As the global energy transition accelerates, AI applications are also rapidly expanding. From data centers and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to home backup power, demand for power supplies and energy storage is growing exponentially. Balancing high power output, energy efficiency, and intelligent management has become a shared challenge for the industry.
At the 2025 Energy Taiwan and Net-Zero Taiwan, global standard power supply leader MEAN WELL, together with distributor partner Union Industrial Automation CORP., showcased a range of standardized power products. Based on real-world application needs, they integrated solar panels, lead-acid batteries, and other supporting equipment, combining inverters, chargers, bidirectional power supplies, and smart control modules into a total solution, highlighting MEAN WELL's product advantages as well as its localized, real-time service value.
The NTN-5K off-grid inverter exhibited at the show integrates three key functions - charger, inverter, and UPS - into a single device, offering charging power exceeding 4kW and a peak instantaneous output up to 10kW. It can simultaneously handle AC charging, DC-AC inversion, and an uninterrupted power supply. Its applications range from homes and small commercial spaces to outdoor operations, and it can even serve as a temporary emergency power source for electric vehicles. With multiple protection mechanisms and conformal coating treatments, it ensures stable operation under harsh conditions. It also supports MODBus, CANBus, and other communication protocols, allowing users to remotely monitor and manage systems.
Another featured product, the BIC-2200 bidirectional power supply, enhances energy usage efficiency. In traditional battery testing, discharge energy is often lost as heat. The BIC-2200, however, can feed this energy back into the grid with a conversion efficiency up to 93%, switching between charge and discharge in less than 1 millisecond. This reduces energy waste while enabling peak shaving, valley filling, and kinetic energy recovery, minimizing downtime risks caused by voltage surges. Its high-efficiency bidirectional conversion mechanism also makes it well-suited for the home energy storage market. Already implemented in European household energy storage cases, it demonstrates strong international market potential.
Beyond industrial and process applications, MEAN WELL also introduced the ES-S1000 and ES-S2000 portable energy storage units for consumer use, with approximate capacities of 1kWh and 2kWh, respectively. Targeting home backup and outdoor leisure scenarios, these units support multiple charging modes, including grid, car, and solar charging, and provide AC outlets as well as USB Type-A and Type-C ports. Coupled with an intelligent battery management system, they offer protection against overcharge, over-discharge, short circuits, and high temperatures. Emphasizing "lightweight, plug-and-play" usability, they provide users with rapid access to power during outages or outdoor activities.
To maximize system-level benefits, integrating key components requires technical service support. Willard Wu, Senior Engineer at MEAN WELL Technical Service Center, noted that the PV-ML solar controller showcased at the exhibition uses MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology to automatically adjust output under varying sunlight conditions, improving battery charging efficiency by 20 - 30%. Supporting 12V - 48V battery systems, it offers broad applicability. When paired with NTN-5K or BIC-2200, it helps build a complete photovoltaic energy storage system, forming a critical part of smart energy solutions.
In addition to standardized products, Union Industrial Automation CORP. Showcased an integrated setup of MEAN WELL inverters, chargers, bidirectional power supplies, and control modules at the exhibition. By combining these with third-party solar panels and lead-acid batteries, they created a display simulating a solar power plant, enabling visitors to quickly understand how MEAN WELL products work together in practical applications, forming a complete system of "energy generation, storage, inversion, and intelligent management."
Tony Hsieh, Section Manager at MEAN WELL Technical Service Center, emphasized that these products, combined with localized technical support strategies, showcase MEAN WELL's differentiated solutions. Standardized products paired with local demonstration sites, allow users across industries to quickly understand applications and integrate them into existing systems. With globally certified products and localized distributor services, MEAN WELL meets international market demands while providing timely support. Furthermore, by focusing R&D on power and control products and leaving integration of batteries, solar panels, and supporting equipment to partners, the company enhances operational flexibility and promotes energy industry collaboration through "multi-party cooperation."
Looking ahead, MEAN WELL is optimistic about AI and smart technology trends. Hsieh noted that AI applications are rapidly expanding into smart homes, wearable devices, industrial automation, and large-scale data centers, creating higher demands on power supply. MEAN WELL's diverse product lines can simultaneously support high-performance servers and edge AI devices, offering core advantages such as high efficiency, reliability, low power consumption, and compliance with safety standards, meeting the market's demands. Moving forward, MEAN WELL will continue investing in high-power-density design and digital power management while integrating renewable energy, energy storage, and DC microgrids. Through one-stop power solutions, MEAN WELL aims to accelerate AI adoption and advance both intelligent and sustainable development.
Credit: MEAN WELL
Credit: MEAN WELL
Article edited by Joseph Tsai
