Our interactions with energy are evolving due to several driving trends. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has created a demand for a comprehensive charging network. Meanwhile, the surge in information technology has fueled the rapid growth of the data center market, which has a continually growing need for power.

Consumers are seeking a more sustainable energy market. New sources of energy are seen as key to tackling climate change. Governments around the world are incentivizing the use of renewable energy, and environmental regulation seeks to enforce these changes. 

With these new sources comes the challenge of managing how energy is stored and distributed. An energy storage system, often abbreviated as ESS, is a device or group of devices assembled together, capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a later time. Battery ESS are the most common type of new installation and use the latest advances in Lithium-Ion technology to provide a means to store energy until needed. 

In this case study, we examine a small but essential part of the future of energy storage systems - Energy Storage Connectors. 

Global Trends and Demand Drivers in the Energy Storage Connector Market

The ESS market was valued at USD 7.8 billion in 2024. Expansion is being driven by new demands across several sectors. The market is predicted to reach USD 25.6 billion before the end of the current decade, a growth of more than 300%, and is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 26.9%.  

A prime example of the growing ESS market is China, where the country’s enormous energy demand makes it a key market for ESS manufacturers.  This expansion is further supported by government initiatives, with several provinces setting ambitious goals to integrate energy storage into the grid. ESS also supports the rise of renewable energy production, a growing sector in the Chinese economy. China’s energy capacity from non-fossil fuels surpassed fossil fuel energy for the first time in June 2023, demonstrating the country’s commitment to new energy solutions and further driving the need for ESS.

Adam Tech’s Energy Storage Connector Solutions

Adam Tech has launched its ESF/ESM Series of high-efficiency connectors, designed to meet the needs of the energy storage market. These connectors, available in both orange and black, link battery modules to various energy storage systems, including electric vehicle charging and renewable energy devices. They offer a critical, safe, and reliable connection with a range of mated pairs that support various voltage and current ratings, along with different wire gauges.

The series provides current ratings from 90A to 350A and voltage ratings from 1000VDC to 1500VDC. Additionally, these connectors are IP67-rated waterproof when mated, which prevents water and dust ingress. Available termination options cater to BESS installations in confined spaces, enhancing the flexibility and safety of the systems. Dust covers and PA66 material, meeting UL 94V-0 flame retardant standards, add an extra layer of protection. The ESF/ESM family is UL-certified and complies with RoHS and REACH standards.

Adam Tech Storage Connector Solutions Applied Across Industries

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The market for electric vehicles (EVs) is one of the most important for ESS. More than 120 countries have announced legislation intended to limit emissions in the coming decades, with many countries committing to the phasing out of internal combustion engines. However, the public’s confidence in this new technology is driven by range anxiety. Compared to the convenience of the existing fueling infrastructure that has serviced the public for decades, the lack of charging stations is a barrier to the widespread adoption of EVs.

Achieving widespread acceptance of EVs will require a massive investment in charging equipment. ESS are essential to this infrastructure, helping to make it a practical alternative to fossil fuels. They serve to create a ready store of energy, enabling the faster charging that the public will require if they are to overcome their range anxiety. 

There are several key connectivity challenges when installing a robust charging network. By necessity, the equipment required for charging vehicles will be fitted in outdoor locations exposed to the elements. Not only will connectors need to be sealed against the dangers of moisture ingress, but they must also be easy to install and withstand a high number of mating cycles.

Connectors also need to be efficient. Fast-charging applications require a higher energy transfer rate, resulting in significant temperature increases. So the connectors that form the electrical network within charging stations must deliver low contact resistance. 

The ESC series of ESS connectors from Adam Tech use a cage spring design that maximizes contact surface area and reduces contact resistance. The cage spring design effectively prevents poor contact caused by misalignment or vibration, improving system fault tolerance. Even with slight misalignment, the terminals can maintain effective conductivity, enhancing connector stability and reliability under harsh conditions.

Adam Tech’s series of connectors also employ a shortened conductor distance to minimize conduction paths. Traditional connectors with long conductor distances often cause excessive temperature rise, impacting system performance. Adam Tech's design controls the conductor distance to within 1.5mm, reducing temperature rise risks from excessively long conduction paths, thereby improving current conduction efficiency and safety.

Renewable Energy, Microgeneration and the Smart Grid

Microgeneration refers to the local, small-scale energy production facilities capable of powering individual households or small communities. Known as distributed energy resources (DERs), these facilities typically operate with a capacity of less than 10 megawatts and often utilize technologies like wind and solar to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, the reliability of these localized resources can be challenging, as many depend on unpredictable weather conditions. This necessitates effective energy storage solutions to ensure power is available when needed.

To address these challenges, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) play a crucial role in the emerging dynamic power network or smart grid. ESS devices act as a buffer between energy producers and the network, stabilizing the power supply and enhancing flexibility. This allows the system to absorb fluctuations in demand without increasing production. Additionally, ESS connectors, which link energy sources, storage systems, and the grid, are vital for ensuring safety, reliability, and ease of use.

Furthermore, the smart grid relies heavily on data flow. Battery management systems and smart monitoring are essential for providing the feedback required to make the smart grid functional. Users of microgeneration systems can not only decrease their dependence on traditional power sources and mitigate disruption risks but can also resell excess energy, creating a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape.

Adam Tech's energy storage connectors are specifically engineered to support high current transmission, playing a crucial role in stabilizing energy storage systems. This capability ensures efficient and safe energy management within the smart grid, thereby enhancing the system's overall energy efficiency. Moreover, when paired, these connectors achieve an IP67 waterproof rating, effectively preventing water and dust ingress, which significantly enhances the safety and longevity of the system.

Data Centers

Data is the raw material of the future, and every aspect of modern life is using more data than ever before. This surge is driven by high-speed Internet and particularly the widespread introduction of 5G wireless connectivity. To keep up, hardware solutions and power supplies must evolve to efficiently process and store this ever-growing volume of information.

The data center sector is rapidly growing and is poised to become a major global energy consumer.  In many large economies today, data centers account for between 2% and 4% of total electricity consumption.  A key requirement for any data center is energy security.  Providers rely on a stable power supply to ensure consistent service and need facilities that can scale quickly with fluctuating demand, while maintaining operations even during power outages. 

Connectivity is crucial for data center managers, as energy costs represent a significant portion of their operational expenses.  Reliable and efficient connectors are vital not only for keeping these costs under control, but also for enabling the rapid reconfiguration of servers as needed.

Data centers involve numerous stakeholders, and quality assurance is key. Adam Tech ESS connectors use PA66 material which meets UL 94V-0 flame retardant standards, enhancing safety. Further, all connectors are UL certified and meet RoHS and REACH standards, ensuring environmental sustainability and safety.

Conclusion

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are revolutionizing energy management, driving sustainability and efficiency while enhancing grid reliability. With increasing demands across a range of industries, the need to store and distribute energy grows. 

Connectors that deliver high current capacity and reliability, even in harsh environments, will be essential for installers and users around the world. Adam Tech’s advanced solutions support this exciting market with dedicated power connectors optimized for delivering power in tough conditions.

For more details on Adam Tech's ESF/ESM family of connectors, contact a Powell representative directly at adamtechinfo@powell.com, or visit www.powell.com to shop from distributor stock for next-day shipping.