Thermal management
Also known as: HVAC, Air Cooling, Air Cooling Unit, Liquid Cooling Unit
The systems that maintain battery cell temperatures within their optimal operating range — typically 15–35°C. Includes active cooling (liquid cooling or forced-air HVAC) and heating for cold climates.
In energy storage
Liquid cooling is becoming the standard for high-power BESS (2C+ applications) because it removes heat more efficiently per unit volume than forced-air systems, allowing tighter cell packing and more consistent temperature distribution across the rack. The cooling system's auxiliary power consumption — typically 2–5% of rated power — directly reduces round-trip efficiency and must be accounted for in the BESS energy balance.