Dutch energy company ESS4U has made significant progress in the energy sector with the launch of the innovative Qurmit home battery.
Qurmit batteries use advanced lead-acid technology and are designed with safety and reliability as a top priority, providing an attractive alternative to commonly used lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, it is 100% fireproof.
The Qurmit home battery is a gel lead acid battery developed in collaboration with VDL Groep, a renowned Dutch manufacturer known for its engineering expertise.
ESS4U Managing Director Dop Brzesowski highlighted the company’s extensive experience in gel technology, particularly in large-scale industrial off-grid solar projects. This experience ultimately led to the development of Qurmit, a battery that may not have the same energy density as lithium-ion batteries, but has a number of unique advantages.
In light of recent incidents involving lithium-ion batteries that have involved home fires and other safety hazards, Kurmit’s fire-resistant properties provide a much-needed sense of security.
“ESS4U has been using gel batteries for over 20 years. These batteries are the only non-flammable batteries, making Qurmit 100% fireproof,” the company said.
Interesting engineering examples illustrate situations where fire-resistant batteries are needed instead of traditional lithium-ion batteries.
For example, a house in Oklahoma recently caught fire after the family dog chewed on a lithium-ion cell phone charger. In addition, reports in Australia indicate that more than 10,000 fires in refuse collection vehicles are caused by lithium-ion batteries each year. These safety concerns are driving demand for safer battery options, making Qurmit a leading competitor in the market.
Qurmit batteries are not only safe, but also versatile. It can handle extreme temperatures, operating reliably from -40°C (-40°F) to 55°C (131°F). This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
As Dutch Solar Magazine explains in its latest report, Qurmit has a battery capacity of 17.6 kWh, which is enough to power a typical home for a few hours to a full day, depending on usage. The 2.4kW discharge rate allows you to efficiently power everyday household appliances, while the 2kW charging capability allows for fast charging via both solar panels and the grid.
Additionally, the durability of Qurmit batteries sets them apart from lithium-ion batteries. According to ESS4U, their Booster technology extends the lifespan of gel batteries to an impressive 20 years, significantly longer than the typical lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Qurmit is designed with sustainability in mind, is 95% recyclable and made from 50% recycled materials.
While the Qurmit home battery has many benefits, it also has some factors to consider. At 550kg, it is significantly heavier than its lithium-ion battery-powered competitors, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3, which weighs just 130kg with similar energy storage capacity. This significant weight can make installation difficult, especially in homes with limited space.
Looking to the future, ESS4U has ambitious plans to use Kurmita beyond residential premises. The company is developing a larger version of the system for commercial and industrial applications with a huge storage capacity of 740 kWh.
Although Qurmit is currently only available through installers in the Netherlands, its safety features and local production could drive demand in other markets as awareness grows.
Post time: Sep-05-2024