An Air-Cooled Energy Storage System (ESS) uses ambient air, fans, and smart ventilation channels to regulate the temperature of lithium-ion battery cells. Unlike liquid-cooled systems that require pumps, pipes, and coolants, air-cooled solutions simplify system design while maintaining performance and safety—especially in moderate climates.
Air-cooled ESS cabinets are popular in commercial and industrial sectors where ease of maintenance and modularity are critical. These systems typically use LFP battery chemistry and are integrated with a Battery Management System (BMS) and an Energy Management System (EMS).
Types of Air-Cooled ESS
Air-cooled ESS solutions are available in a range of sizes and configurations to match diverse use cases:
100kWh–144kWh Air-Cooled Cabinets: Suitable for commercial buildings, EV charging stations, and rooftop solar backup
241kWh Large-Capacity Systems: Designed for industrial applications, factories, and distributed energy networks
Outdoor-Rated Units: IP54/IP65 protection, allowing deployment in open-air or rooftop environments
All-in-One Solutions: Integrated inverter + battery cabinet systems for plug-and-play usage
Some manufacturers offer standardized systems like 144kWh rack-integrated air-cooled cabinets, which support fast commissioning and remote diagnostics—ideal for industrial parks and energy service providers.
Features of Air-Cooled ESS
Modular and Expandable: Supports system growth by parallel stacking of cabinets
Passive & Active Cooling: Combines fan-based cooling with intelligent temperature sensing
Low Maintenance: No liquid replacement cycles, reducing O&M costs
EMS Integration: Enables load shifting, solar optimization, and TOU response
Safety & Certifications: LFP cells with CE, UN38.3, and IEC compliance
Global Deployability: Tested in diverse grid and off-grid environments
In one example, a commercial energy user deployed a 241kWh air-cooled ESS cabinet integrated with rooftop PV to reduce demand charges and optimize self-consumption during peak hours.
Applications of Air-Cooled ESS
Air-cooled battery storage is widely used in the following areas:
Retail chains & shopping malls under TOU tariffs
EV charging hubs requiring fast-charging buffers
Warehouses & logistics centers with variable daily load
Office buildings integrating rooftop PV or hybrid systems
Industrial microgrids seeking flexible, container-free deployments
For medium-sized applications, a 144kWh cabinet-based air-cooled ESS can provide a perfect balance between footprint, cost, and performance.
Price of Air-Cooled ESS
The cost of energy storage systems for renewable energy integration depends on several factors, including system capacity, storage duration, battery type, control software, installation conditions, and auxiliary equipment.
Pricing is usually quoted under international trade terms such as EXW, FOB, or CIF, depending on project location and logistics preferences.
For a tailored quotation based on your specific project needs, it's best to consult directly with the supplier.
How to Select the Right Air-Cooled ESS for Your Project?
When sourcing an air-cooled ESS for commercial or industrial applications, consider the following:
Site Load Profile: Determine your average and peak energy demands
Backup Time or Peak Duration: Size the system based on application goals
Ambient Temperature: Ensure airflow-based cooling can handle local climate
Expandability Needs: Choose modular cabinets for phased deployment
Certifications: Confirm global safety and compliance standards
Manufacturers offering pre-configured 100kWh and 144kWh systems with EMS-ready interfaces and hybrid inverter options can reduce installation time and commissioning complexity.
How Long Does an Air-Cooled ESS Last?
Air-cooled systems based on LFP chemistry generally provide:
Cycle Life: Over 8,000 full charge-discharge cycles
Lifespan: Up to 15 years under standard conditions
Degradation Rate: Minimal when operating within temperature and DoD thresholds
Systems that include predictive thermal management and real-time BMS/EMS data integration can maintain optimal operating temperature and extend system life.
Where to Source Scalable Air-Cooled Battery Solutions?
Suppliers of modular energy storage products often offer both air-cooled and liquid-cooled variants. For instance, several Chinese ESS manufacturers provide 144kWh and 241kWh air-cooled cabinets designed for high-performance commercial usage. These systems are often shipped globally under EXW or FOB terms and support standard solar-plus-storage applications.
While you might not see brand names in every article, companies like Dagong ESS are among the suppliers providing these product formats—designed for export, certified to international standards, and ready for scalable deployment.
Need help selecting an air-cooled ESS for your project?
For technical specifications or integration support with rooftop solar, EV charging, or factory loads, reach out to a reliable ESS provider.
Contact: sales@dagongess.com
Website: www.dagongess.com