MyGrid Unveils Lithium ion phosphate battery for solar home system
Oredola Adeola
Dutch startup MyGrid has developed a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4) battery storage system for solar and other renewable home solutions that runs for more than 6,000 cycles.
EnergyDay’s check showed that LiFePO4 is known as the safest, most stable, and most reliable lithium battery. It is cobalt-free, and costs less than most of its alternatives (over time). It’s not toxic and it lasts longer.
Further findings showed that the cycle life of a LiFePO4 battery is over 4x that of other lithium-ion batteries. It is also the safest lithium battery type on the market, safer than lithium-ion and other battery types.
MyGrid’s new 1.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery system is a portable home battery that uses a bidirectional charger to receive and send electricity to the grid via a wall socket.
The Energy firm said that the sleek and compact powerhouse does not only charge devices on the go but also has the unique ability to charge itself from solar panels or other renewable sources.
According to the energy startup firm, the system is mainly designed for use in rented apartments and multi-family buildings, where residents often lack the resources or space to install large home batteries.
It said, “The system can be used in combination with solar panels. It includes a bidirectional charger that stores electricity in the battery via a wall socket and sends it back to the grid via the same socket. The battery’s discharge capacity is 500 W at 230 V.
“When removed from its charger, the energy storage system becomes a power bank for off-grid applications. It includes two USB-C ports with 100 W of output and a 300 W AC socket at the front, which makes it suitable for working outdoors, tiny houses, and campsites, according to the company.
“The cylindrical device has a diameter of 20 cm and is 40 cm high. It weighs in at 12 kg. It reportedly has a lifetime of 16 years and can purportedly run for 6,000 cycles. MyGrid claims that an average family could save between €100 ($107) and €300 a year by using the battery. It is selling the system for €1,650.
“The solution includes a digital platform to manage energy savings.
“The software reportedly calculates the best time to charge and discharge the battery. While the platform still does not support integration into energy communities, the company plans to open it to partners to eventually integrate such services,” the startup firm said.
MyGrid further disclosed that it is now preparing to start the functional testing phase of the new system.
It added that commercial production of the home solution is expected to start in September 2023, with the first units set to reach the market in December 2023.