Power Conversion System (PCS)

A power conversion system (PCS) is the bidirectional inverter that converts a battery’s DC power to AC for the grid and back again to charge it.

The PCS executes the setpoint the energy management system sends: positive to discharge, negative to charge. While delivering that power it also checks the battery management system so no cell limit is violated. The PCS rating sets the AC power a storage system can move, subject to battery current limits, thermal conditions, and the interconnection limit at the site. Its control mode, grid following or grid forming, decides whether the battery can hold up a microgrid on its own.

Also called: Battery inverter, Bidirectional inverter