BYD Launches Chess Plus: Next-Generation C&I Battery Storage Solution

BYD Energy Storage, a subsidiary of BYD, has unveiled its latest commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage solution: the Chess Plus system. Built on BYD’s expertise in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, Chess Plus represents a new milestone in highly integrated, modular, and ultra-safe energy storage systems.

The product was first presented at the 15th China International Clean Energy Expo in Beijing and is already available in China and the United States, with a European version currently under evaluation.

Key Features of Chess Plus

The Chess Plus system integrates everything needed for advanced C&I energy storage into a single, compact container. This includes:

• Battery Management System (BMS)

• Distributed Management Control (DMC)

• Energy Management & Control Unit (EMCU)

• Energy Management System (EMS)

• AC Unit

The Chinese version comes with a built-in fire protection host, while the U.S. model features a dedicated smart HVAC component.

Advanced LFP Thick Blade Cells

At the core of Chess Plus are BYD’s 320 Ah LFP thick-blade battery cells, specifically engineered for energy storage. These cells deliver:

• More than 10,000 cycles for ultra-long lifespan

• Ceramic terminals to prevent leakage and boost corrosion resistance

• Proven durability, having passed extreme stress tests including:

  • Thermal runaway simulations (-25°C to +55°C)

  • Overcharge thresholds up to 260%

This makes Chess Plus one of the safest and most reliable storage systems available for large-scale projects.

Dual-Mode Cooling & Fire Safety

Safety and efficiency are central to Chess Plus design. Its dual-mode cooling system uses liquid cooling for battery cells (temperature difference <2.5°C) and forced air cooling for electronics, cutting auxiliary power consumption by 20% while extending component life by 30%.

Added protection includes:

• 2-hour fire-resistant battery casing

• Built-in aerosol fire suppression system

These features provide peace of mind for operators running mission-critical storage infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

• China Model:

  • 233 kWh capacity, 125 kW nominal power

  • Voltage range: 604.2–832.2 V DC

  • Nominal grid voltage: 380 V / 50 Hz

  • Size: 1258×1680×2240 mm

  • Weight: ~3500 kg

  • Operating range: -20°C to +55°C

• US Model:

  • 350.1 kWh capacity, 175 kW nominal power

  • Voltage range: 889.2–1248.3 V DC

  • Nominal grid voltage: 480 V / 60 Hz

  • Size: 1658×1680×2560 mm

  • Weight: <4500 kg

  • Operating range: -25°C to +55°C

Both versions feature IP55/IP65 ratings, C4 anti-corrosion protection, and a 0.5C charge-discharge rate, ensuring resilience in harsh operating conditions.

Smart Energy Management

Chess Plus integrates edge computing for real-time SOC optimization and fault prediction, ensuring efficiency and reliability. It also comes with a black start function, enabling operation in off-grid and microgrid modes with millisecond-level switching.

Solar&Solar’s Perspective

At Solar&Solar, we view BYD’s Chess Plus as a breakthrough in C&I storage innovation. With its compact integration, long lifecycle, advanced safety features, and smart management tools, it’s built to meet the demands of modern businesses and utilities worldwide.

As BYD continues to expand its global presence, Chess Plus sets a new standard for scalable, safe, and intelligent battery storage—helping industries and communities achieve a more sustainable, energy-secure future.