Cornwall-based company Wattstor has launched the IMP (Intelligent Management of Power), a new product that is able to control when and where energy is used in order to maximise the amount of power generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind.
The IMP turns on equipment whenever electricity is free or inexpensive and reduces the export of electricity back to the grid — guiding surplus power into necessary equipment such as refrigeration or heating before directing it into battery pack energy storage that will be used on site.
Both Wattstor’s battery storage systems and IMP have passed all necessary regulatory tests and are ready to hit the market. Western Power Distribution has already given consent to the IMP to be installed without additional witness testing.
Mark Smith, managing director at Wattstor, said: “The aim of the IMP … is to maximise the consumption of clean, safe and free renewable energy generated on site. It acts like the conductor of an orchestra, deciding what plays and when. It directs power into the electrical equipment a home or business considers most critical and charges the batteries so, even in a power cut, there’s power available. It even keeps your renewables running during power cuts.
Smith added: “At a time when many renewable energy projects can’t connect to the grid, we know the IMP can make a real difference. The IMP can enable these projects to connect and progress, whilst making sure all of the energy generated is used locally and beneficially rather than wasted. We’ve installed the device at a number of sites in Cornwall including the multi-award winning eco-site, Bosinver Farm Cottages. We are now ramping up sales and distribution nationwide.”