Demonstration of Smart Panels paired with Portable Batteries at Multi-Family Affordable Housing Units
Project Description:
Funded by the California Energy Commission, ProspectSV, EcoFlow Technology Inc, Redwood Energy, IDeAs Consulting, DANCO Group, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are partnering to demonstrate EcoFlow’s advanced smart panel integrated with ‘plug-and-play’ batteries at two low-income multifamily housing developments owned by the Danco Group: The Courtyards at Arcata in Arcata, CA and the Willow Creek Apartments in Willow Creek, CA. This project will provide a new method to expand capacity for electrification at tenant spaces without the need for electrical service upgrades, supporting California’s decarbonization goals.
Technology Description:
EcoFlow has developed a packaged whole-home power backup solution consisting of modular plug-in batteries, smart home panels, and an integrated hybrid inverter. This package includes up to 90 kWh plug-in batteries, supporting critical circuits for up to 120 hours during a power outage. Additionally, the solution features an edge-computing gateway equipped with advanced controllers to manage battery operation, switch on/off interruptible circuit loads, and adjust thermostat-controlled HVAC loads.
Project Goals:
Demonstrate the capability of the packaged smart home panel solution to shift between 80% and 100% of peak demand
Demonstrate the capability of the hybrid control framework to optimally coordinate packaged smart home panel with plug-in BESS, and flexible loads with and without the event of communication loss with the internet
Demonstrate the decentralized controllers and flexible loads to enhance the system resilience and peak load management
Engagement:
Through ProspectSV’s outreach and education program, Pathways, this demonstration will bring resources and expertise to major industry and thought leaders including multifamily building owners, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders across the state. We will create and link resources for use by partners in their respective community and decarbonization programs as well as hold learning sessions and presentations to expand training and awareness. Through Redwood Energy and Danco Group, benefits from the demonstration will be shared to both site residents and the surrounding local communities.
Timeline:
~ 2 year project
