An AC block, whose full name is alternating current block,[3] also known as AC block container,[4] is a container that integrates power conversion systems (PCSs) with batteries.[5] First introduced in 2022,[6] these devices are mainly used in the energy storage industry. AC block products are mainly composed of PCSs, thermal management and other components, as well as cabling.[7] It is seen as an alternative to the DC block container.[8]
| Other names | AC block container Alternating current block |
|---|---|
| Type | Energy storage device |
| Industry | Energy storage |
| Inception | 2022[1] |
| Definition | Integration of battery racks and string PCS into one container[2] |
Currently, the number of companies that manufacture AC blocks is limited.[6] The main manufacturers of such products include Sungrow,[9] NV Energy,[10] Fluence,[11] and Wärtsilä.[12] Although this product type was not introduced until 2022, this emerging product design is gaining increasing popularity in the battery energy storage industry.[13]
Compared to DC block containers
editCompared to DC block containers, AC block containers reduce space requirements,[14] providing better reliability,[15] and easier installation.[16] However, in the short term, AC ones will come at a cost premium. In the long run, the advantages of AC block products may drive down the overall system costs.[6]
History
editThe first AC block product was launched in 2022.[17] In October 2023, another product in the same category was made available by Sungrow. In 2024, Wärtsilä released an AC block BESS called Quantum 3.[18]
In early 2025, Sungrow introduced the "AC block based on triple-E integration" concept,[19] where "triple-E" refers to power electronics, electrochemistry, and electrical grids. In June, the company rolled out the PowerTitan 3.0,[20] which was built upon this specific concept.[19]
Manufacturers
editAccording to a research report published by S&P Global Commodity Insights, as of November 2023, the manufacturers that produce AC blocks were very limited.[6] Sungrow Power Supply and Rimac Energy were included in this report.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Fluence Energy launches its AC block energy storage system". EE Times. February 17, 2025.
- ^ "Top 5 global inverter trends to watch in 2025". S&P Global. January 29, 2025. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025.
- ^ Cameron Murray (November 13, 2024). "Ease of installation and better availability to drive shift to AC block solutions". Energy Storage News.
- ^ Marija Maisch (March 19, 2024). "Next-gen battery trends". PV Magazine. Archived from the original on September 13, 2025.
- ^ Ameya Paleja (September 16, 2024). "Quantum 3: Wärtsilä unveils smart container-like grid-level energy storage system". Interesting Engineering.
- ^ a b c d e Anqi Shi; George Hilton (November 21, 2023). "Will AC blocks become the standard product offering for energy storage systems?". S&P Global.
- ^ Andy Colthorpe (October 22, 2025). "'Developers don't want geopolitical risks': Fluence talks up US domestic content strategy". Energy Storage News.
- ^ "AC block containers could change the landscape of the energy storage industry". S&P Global Commodity Insights. August 23, 2025. Archived from the original on June 14, 2025.
- ^ "Sungrow Launches New Solar and Energy Storage Products at RE+ 2025". Financial Times. September 10, 2025.
- ^ David Wagman (December 12, 2022). "NV Energy to add BESS as it works to trim reliance on western energy markets". Renewable Energy World. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025.
- ^ Andy Colthorpe (February 14, 2025). "Fluence launches AC block BESS solution with 'industry-leading' energy density". Energy Storage News.
- ^ Cameron Murray (April 1, 2025). "Wärtsilä on design, mitigation and new tech for quietening BESS". Energy Storage News.
- ^ Cameron Murray (November 26, 2024). "The evolving dynamics of the energy storage system integrator landscape". Energy Storage News.
- ^ Veselina Petrova (July 16, 2025). "Battery maker IPS launches Bulgaria's first Net-zero strategic project". Renewablesnow.com.
- ^ Cameron Murray (December 3, 2024). "Minimising the role of EPCs in BESS and the 'shocking' cost of US manufacturing". Energy Storage News. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
- ^ Andy Colthorpe (April 17, 2025). "AC blocks continue to grow in popularity". Energy Storage News.
- ^ Marija Maisch (February 19, 2025). "Fluence launches highly-modular 7.5 MWh AC-based BESS platform". PV Magazine. Archived from the original on June 19, 2025.
- ^ Jo Borrás (September 15, 2024). "Wärtsilä makes a quantum leap with Quantum 3 utility scale BESS". Electrek.
- ^ a b "Sungrow introduces its PowerTitan 3.0 smart storage platform". Ta Kung Pao. December 12, 2025.
- ^ Cameron Murray (June 11, 2025). "Sungrow launches PowerTitan 3.0 with modular design". Energy Storage News.