Melbourne-based company Relectrify has received $25 million to fast-track its AC1 BESS (battery energy storage system) – considered a first-of-its-kind solution.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is backing the concept, which can generate grid-ready AC (alternating current) power directly from battery cells without the need of an inverter. Conventional batteries have yet to achieve this.
The AC1 battery is projected to deliver 20 per cent more energy across its lifetime compared with standard batteries. This reduces battery degradation and could help deliver more affordable energy.
Up to 100MWh of AC1 systems will be deployed into commercial, industrial and small front-of-meter markets, with performance data to be shared, supporting a knowledge-sharing program for the broader energy sector.
“Home-grown battery innovation like this keeps Australia at the cutting edge of clean-energy technology and helps drive down costs for consumers,” Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said.
“Through ARENA, we’re backing Australian companies that take ideas from the lab to the market – building jobs, capability and global leadership in renewable energy.”
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said Australian ingenuity was driving new renewable-energy industries.
“By supporting companies like Relectrify, we’re building sovereign capability and helping home-grown innovation succeed on the world stage,” he said.
Through the Industry Growth Program, the Federal Government has also committed $2.9 million to support Relectrify and its CellSwitch technology, which uses circuit boards containing electronic switches that control each individual cell or series. This draws more energy from stronger cells and extends battery life by ensuring uniform degradation.
The Industry Growth Program is support CellSwitch to be ready for us in heavy duty e-mobility applications such as electric trucks, buses and mining vehicles.
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