Following
a successful ‘Proof of Market’ study undertaken with support from the Technology
Strategy Board’s SMART Scheme, a limited company, PowerVault Ltd, has been formed to
commercially exploit the novel energy storage technology.
Powervault aims to be the UK’s first specialist provider of cost-effective distributed energy
storage solutions to domestic homes and SMEs, lowering consumers’ electricity bills whilst
reducing peak grid electricity demand.
The Powervault device is designed to work with most battery storage technologies. Our
background IP, for which we have patent applications in process, lies in the control and
integration elements of the storage device and in its interface with the existing household
electrical system.
The device allows consumers to benefit from low demand/marginal prices thereby delivering
lower average tariffs to the individual household. The device is capable of remote dispatch via
existing household Wi-Fi links; ultimately allowing additional benefits to be derived from grid
services.
The primary objective of the Proof of Concept project is to demonstrate the technical
performance and economic benefits of the “Alpha” device. This will address a number of
questions raised during the ‘Proof of Market’ study on actual performance in the domestic
environment. These include the perceived technical and commercial limitations of small scale
storage devices, consumer acceptance of a novel technology, and the applicability across a
range of household demand profiles.
Up to 20 of the devices will be deployed, primarily within properties with solar PV installed.
We will conduct base-lining, usage monitoring and behavioural analysis to identify direct
benefits to the householder.
Overall, this Proof of Concept project will provide a showcase for the operation of distributed
energy storage and help establish a UK based company which will facilitate the electricity
grid to absorb greater quantities of intermittent renewable energy.