Overview
PVX.AI includes a battery energy storage system (BESS) designer for utility-scale storage, alongside a PV plant or standalone. This guide explains the concepts and where the tools live.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Find the BESS tools
Draw BESS Area and Convert BESS Area sit on the Area dropdown of the Site Layout panel. BESS Enclosures is on the Database panel. The BESS split button on Electrical Design holds placement, exposures, compliance, augmentation, noise and settings. Grade BESS Pads is on the Earthworks panel.
2. Understand BESS areas
A BESS area is a site region reserved for battery containers, named BESS-A1, BESS-A2 and so on. PV build layout never places tables inside one.
3. Enclosures and PCS skids
An enclosure is the battery container, drawn true to scale and rated in MWh and kW. An AC block has its PCS integrated. A DC block needs a separate PCS skid.
4. Coupling and rack suppression
AC-coupled units are parented to a transformer, DC-coupled units to an inverter. PV racks under a BESS area or unit are hidden rather than deleted, and return when the unit or area moves or is removed.
Tips & Recommendations
- The catalog specification is stamped into the drawing at placement, so a saved design reopens complete.
- The BESS Designer button on the Electrical sub-tab opens a guided panel that runs the whole workflow in order.
- The code rule engine advises placement, it does not certify a design. Verify the applied rules with your Authority Having Jurisdiction.