Dr. Zhang Chaoyang Visits Sungrow Power Supply: How Networked Energy Storage Can Reform New Energy
Recently, Zhang Chaoyang, the founder of Sohu and a Ph.D. in physics, visited Sungrow Power Supply, a leading global company in solar energy storage. During a live stream that combined a factory tour with a physics class, he provided an in-depth analysis of networked energy storage technology. This event attracted over 15.41 million viewers online and presented complex storage technology in an easily understandable manner.
Driven by the “dual carbon” goals, the rapid development of new energy has placed higher demands on the stability of power systems. Networked energy storage technology has become a crucial solution for addressing the stability challenges of integrating new energy sources into the grid. Zhang’s live stream injected new vigor into this field.
Zhang Chaoyang: From Sohu Leader to Science Communication Pioneer
Zhang Chaoyang is well-known as the chairman of Sohu, but in recent years, he has successfully rebranded himself as a popular science communicator through his series “Zhang Chaoyang’s Physics Class”. A graduate of Tsinghua University’s Department of Physics and a Ph.D. from MIT, Zhang has produced over 230 episodes since launching his classes in November 2021, accumulating more than 22,000 minutes of online content that has attracted significant attention from business elites of the 70s and 80s generations. His ability to explain physics in an accessible way has made him a refreshing figure in science communication.
During his visit to Sungrow, Zhang used a physics perspective to explain the core principles of networked energy storage. By combining his insights with a tour of the factory production line, he opened a window for public understanding of this technology through cross-disciplinary education.
Networked Energy Storage: From Misconceptions to a Stabilizing Force for the Power Grid
“Is energy storage just a large power bank?” This common question was posed by Zhang while touring Sungrow. In response, Wu Jiamao, Senior Vice President of Sungrow, clarified, “Energy storage is far more complex than a power bank. It consists of multiple subsystems, including battery cells, power conversion systems (PCS), energy management systems (EMS), and battery management systems (BMS). The overall performance is similar to that of a car, which depends on the collaboration of various components rather than just the engine.”
He emphasized that networked energy storage is essentially a voltage source system that uses Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) technology to simulate the inertia response and frequency support of traditional generators, providing voltage and frequency regulation for the power grid. Sungrow’s Vice Chairman, Gu Yilei, further likened networked technology to a “stabilizing force” for the power system, effectively addressing the fluctuations brought about by high proportions of new energy integration while maintaining grid stability.
Unlike traditional energy storage that focuses solely on energy storage, networked energy storage must consider the diverse needs of generation, transmission, and consumption, involving complex software and hardware control strategies. Currently, there are only a few companies globally with networked capabilities, as the technical barriers are extremely high. Sungrow began developing networked energy storage technology back in 2006. In 2014, it was the first to apply VSG technology in the microgrid project in Chogqing, Tibet, pioneering this field in China. Today, this technology has been integrated into Sungrow’s comprehensive product system, covering residential, commercial, and large-scale storage solutions, with implementations in countries such as the Philippines, the UK, and Australia. For instance, in 2023, Sungrow signed a contract for a 7.8 GWh storage project in Saudi Arabia, utilizing 1,500 units of its PowerTitan 2.0 fully liquid-cooled storage system, showcasing its global competitiveness.
Significant Market Opportunities: New Chances for Networked Energy Storage
Under the “dual carbon” goals, China’s new energy sector is experiencing rapid growth. The “Action Plan for Peak Carbon Dioxide Emissions Before 2030” outlines that by 2030, non-fossil energy should account for about 25% of primary energy consumption, with installed wind and solar power capacity exceeding 1.2 billion kilowatts.
According to data from the National Energy Administration, by the end of 2024, China’s newly operational scale of new energy storage is expected to reach 43.7 GW/109.8 GWh, representing year-on-year growth of 103% and 136%, respectively, with a cumulative installed capacity exceeding 73.8 GW. Sungrow stands out due to its technological advantages, with its global shipment volume of energy storage systems ranking first among Chinese companies for eight consecutive years, and its cumulative installations leading globally.
Sungrow’s “three-in-one technology”—integrating electrochemistry, power electronics, and grid support—constitutes its core competitive edge. The PowerTitan 2.0, launched in 2023, is the world’s first 10 MWh fully liquid-cooled storage system, pioneering an “integrated AC/DC architecture” that enhances both safety and efficiency while boosting networked capabilities. Industry experts believe this innovation ushers in an era of integrated AC storage for large-scale ground-mounted power stations.
Zhang Chaoyang’s recent cross-disciplinary activity has helped elevate public awareness, promote technology dissemination, and strengthen industry confidence, bringing networked energy storage technology to the forefront. However, as Gu Yilei remarked, “Energy storage is a significant investment and a vast field, requiring a commitment to long-termism.” The development of the energy storage market is not instantaneous; in the future, as technological innovations continue and policy support strengthens, the networked energy storage market is expected to see even broader development opportunities, contributing significantly to global energy transformation and the achievement of “dual carbon” goals.
