Decoding Energy Storage Technologies at the Munich Shanghai Electronics Show: From Testing to Full Chip Coverage

The upcoming Munich Shanghai Electronics Show, scheduled for April 15-17, 2025, will feature cutting-edge advancements in energy storage technology. As the global power industry shifts towards low-carbon solutions, and with the imminent implementation of the European Union’s carbon tariffs, there has been a noticeable acceleration in the development of novel energy storage technologies. Notably, in 2024, the Chinese government included “developing new energy storage” in its work report for the first time.

This leap in energy storage technology has also spurred innovations in semiconductor technologies, including power devices, solid-state/semi-solid batteries, and sodium-ion energy storage systems. At the upcoming show, energy storage is set to be a key focus, with many semiconductor manufacturers showcasing a range of advanced and innovative products and solutions that span the entire supply chain, from testing to chips.

Testing as a Priority

Tektronix, a company specializing in test and measurement instruments, will present solutions related to energy storage technology. Their acquisition of the German company EA, known for DC power supplies and loads, has enhanced their product line for DC power solutions. Tektronix now offers a complete suite of testing solutions for energy storage battery-grade Power Conversion Systems (PCS).

For energy storage batteries, EA’s bidirectional power supplies can provide professional power simulation across a range from a few kilowatts to hundreds of kilowatts. Tektronix covers the entire design process for PCS, from the selection and evaluation of critical power devices in the first phase, to testing power quality and evaluating output power in the final stage. EA’s products can effectively support high voltage requirements in the energy storage industry, reaching up to 2,000 VDC, several thousand amps, and providing multi-channel, multi-MPPT input options.

Power semiconductors are crucial in the power electronics sector, where energy storage PCS requires higher efficiency. This demand presents opportunities for third-generation power devices like silicon carbide (SiC). To support the domestic replacement and development of wide-bandgap power devices, Tektronix has launched dynamic and static testing systems for IGBT, SiC, and GaN devices, as well as reliability testing systems for SiC. These systems enable analysis of aging characteristics under temperature conditions and dynamic stress tests.

Comprehensive Testing Solutions from Aidek

Aidek, another measurement and testing firm, will showcase its comprehensive testing solutions for energy storage, covering everything from cells to PCS. As energy storage cells reach capacities exceeding 500Ah, testing these cells faces two major challenges: a surge in charge-discharge current requirements and prolonged cycle life testing. Aidek’s solution involves the IT-M3900C series bidirectional DC power supply, capable of outputs up to 10,000A, meeting the demand for high current testing, while the ITS5300 battery testing system supports automated cycling tests.

Aidek has also designed modular architectures for flexible configurations that encompass the entire testing chain, including single cells, modules, and system-level validation. For instance, the IT-M3400 series integrates 800W power in a compact form and supports independent control across 256 channels, suitable for parallel testing of small capacity batteries.

The IT6000C series supports high voltage outputs up to 2250V and 2MW power expansions, while the IT7900P series grid simulator can emulate grid faults and disturbances to validate the compatibility of energy storage systems. This broad coverage enables clients to quickly build customized testing platforms based on project needs, reducing equipment redundancy costs.

Energy consumption during testing has been a significant pain point in the industry. Aidek’s bidirectional energy feedback technology can return over 90% of the discharged energy back to the grid, saving approximately 250,000 CNY per year for each 42kW unit. Additionally, the IT6600C series, leveraging third-generation SiC technology, improves energy efficiency and reduces air conditioning energy consumption by 70% through intelligent thermal management.

Innovative MCU Solutions by GigaDevice

GigaDevice, a chip design company specializing in storage, MCUs, sensors, and power management chips, will showcase its innovative technologies and applications in the new energy and energy storage sectors at the Munich Shanghai Electronics Show. Their bidirectional energy storage inverter solution, based on the GD32G5 series high-performance MCUs, employs a dual MCU control system for efficient energy conversion and management.

This solution integrates multiple charging modes with over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection, achieving a peak efficiency of 90.12%. GigaDevice’s products have also passed TUV IEC61508 functional safety certification and include smart safety features to prevent major accidents. Their solutions are tailored for household, portable, and industrial energy storage systems, meeting stringent market demands for reliability and efficiency.

GaNext’s Bidirectional Inverter Solutions

GaNext, a high-tech enterprise focusing on gallium nitride (GaN) power devices, will present its 1-4kW bidirectional energy storage inverter at the Munich Shanghai Electronics Show. This inverter solution has been adopted by several leading industry players. GaNext’s design emphasizes high efficiency in both charging and discharging, saving 5% of charging energy and extending runtime by 5%. The inverter’s compact design reduces weight by 40%, supporting silent operation and water resistance (IP54).

With the ongoing global push towards carbon neutrality and the implementation of carbon tariffs, the large-scale application of new energy storage technologies is becoming a cornerstone for the transformation of energy systems. Technologies such as flow batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and solid-state batteries are accelerating commercialization, complemented by innovations in third-generation semiconductors like silicon carbide and gallium nitride.

However, the energy storage industry still faces numerous challenges, including further breakthroughs in battery technology, system safety, and battery recycling systems. The Munich Shanghai Electronics Show provides a platform for industry leaders to explore new development trends, discuss technical challenges, and foster collaboration towards a greener, carbon-reducing environment.