Stop the meters

Smarter load management for the solar generation
Coolpower Products has launched EMMA, their patented energy and micro-generator manager that maximises the value of energy generated by grid-connected micro-generators and minimises the amount and cost of energy imported from the grid.

Without EMMA a significant proportion of power generated by grid-connected micro-generators (solar PV, wind/water turbines, micro-CHP units) is exported to the grid where it is of no value to the owner. This occurs when the output from the micro-generator exceeds local demand.

EMMA prevents this loss by monitoring and comparing, in real-time, energy generation with energy consumption and directing all surplus energy to local energy storage devices such as hot water cylinders, storage heaters, heat pumps, fridges, freezers, battery banks and even electric vehicles.

EMMA also uses inputs from smart meters to track time-based electricity tariff variations and inputs from the likes of alarm systems, proximity detectors, and current sensors, to determine when rooms or whole buildings are in use. These< enable EMMA to control circuits and components intelligently and to thereby minimise total electricity consumption and optimise grid-electricity demand.

Results, according to Coolpower products' CEO Tom Bean, are immediate: "Last week, on commissioning his new EMMA-PV system, one owner was delighted when his ESB meter stopped and the solar PV system started to divert surplus power to his home's hot water and heating systems... in mid-February