- Job Title
- Senior Battery Consultant & Business Development Manager
- Company
- VDE Renewables GmbH
- Country
- Germany
Patrick Zank is an experienced project engineer and senior consultant specializing in battery and energy storage systems. He holds a degree in industrial engineering with a focus on materials science, where his research focused on the impact of new manufacturing technologies on materials testing.
Since 2020, Patrick has been with VDE, where he first led technical due diligence and system consulting for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). He later advanced to the role of Senior Battery Consultant, providing in-depth expertise. Patrick is also an expert at DKE, the German standardization body, where he plays a key role in the development and enhancement of electrotechnical standards. He is a member of the Battery Passport consortium, which is shaping the guidelines for the EU Battery Regulation, aiming to balance sustainability objectives with industry feasibility.
In addition to his technical roles, Patrick serves as the Business Development Manager at VDE Renewables, overseeing departments related to PV, BESS, and Grid Conformity. His work focuses on risk reduction through technical expertise, fostering trust with all stakeholders, and driving innovation in the energy sector
May 07, 2025Welcome & Introduction
09:00 am - 09:05 am
How to Avoid Nasty Surprises at the End of a (Battery's) Life
It's like choosing a partner for life—appearances can be deceiving, and risks may only surface later. Selecting a BESS is more than just a technical decision; it requires long-term quality and risk management for manufacturers and operators. This session explores key challenges beyond initial performance. The Presentations will highlight real-world case studies on BMS limitations, insurance perspectives on risk mitigation, and the evolving role of manufacturers in ensuring safety and sustainability. Attendees will gain insights into BESS risk management, enabling them to optimize system performance and ensure regulatory alignment.
May 07, 2025Quality Testing & Reliability of Solar Modules & Balance of Systems
11:20 am - 11:35 am
Solar Technology II: Quality Testing & Reliability of Solar Modules & Balance of Systems
Solar companies that want to maintain their position in the market cannot compromise on the quality and reliability of their products, even in the face of today's immense price pressures. But how can high-quality, long-lasting products be guaranteed in a highly competitive business environment that demands constant innovation in product design and changes in the bill of materials to quickly reduce costs?
This session will provide:
- Best practices for maintaining high-quality standards while innovating product design
- Strategies for PV product procurement ensuring long-term reliability despite continued cost pressures
- Discussion on quality assurance programs and benchmarks for product reliability testing, from procurement, pre-production, production to post-shipment
12:05 pm - 12:30 pm
Solar Technology II: Quality Testing & Reliability of Solar Modules & Balance of Systems
Solar companies that want to maintain their position in the market cannot compromise on the quality and reliability of their products, even in the face of today's immense price pressures. But how can high-quality, long-lasting products be guaranteed in a highly competitive business environment that demands constant innovation in product design and changes in the bill of materials to quickly reduce costs?
This session will provide:
- Best practices for maintaining high-quality standards while innovating product design
- Strategies for PV product procurement ensuring long-term reliability despite continued cost pressures
- Discussion on quality assurance programs and benchmarks for product reliability testing, from procurement, pre-production, production to post-shipment