Dutch company ESS4U is making waves in the energy sector with its new product. The company has launched the Qurmit home battery, which uses lead-acid technology, which is known for its safety and reliability.
The Qurmit is a gel lead-acid battery developed in collaboration with VDL Groep, a well-known Dutch manufacturer.
“We have many years of experience in using gel technology for large industrial off-grid solar energy projects,” stated Dop Brzesowsky, Managing Director at ESS4U.
While these batteries are not as energy-dense as the popular lithium-ion options, they offer some major advantages.
Fireproof design for safety first
The Qurmit system is claimed to be fireproof, which means there is no risk of the batteries catching fire.
“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,” says the company.
It becomes highly significant considering the current global scenarios where several fire incidents have occurred due to lithium-ion batteries.
For instance, just recently, a house in Oklahoma caught fire after a pet dog chewed a lithium-ion battery-powered phone charger.
Earlier, a report had highlighted that waste management trucks witnessed more than 10,000 fires a year caused by lithium-ion batteries in Australia.
Therefore, the demand for safer batteries has shot up exponentially, and Qurmit seems to be in a leading position.
Versatility and long lifespan
The Qurmit system is versatile and can be used in extreme temperatures as well.
“The Qurmit can be placed both indoors and outdoors. When it freezes, the Qurmit will continue to work down to -40ºC (-40ºF). Even during a hot summer, the Qurmit will continue to work, up to 55ºC (131ºF)!” ESS4U claims.
The Qurmit can store 17.6 kWh of power, which can keep a typical household running for several hours to a full day, depending on usage.
With a discharge rate of 2.4 kW, it can handle everyday home appliances with ease, and it charges at 2 kW, allowing for quick recharges via solar panels or the grid.
The battery’s longevity is another big plus, greatly surpassing the typical lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. “ESS4U Booster makes the gel battery cell last 20 years,” emphasized the energy firm.
Moreover, it is touted to be the “only home battery that is now 95% recyclable” and “is made from 50% recycled material.”
Considerations and future potential
However, the battery’s weight can be a concerning factor for many. At 550 kg, it’s quite a bit heavier than its lithium-ion competition, like the Tesla Powerwall 3, which weighs only 130 kg for similar energy storage.
This might make its installation tricky, especially in homes with limited space.
Interestingly, ESS4U aims beyond just home use . They’re planning a larger system for big commercial and industrial setups, offering 740 kWh of storage.
Currently, installers offering the Qurmit home battery are located exclusively in the Netherlands. But as more people learn about the Qurmit and its benefits, it could take off in other markets, especially where safety and local production are important.
That said, the launch of the Qurmit could be considered a major development in the home energy storage arena. It aims to offer a safer and more sustainable energy storage option than lithium-ion batteries.
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