below:

Support access to up to 8 channels of PT100 / PT1000 temperature signals
Equipped with at least 2 groups of normally open DO relay output ports
Wide measuring range: -200℃ ~ 600℃
High measuring accuracy: Class 0.5
Standard RS485 communication interface with Modbus-RTU protocol

3 Product Introduction: ARTM-8 Temperature Scanner

The ARTM-8 multi-channel temperature inspection unit matches PT100 wired probes to realize full-cycle monitoring of DC busbars inside energy storage containers.

Real-time temperature value displayed on built-in digital tube screen;
Red alarm indicator on front panel for intuitive over-temperature reminder;
2 independent DO relay outputs to link with circuit breakers, fans or remote alarm platforms;
Standard RS485 Modbus communication to upload all temperature data to energy management systems.

Item	Specification
Model	ARTM-8
Product Image	Acrel ARTM-8 Multi-channel Temperature Inspection Unit
Device Dimensions	96mm × 96mm × 90mm
Main Functions	8-channel temperature signal input
	2-channel DO (Digital Output) relay output
	Compatible with PT100/PT1000 temperature probes
	Measuring range: -200℃ ~ 600℃
	Measuring accuracy: Class 0.5
Communication	RS485 (Modbus-RTU protocol supported)

PT100 3-wire Wiring Specification

Terminals 11~13 correspond to Channel 1 PT100; Terminals 13~15 correspond to Channel 2 PT100, and so on.

For 3-wire PT100 connection:

Channel 1: Line A to terminal 11, Line B & Line C to terminal 12 and 13 separately
Channel 2: Line A to terminal 15, Line B & Line C to terminal 14 and 13 separately

The same wiring logic applies to all 8 channels.

4 On-site Installation

PT100 temperature probes are fixed on the bolts of positive & negative DC copper busbars inside energy storage containers via fasteners to ensure tight thermal contact and accurate temperature sampling.

Attached photos include the overall layout of the energy storage container cabinet and on-site installation of the ARTM-8 temperature scanner on DIN rail.

5 Extended Matching Product Solutions

Acrel provides a complete temperature monitoring product portfolio for diversified energy storage scenarios:

ARTM series multi-channel temperature scanners (4/8/16 channels optional) for cabinet busbar monitoring
ATE series wireless temperature sensors for retrofitting existing energy storage stations without wiring
AcrelEMS energy management cloud platform for centralized temperature data viewing, alarm push and historical curve analysis
Supporting current transformers, DC energy meters and insulation monitors for full electrical parameter monitoring of energy storage systems

6 Conclusion

This project deploys the ARTM-8 temperature scanner paired with wired PT100 probes to monitor DC busbar temperature for energy storage containers in Hangzhou. The solution perfectly avoids the inherent drawbacks of inductive power-taking sensors and battery-powered wireless probes.

With advantages of Class 0.5 high precision, ultra-wide temperature range, 8-channel simultaneous sampling, dual relay alarm outputs and Modbus communication, the system achieves stable, long-term temperature supervision on DC sides. Operators can instantly identify abnormal temperature rise via local indicators or remote linkage signals, eliminating hidden dangers caused by heat accumulation and instantaneous overcurrent. This reliable wired temperature monitoring solution effectively safeguards the safe and continuous operation of energy storage container equipment, and can be widely replicated for new and retrofitted energy storage projects worldwide.

For product specifications, pricing, or project consultation, contact our Colombia technical sales team WhatsApp: +86 15076062079(Click to jump) or email: binn@acrel-electric.com(Click to jump)

About Acrel Electric: Acrel is a global provider of power monitoring, energy management, and electrical safety solutions, serving industrial, commercial, renewable energy, and infrastructure markets worldwide. Our product portfolio covers energy meters, protection relays, battery monitoring systems, power quality analyzers, and integrated energy management platforms.