Exclusive Interview of James Chen, Assistant Vice President of ESDBD

Delta debuted its energy storage system and electrical vehicle charging “Micro-grid Solutions” and renewable energy dispatch management at COMPUTEX Taipei 2018, presenting diverse solutions for power demands. In this issue of Brand People, we will be speaking to ESDBD Assistant Vice President (AVP) James Chen. We will have him speak about business opportunities and the blueprint for energy storage systems, as well as his experiences and reflections of his 35 years at Delta.

Center around the core technology, diverse product applications with battery technology

“ESDBD, created four years ago, aims for its target market in batteries and related application fields,” continues James. “In 2014, we started a partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Japan and spent three years to introduce the battery cell technology into Delta.” Teams worked tirelessly every step along the way, from construction of the factory to production lines, so that we would have a robust foundation in battery cell technology and a quality manufacturing. It was also integrated with Delta’s thermal management products and energy management solutions to allow for the current energy storage systems (ESS), power conditioning systems (PCS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and various other product applications.

The discussion on energy issues in recent years have given ESS an increasingly more important role. James also shared about his opinions on the issue with us. “As we promote awareness for energy transition today, there is a growing demand for renewable energy. ESS with renewable energy to increase reliability of power supply will become the main trend in the future.” Indeed, we allow the steady supply of renewable energy through the conditioning of ESS, and the demand response and power dispatch are based on actual grid demands. The goal of energy sustainability is achieved under a steady supply of power.

In regards to the plans of development for ESDBD in the coming years, Mr. Chen indicated that “Our team would divide its efforts in two major aspects: technology improvement and product application.” In terms of technology, cells are the focus of development. We continue to improve cells quality and capacities. In terms of application, we integrate battery technology with other Delta products as value-add solution to explore the business opportunity. Take the example of ESS, which is the integration of Delta batteries, PCS, EMS and other products and technologies, it allows for a more diversified development of the application and is an evidence of Delta’s strategy and goal of transitioning from products to solution provider.

Balanced in-and-out, high integration for market expansion

James has many years of experience in R&D of technologies and market observation. He also shared about the current strategy for development and points of opportunity for ESS. “This is a new industry with a lot of demand and many opportunities. Our plan is to strategize and market the product with an approach that is balanced in-and-out.” On the internal side, ESDBD eagerly searches for opportunities to integrate with other business groups in Delta and is currently working with ICTBG, MCIS, EISBG, PSBG, BABG, and other groups. This business groups span across telecommunications, network communications, energy infrastructure, and other fields. They share the common trait of products which require batteries and power storage to act as means of support. On the external side, ESS is used at the Taiwan Electric Power Research Institute (TPRI) Shulin Campus and the Delta Ako Energy Park in Japan to facilitate dispatch of power on the grid or in the power station on renewable energy. 

Also, Delta recently partnered up with Ørsted to build an “Energy Storage Research Center” at the National Changhua University of Education; whereas in Australia, Delta is currently collaborating with the MCIS team to integrate an emergency power solution for large data centers, which aims to promote the potential for development in the future through real applications.

“Our competitive advantage comes from our outstanding of technology and our skills in integration.” James continued to express that as the systems and solutions have gradually become our future trend for development, the teams already have the ability to apply current components and standard products onto different applications. Only through continuous improvement on capabilities in technologies and integration, are we able to occupy a place in the highly competitive future energy market.

Improve applications, increase brand influence through quality technology

In terms of brand management, James also shared about his thoughts with us that we shall “train for technical skills in systems integration, and raise awareness of the brand through success stories in various locations.” Mr. Chen thinks that “besides integrating with existing renewable energy and power plants, ESS are also slowly being introduced to basic infrastructures and other industries.” He points out that nations with liberalization on electricity have many applications related to energy storage in response to innovations on business models. Energy storage is a new business at Delta. Our goal is to continue to follow up on the market trends, find possibilities of partnership with Delta business groups and various industries, study ways to improve technologies, and improve Delta’s brand value.

Poland’s Deputy Minister in the Energy Department (COP24 President) and clients visit Delta Taoyuan V Factory

Embrace challenges, follow market trends and step towards success

After 35 years in Delta, James has worked in automation, thermal management products, batteries, ESS, and other fields. He also shared about his thoughts on his career over the years. “Delta products and solutions span across many fields. The company is willing to offer a platform for R&D of technologies and business development so that all the fellow workers have a chance to perform in this environment.” He greatly appreciates the company's perseverance and support. After the first few years of hard work, ESS has slowly found its way in product technology and market development. The discovery of new applications in a changing environment will continue to be a key issue.

“The value of quality products relies on a comprehensive platform for R&D of technologies.. Applying existing advantages to connect with future trends is the key to success.” The interview concludes with these inspiring words from James.

CEO Ping Cheng, CBO Guo Shan-Shan, spokesperson Jesse Chou, BABG General Manager Bill Lo, EISBG General Manager Herman Chang, and ESDBD AVP James Chen at the Delta booth at COMPUTEX 2018