• Dagong ESS

Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled ESS: Which One Is Right for You?

What Are Air-Cooled and Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage Systems?

In lithium battery energy storage systems (ESS), thermal management is essential to ensure long life, safe operation, and optimal performance. Two dominant cooling methods—air cooling and liquid cooling—serve different needs depending on application scale, environment, and performance demands.

Understanding the difference between air-cooled and liquid-cooled ESS helps you choose the right solution for your solar integration, EV charging station, industrial facility, or utility-scale project.

Types of Cooling Systems in ESS

• Air-Cooled ESS

Uses forced air and ventilation fans to dissipate heat
✅ Simple, cost-effective, and easy to maintain

• Liquid-Cooled ESS

Uses coolant fluid circulated through battery packs for precise temperature control
✅ High-performance, compact, and suitable for demanding environments

Dagong ESS offers both air-cooled and liquid-cooled systems across its product portfolio, from 100kWh C&I cabinets to 5MWh utility-scale containers.

Features Comparison: Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled ESS

Feature	Air-Cooled ESS	Liquid-Cooled ESS
Thermal Performance	Standard, slower heat dissipation	Precise, fast temperature regulation
System Complexity	Simple structure, fewer components	Complex with pumps, pipes, coolant
Footprint	Larger due to airflow design	More compact thanks to high heat transfer
Energy Efficiency	Moderate (heat dissipation is slower)	High (better thermal balance across cells)
Maintenance	Easier, fewer components to monitor	Requires regular fluid checks and controls
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher upfront cost, lower lifecycle cost
Best For	Small to medium C&I, mild climates	Large-scale projects, high temperatures, EV hubs

Applications of Air-Cooled and Liquid-Cooled ESS

✅ Air-Cooled ESS Is Ideal For:

Small to mid-sized commercial facilities

Residential or light industrial use

Environments with moderate temperatures

Projects with lower power density requirements

✅ Liquid-Cooled ESS Is Best For:

Utility-scale and grid-level projects

Large factories and EV charging hubs

Hot climates or enclosed spaces

High-performance or fast-cycling systems

Price Comparison of Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled Systems

Pricing is based on:

System size (100kWh to 5MWh+)

Cooling type (air-cooled vs. liquid-cooled)

Integration needs (PV, EMS, grid connection)

Air-cooled cabinets (100kWh–241kWh) are more cost-effective for mid-scale peak shaving. Liquid-cooled container systems (215kWh–5MWh) suit larger factories or EV infrastructure.

Prices vary by battery chemistry, integration level, and inverter pairing. Terms include EXW, FOB, or CIF based on logistics.

How to Select the Right Cooling Method for Your Project

• Determine Your Application Scale

<150kWh: Air cooling is often sufficient

200kWh: Liquid cooling becomes more efficient and reliable

• Evaluate Ambient Environment

Hot/humid climates or enclosed rooms? → Liquid-cooled

Temperate outdoor areas? → Air-cooled may suffice

• Check Power Density Requirements

High-load discharge (EV charging, grid services)? → Liquid-cooled

Moderate load and fewer daily cycles? → Air-cooled

• Consider Total Lifecycle Cost

Liquid-cooled ESS has higher upfront cost, but better longevity and performance under stress

How Long Do These ESS Types Last?

• Air-Cooled ESS:

6,000–8,000 cycles (70% SOH)

12–15 years lifespan with proper maintenance

• Liquid-Cooled ESS:

8,000+ cycles (70% SOH)

15+ years under daily cycling in high-performance settings

Both systems from Dagong ESS are built with premium LFP battery cells for maximum safety and durability.

The Supplier of Air & Liquid-Cooled ESS: Dagong ESS

Dagong ESS offers a complete lineup of both cooling options to match your project scale and environment:

Air-Cooled ESS Products

100kWh–144kWh C&I Cabinets

5MWh Container ESS

Liquid-Cooled ESS Products

215kWh–372kWh Cabinets

3.35MWh–5MWh Container ESS

All systems are:

Built with LiFePO₄ batteries

Equipped with real-time monitoring and intelligent EMS

Certified with CE, UN38.3, MShttps://www.dagongess.com/DS, IEC, and 3C for global deployment

Still unsure which cooling system fits your project? Contact Dagong ESS for expert advice and customization:
Email: sales@dagongess.com
Website: 🌐 www.dagongess.com