Electriq Power, a developer of intelligent and integrated home energy storage, management, and monitoring solutions, announced at the DISTRIBUTECH conference that it has signed an agreement for IoT solutions from Sierra Wireless, the IoT solutions provider that combines devices, network services, and software to unlock value in the connected economy.
Under the agreement, Electriq Power will integrate Sierra Wireless’s small, rugged FX30 Programmable IoT gateway with LPWA connectivity services into its PowerPod smart home battery systems. These wireless IoT solutions will provide Electriq Power with the secure, reliable and global connectivity it needs to deploy and manage intelligent energy storage applications on its PowerPods.
With these IoT applications, installers can quickly set up new PowerPods, homeowners can optimise their PowerPods to meet specific power use and backup needs, and utilities can use PowerPods for demand response and other grid services that lower their costs, increase grid stability and improve customer engagement.
“Electriq has established itself as a very high value choice based on our flexibility to deliver both retrofit and new solar installations, our PowerPod system’s well-designed look and feel, and forward-looking software applications,” said Frank Magnotti, CEO of Electriq. “We’re very pleased to team up with Sierra Wireless for secure and seamless network connectivity that simplifies the installation and use of our PowerPods for partners and customers, making these systems an even better value.”
Simplifying connectivity for intelligent energy storage
Electriq’s PowerPod functions with an Internet connection to receive software updates from Electriq’s cloud-based IT systems; to communicate with the company’s mobile and web apps for energy monitoring and management; and to connect to partner utilities’ IT systems, making a simple, reliable connection essential for premium performance.
Sierra Wireless FX30 IoT gateway and its connectivity services use cellular LPWA networks to connect the PowerPods to these IT systems and apps, avoiding the need to set up a less dependable Wi-Fi connection or a difficult-to-install Ethernet connection. In addition, LPWA provides better connectivity than other cellular technologies in buildings and underground spaces, where many PowerPods are installed.
By utilising Sierra Wireless’s IoT solutions, PowerPod installers no longer need to connect to the customer’s home internet via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, making PowerPod installation easier and more efficient. Homeowners’ connectivity is also simplified, as they no longer have to worry about a lost Wi-Fi connection or disconnected cable preventing them from monitoring or managing their PowerPod.
Using Sierra Wireless’s connectivity services also provides utilities with the secure, reliable connectivity they need to offer their customers grid services with strong service level agreements, while also giving them dependable control of signal transmission to the PowerPods. This makes it easier for utilities to offer customers compelling new utility services using PowerPods, while also simplifying management and updates to these services over time.
“We are seeing a new industrial revolution take place, with the deployment of innovative IoT applications that enable consumers and businesses to monitor, control, and optimise appliances, manufacturing equipment, transportation assets, and other ‘things’ for the first time,” said Jason Krause, COO, Sierra Wireless.
“Electriq Power is at the forefront of this revolution, with intelligent IoT applications that change the way that installers, homeowners, and utilities use home battery systems. By simplifying the connectivity these IoT applications depend on, our wireless IoT solutions will help Electriq Power’s partners and customers realise even more value from their PowerPods and enable Electriq Power itself to invest more time and resources into developing its next energy storage innovation.”
The Electriq PowerPod system typically includes an 11 kWh lithium-ion battery; either a 5.5 kW hybrid DC-coupled or AC-coupled inverter; the Electriq View (Electriq’s Energy Monitoring Platform); and a 10-year warranty with daily cycling of the battery. The PowerPod is modular and expandable up to three systems with three battery packs per system, giving installers and homeowners system design flexibility, with up to 16.5 kW of power and 99 kWh of battery storage.
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