PCS
PCS in the SpeicherCampus context: the battery inverter for AC/DC and DC/AC conversion. Technically, the term is usually described as Power Conversion System.
What does PCS mean?
The Power Conversion System is the storage system’s battery inverter: it converts alternating current to direct current when charging, and back when discharging. Its rated power in kW determines how much the system can absorb or deliver at once — regardless of how large the battery is.
The PCS also defines the system’s grid quality: harmonic distortion, power factor and behaviour during grid faults are PCS properties. In systems with a backup function, the PCS forms the local grid during island operation.
What matters in practice
- the PCS power must cover the highest load peak to be shaved
- distinguish continuous power from short-term overload capability
- island-mode capability is a PCS property, not a battery property
- with DC blocks (e.g. PotisBank L3.7/L5.0), the PCS is planned separately
Practical example
A business wants to shave 80 kW peaks. A 200 kWh system with a 50 kW PCS cannot do it — the peak passes the PCS limit and flows from the grid. The same battery with a 105 kW PCS solves the task.
The SpeicherCampus perspective
During the project review, SpeicherCampus matches PCS power against the load profile. The power question comes before the capacity question — an undersized PCS makes even the largest battery useless.