Zero emission battery generators from APKI are set to support SP Energy Networks & Northern Powergrid’s customers during power outages.
The Challenge
The call for innovation challenged innovators to find a clean way to ensure continued power to vulnerable customers during planned and unplanned power outages. The solution needed to be safe to use indoors, with the ability to power sensitive, lifesaving medical equipment and general welfare appliances.
During power supply interruptions, distribution network operators (DNOs) frequently use transportable generators to provide a temporary power supply to their customers, particularly those who rely on an electrical power supply for medical equipment like dialysis machines and stair lifts.
However, these generators have disadvantages, such as:
1. High levels of noise and air pollution
2. They require a constant supply of petrol or diesel, which poses problems for vulnerable customers when generators require refuelling
3. The potential risks when refuelling, such as fire caused by petrol and slippage from diesel.
What Happened?
The Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) launched a call for innovation in 2021 on behalf of network partners, to identify sustainable suitcase-size generators which could supply vulnerable customers with temporary power during outages.
APKI presented their zero emission battery generator to DNOs at a presentation day hosted by the EIC.
Extensive trials were conducted with four DNOs between September 2022 and August 2023. Following these successful trials, two DNOs chose to progress with the APKI solution, with the generators being deployed by SP Energy Networks.
Solutions and Results
Following the call for innovation, APKI’s suitcase generators underwent extensive field testing by four of the six DNOs in the UK, with further testing carried out at medical centres on all equipment typically used in a home setting.
These successful field trials meant Northern Powergrid and SP Energy Networks have chose to deploy them and the units are being used to support vulnerable customers.
What’s Next?
APKI are supplying in volume to Northern Powergrid and SP Energy Networks, as well as being in contact with UK Power Networks and Scottish & Southern Energy Networks regarding procurement.
APKI are continuing to develop a larger capacity battery generator, which could potentially provide full restoration of power to a customer’s property.
The APKI battery marks the beginning of a new way of caring for our customers during a power cut, so they can continue to use crucial medical appliances. We’re doing all we can to ensure our customers, especially those with additional needs, have an extra layer of support. Our Priority Services Membership (PSM) is offered to customers with children under the age of five, a disability or a health condition, which means they get personal updates during outages as well as visits if required. These will form part of our approach to assisting our Priority Services Members, and we’re hoping that they will be rolled out in higher quantities. This is just one of the things we do, as the people who manage the electricity network for 8m customers, to be there for those who need it most. We look forward to continuing to pave the way for innovation across the grid and ensuring our infrastructure works for all.
Programme Manager, Northern Powergrid Muhammad Mubashir