Dutch energy company ESS4U is making significant strides in the energy sector with the introduction of its innovative product, the Qurmit home battery.
Utilizing advanced lead-acid technology, the Qurmit battery is designed to prioritize safety and reliability, offering a compelling alternative to the widely used lithium-ion batteries. What's more, it's 100% fireproof.
A Collaborative Innovation in Energy Storage
ESS4U is making a big difference in the tech sector with Qurmit, a battery that boasts gel lead-acid implementation and can withstand extreme conditions. (Photo : ESS4U)
The Qurmit home battery is a gel lead-acid battery developed in partnership with VDL Groep, a prominent Dutch manufacturer known for its engineering expertise.
ESS4U's Managing Director, Dop Brzesowsky, highlights the company's extensive experience with gel technology, particularly in large-scale industrial off-grid solar projects. This experience has culminated in the development of the Qurmit, a battery that may not match the energy density of lithium-ion counterparts but offers several distinct advantages.
One of the most significant features of the Qurmit home battery is its fireproof design.
In light of recent incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to house fires and other safety hazards, the Qurmit's fire-resistant properties offer a much-needed sense of security.
"ESS4U has been using gel battery cells for over 20 years. These battery cells are the only ones that are not flammable and therefore the Qurmit is 100% fireproof," the company says.
Interesting Engineering exemplifies some instances where fireproof batteries are needed rather than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
For instance, a house in Oklahoma recently caught fire due to a pet dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery-powered phone charger. Additionally, reports from Australia indicate that over 10,000 fires annually in waste management trucks are caused by lithium-ion batteries. These safety concerns have driven demand for safer battery options, positioning the Qurmit as a leading contender in the market.
Versatility and Longevity: Built for Extreme Conditions
The Qurmit battery is not only safe but also highly versatile. It can operate in extreme temperatures, functioning reliably in environments as cold as -40ºC (-40ºF) and as hot as 55ºC (131ºF). This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
As Netherlands-based magazine Solar Magazine features in its latest report, Qurmit boasts a storage capacity of 17.6 kWh, which is sufficient to power a typical household for several hours to an entire day, depending on usage patterns. With a discharge rate of 2.4 kW, it efficiently powers everyday home appliances, and its 2 kW charging capability ensures quick recharges, whether from solar panels or the grid.
Moreover, the Qurmit battery's longevity sets it apart from lithium-ion alternatives. According to ESS4U, their "Booster" technology extends the gel battery's lifespan to an impressive 20 years, far surpassing the typical lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the Qurmit is designed with sustainability in mind, being 95% recyclable and constructed from 50% recycled materials.
Qurmit Battery Still Faces Several Setbacks
Despite its many advantages, the Qurmit home battery does come with some considerations. Weighing in at 550 kg, it is significantly heavier than its lithium-ion competitors, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3, which weighs just 130 kg for a similar energy storage capacity. This substantial weight could pose challenges during installation, particularly in homes with limited space.
Looking ahead, ESS4U has ambitious plans for the Qurmit beyond residential use. The company is developing a larger version of the system for commercial and industrial applications, with a massive 740 kWh storage capacity.
While the Qurmit is currently available only through installers in the Netherlands, its safety features and local production could drive demand in other markets as awareness grows.
