Energy consumers set to benefit from new smart technology
Coolpower Products, a dynamic energy demand management technology business, has launched a technology solution for the UK market, that will, for the first time, provide a smart energy management device for both domestic and commercial buildings, that more effectively manages the energy output of grid-connected micro-generators (e.g. solar panels, micro wind and hydro turbines). The new Energy and Micro-generator Manager, called 'EMMA' is being unveiled at this week’s Ecobuild show in Earls Court, London, the biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, expected to attract over 34,500 visitors.
To date, an average of 50 per cent of what is generated by a micro-generator is uncontrollably exported to the grid due to the unavailability of a smart energy management device that can manage and match energy supply and demand in any household. Coolpower is confident that its new EMMA controller device meets this inherent need and will optimise the performance of micro-generators, effectively quadrupling the value of electricity from a micro-generator, otherwise exported uncontrollably to the grid.
Following many years of intense research and development work and with over 50 satisfied initial customers now installed, the patented EMMA controller device is thoroughly tested and proven and is now commercially available. Effectively, EMMA is designed to monitor and control what energy is being produced by micro-generators and what is being used in the building, second by second. Where excess energy is available, EMMA can divert this surplus supply to additional energy storage devices in the building such as hot water tanks, electric underfloor heating and storage heaters, for later use. In the near future, there will also be a G83 compliant product which will limit export to the grid to 12amps facilitating micro-generation projects in rural areas with network constraints. Research work is underway to facilitate the use of the technology with heat-pumps, batteries and chillers.
Commenting on the launch of EMMA into the UK, Richard Linger, director, Coolpower Products Ltd. said: "We are very excited about today’s announcement and our entry into the UK market. EMMA represents a step changing innovation for the management of energy in our homes, providing a unique, cost effective and sustainable energy management system for grid-connected micro-generators. Our overall product proposition meets a very identifiable need in the market and supports the government’s stated policy of encouraging the use of renewable energy in the home and reducing carbon emissions by using green energy at the point of use."
Linger added: "Our existing installations have provided us with very positive feedback and have indicated that EMMA can provide an impressive return on investment, where the average payback period is less than five years, depending on site specific details. Over the coming months, we will be actively working to promote awareness of EMMA among the green energy and construction trade sectors, along with potential domestic and business users, ensuring that this new smart controller device becomes a core element of any grid-connected micro-generator technology system."
Coolpower is also developing the platform technology for use on a broader scale. It can be used to underpin the effective implementation of Smart Grids by managing storage of energy in various forms in the home. This technology can help facilitate the use of renewables on the grid and underpin efficient use of fossil fuel facilities.
Research figures produced by Coolpower estimate that the EMMA technology could reduce the cost of supply of electricity by between 10-15 per cent, representing savings in the UK of up to STG 1.7billion per annum.
The launch of EMMA is very timely, coming a month in advance of the FIT (Feed in Tariff) for renewables being introduced in the UK on 1st April, 2010, which is likely to see a substantial increase in the number of micro-generators to be installed across the country. Studies by DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) have indicated that demand for micro-generators may be in the region of 200,000 installations per annum up to 2030.
The EMMA units vary in price depending on volumes ordered and size of the micro-generator. The entry level unit is under STG 990 increasing to STG 4,500 for units installed with 30kW micro-generators. The company states that EMMA can be easily installed by a qualified electrician within three hours.