AC block
Container integrating power conversion systems and batteries.
An AC block, short for alternating current block and also referred to as an AC block container, is a containerized unit that combines power conversion systems (PCSs) with batteries. First appearing in 2022, these units are primarily deployed in the energy storage sector. Their main components include PCSs, thermal management systems, cabling, and other hardware, positioning them as an alternative to DC block containers.
Compared to DC block containers, AC block containers require less space, offer greater reliability, and are simpler to install. In the near term, however, they carry a higher upfront cost. Over time, the benefits of AC block designs are expected to lower overall system expenses.
The first AC block product launched in 2022. In October 2023, Sungrow released another product in this category. In 2024, Wärtsilä introduced its AC block BESS, the Quantum 3. In early 2025, Sungrow unveiled the "AC block based on triple-E integration" concept, where "triple-E" stands for power electronics, electrochemistry, and electrical grids. That June, the company launched the PowerTitan 3.0, built on this concept.
As of a November 2023 report from S&P Global Commodity Insights, very few manufacturers produced AC blocks. Those identified included Sungrow Power Supply and Rimac Energy. Other notable manufacturers in the field are NV Energy, Fluence, and Wärtsilä. Despite its recent introduction in 2022, this emerging product design is gaining traction in the battery energy storage industry.
- first_introduced
- 2022
- field
- Energy storage industry
- known_for
- Integrating PCSs with batteries in a container
- main_manufacturers
- Sungrow, NV Energy, Fluence, Wärtsilä
- alternative_to
- DC block container
Lore & Background
The first AC block product was launched in 2022. 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. In early 2025, Sungrow introduced the 'AC block based on triple-E integration' concept, where 'triple-E' refers to power electronics, electrochemistry, and electrical grids. In June, the company rolled out the PowerTitan 3.0, which was built upon this specific concept.
Reader's Guide
The AC block represents an emerging product design in the battery energy storage industry, gaining increasing popularity since its introduction in 2022. Compared to DC block containers, AC block containers reduce space requirements, provide better reliability, and offer easier installation. However, in the short term, AC blocks come at a cost premium. In the long run, the advantages of AC block products may drive down overall system costs. As of November 2023, the number of companies that manufacture AC blocks was very limited, with Sungrow Power Supply and Rimac Energy included in a research report by S&P Global Commodity Insights. The product's significance lies in its potential to reshape energy storage system design, though its adoption is still in early stages.
Did You Know?
- The first AC block product was launched in 2022.
- In 2024, Wärtsilä released an AC block BESS called Quantum 3.
- Sungrow introduced the 'AC block based on triple-E integration' concept in early 2025.
- As of November 2023, manufacturers of AC blocks were very limited, including Sungrow Power Supply and Rimac Energy.
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