Deploying energy storage systems in cold-climate regions presents significant technical challenges, particularly in achieving long-term stable operation under sustained sub-zero temperatures. Low ambient temperatures can negatively impact battery cell activity, charge and discharge performance, and overall system reliability. In addition, cold environments introduce risks such as condensation, moisture accumulation, and thermal stress differentials, placing higher demands on battery thermal management and control strategies.

This case study presents the real-world operation of a GSL ENERGY 160kW / 418kWh liquid-cooled energy storage system deployed at a customer site in Ukraine, where winter conditions include prolonged low temperatures and snow/ice coverage. In this project, the PCS inverter is installed indoors, while the battery cabinets are installed outdoors. Despite harsh winter conditions, the system has demonstrated stable, continuous operation, supported by reliable battery heating performance and comprehensive monitoring data.

Project Overview: Energy Storage Deployment in Cold Climate

The project location experiences persistently low temperatures throughout the winter season, requiring the energy storage system to operate reliably in severe outdoor conditions over extended periods. During the project planning stage, the customer clearly defined the following requirements:

• Long-term outdoor operation capability for the battery energy storage system
• Stable charge and discharge performance under low-temperature conditions
• Full monitoring and traceability of temperature control and operational status for future O&M

Based on these site conditions and operational requirements, the final solution adopted an indoor PCS inverter + outdoor battery cabinet configuration. This design improves system stability while allowing greater flexibility for installation, operation, and long-term maintenance.

System Configuration

• Rated Power / Capacity: 160kW / 418kWh
• Battery Technology: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄)
• Thermal Management System: Active liquid cooling with integrated battery heating
• Installation Layout:

• PCS inverter: Indoor installation
• Battery cabinets: Outdoor installation

• Application Scenarios: Renewable energy integration, backup power supply, load regulatio

Why Liquid Cooling and Temperature Control Are Critical in Low-Temperature Environments

Thermal management in energy storage systems is not limited to heat dissipation during high-temperature operation. In cold-climate regions, thermal management functions as a year-round temperature control system, ensuring battery cells remain within an optimal operating range.

Key objectives include:

• Active insulation and heating during low-temperature conditions
• Maintaining consistent battery cell temperatures to minimize performance fluctuations
• Ensuring temperature uniformity within battery cabinets
• Reducing capacity imbalance and system alarms caused by localized overcooling
• Providing predictable temperature control logic to avoid frequent heating on/off cycles

The engineering advantage of liquid-cooled energy storage systems lies in their ability to deliver precise, uniform, and controllable thermal regulation. Through liquid circulation and intelligent control strategies, the system establishes stable internal temperature boundaries, which are essential for reliable battery operation in sub-zero environments.

Low-Temperature Operation Performance and Monitoring Data

Based on system monitoring data and environmental temperature records provided by the customer:

• Outdoor ambient temperatures remained within typical winter low-temperature ranges
• Internal battery temperatures were consistently maintained within safe operating limits
• Battery heating and temperature control functions were automatically activated according to predefined logic
• When ambient temperatures dropped below set thresholds, the battery heating system engaged automatically
• Liquid cooling ensured uniform heating across battery cells, allowing uninterrupted charge and discharge operation

Monitoring curves clearly demonstrate effective thermal isolation between internal battery temperatures and external ambient conditions. Throughout winter operation, the system ran continuously without abnormal fluctuations or unplanned protective shutdowns.

Advantages of Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage Systems in Winter Conditions

Compared with traditional air-cooled energy storage systems, liquid cooling offers clear advantages in low-temperature environments:

• Significantly reduced temperature differentials between battery cells
• Prevention of performance degradation caused by localized cold spots
• Improved usable battery capacity and overall system stability

During this project, the liquid cooling thermal management system operated reliably under snow- and ice-covered conditions. No frequent system protection triggers, power derating, or low-temperature-related limitations were observed.

Impact of System Installation Layout on Operational Stability

The “Indoor PCS + Outdoor Battery System” configuration proved highly effective during actual operation:

• Indoor PCS installation provides a controlled environment for grid connection and simplifies maintenance
• Outdoor battery cabinets are designed with appropriate protection ratings, structural strength, and integrated temperature control for long-term exposure
• System architecture supports remote monitoring, clear operational logic, and full data traceability

Project Operation Summary

Throughout the winter operational cycle, the energy storage system has maintained stable performance:

• No abnormal alarms occurred under low-temperature conditions
• Temperature control and battery heating responded promptly and operated according to design logic
• Overall system reliability and continuous operation fully met customer expectations

This project validates the engineering maturity and reliability of GSL ENERGY liquid-cooled energy storage systems for cold-climate applications and outdoor deployment. It also provides a replicable reference for energy storage projects across Eastern Europe and other cold regions worldwide.

GSL ENERGY Experience in Energy Storage Solutions

GSL ENERGY has extensive experience delivering energy storage solutions across diverse climatic conditions, including high-temperature, low-temperature, high-humidity, and complex outdoor environments. Through a standardized system platform and flexible engineering configurations, GSL ENERGY provides reliable and sustainable energy storage systems for residential, commercial & industrial (C&I), and utility-scale projects, tailored to real-world operational requirements.