Trina Storage launches AC-coupled Elementa Electra, advancing its cell-to-system capabilities

Trina Storage has launched Elementa Electra, an AC-coupled modular battery energy storage system designed for large-scale renewable storage applications. The solution integrates the battery system with an AC-side unit that combines power conversion and medium-voltage step-up functions, enabling efficient power conversion, coordinated operation between the DC and AC subsystems, and a simplified grid-connection process.

By combining in-house battery technology with purpose-built power conversion hardware, Trina Storage maintains end-to-end control of the BESS stack – from cells through AC-side integration. This alignment supports consistent performance and system-level efficiency. Elementa Electra is designed to operate across a range of applications such as renewable shifting, frequency regulation, grid-forming, and black-start capabilities, while helping to manage project costs for utility-scale deployments. The platform reflects the company’s continued development of cell-to-system capabilities.

“The new product will not be sold or marketed as a standalone solution but rather as an integrated system together with the Elementa,” a company spokesperson told ESS News. “The AC unit is mainly offered in a 10 MW configuration, but a 5.5 MW version is also available to meet specific customer requirements. For example, if a site layout includes an additional Elementa unit, pairing it with a full 10 MW AC system may not be necessary.”

The system provides a 10 ms full-power response with flexible active and reactive power control. Its modular architecture, supporting one or two DC branches, enables configurable 2-hour or 4-hour durations—aligned with the Elementa 2 Pro. The built-in UPS function supports faster installation and simplified black-start operation. It also supports grid-following, grid-forming, voltage–frequency, and black-start operating modes.

With 25 GWh of annual system production capacity across two manufacturing bases, Trina Storage supplies factory-tested and pre-commissioned systems that reduce on-site work and accelerate deployment. Elementa Electra is optimised for whole-unit transportation to lower logistics costs. Its compact side-by-side or back-to-back station layout reduces land requirements by up to 52%. Factory pre-commissioning shortens on-site commissioning by more than 50%, and overall delivery cycles by over 30%, supporting earlier grid connection and faster revenue realization, according to the manufacturer.

Safety features include comprehensive fault self-diagnosis, dynamic tiered fault protection, and advanced islanding detection for stable operation under varying grid conditions. Seamless transitions between operating modes enhance flexibility and reliability. An AI-driven fault monitoring system supports 24/7 risk detection and provides digitally enabled after-sales support.

The 5.5 MW unit weighs 36 tonnes, while the 10 MW version weighs 40 tonnes. Both models measure 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm and are delivered in a standard 40-foot container. Operating temperature ranges from −30°C to ~55°C.

The DC voltage range is 1040–1500 V. On-grid, the PCS rated AC voltage is 690 V; off-grid, the PCS rated output voltage is also 690 V. The PCS provides up to 98.85% maximum efficiency. The oil-immersed transformer is rated at 10,000 kVA at 40°C (45°C optional) with an MV output range of 15–36 kV.

According to Trina Storage, the Elementa Electra solution enables turnkey project delivery within 80 days and supports long-term service agreements (LTSA) with warranties of up to 20 years, ensuring high asset availability and stable returns.

Elementa Electra is also undergoing certification to meet cybersecurity and grid-connection requirements in major markets, including alignment with Europe’s leading network and information security standards. Trina Storage says that it’s latest product is designed for global deployment and complies with diverse regional grid and technical requirements.

To learn more about Trina Storage’s latest product and other offerings, join our free webinar on December 17: https://www.pv-magazine.com/webinars/lessons-learned-from-europe-wide-battery-storage-deployment/