[RE-wrenches] Low voltage DC v. higher voltage DC

[Jay]

Hi all

What is the news on the skybox?  

Last I checked it was still MIA

Jay



> On Sep 25, 2018, at 9:13 AM, Jeff Clearwater <jeffc at villagepowerdesign.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Dave and All. 
> 
> Reasons for HV batteries off grid? 
> 
> 1) Smaller cable size (I just did an 18 Kw off grid with 4 SIs and the cable costs alone were in the order of $400) and increased flexibility locating batteries and inverter.  10 AWG plug and play. 
> 
> 2) Higher efficiencies.  Easy integration on the DC bus.
> 
> 3) Integration with GTBB battery tech and systems. Why have two standards and two sets of equipment?  The line between Off Grid and GTBB will blur as more GT customers want more storage and more Off-grid customers want the option of grid hookup at some point.   For developing countries as off grid micro grids grow they can merge. 
> 
> 4). Integration with Electric Vehicles as  storage for either GTBB or Off-Grid - can integrate on the DC bus seamlessly.
> 
> These are the reasons that seem obvious to me. I’d be surprised if the manufacturers are not thinking this way. Though you may be right as I was surprised that Outback went 48V with the Skybox. And it’s been a hard sell to get SMA to support US off-grid. If the equipment could do both seamlessly they would have more market. 
> 
> And High Voltage safety is not really an issue with proper (standard electrician) training and as the only electrician or customer interface is a plug or set of small non-energized terminals. Having high voltage DC in you car is more dangerous. House fires are caused by amperage leaks (much higher in Low V) (and shorted PB-acid) way more than voltage leaks. 
> 
> I’m off to SPI. I’ll ask them . . From what I understand Pika is heading that direction.  I imagine Powerwall too if they ever decide to support off-grid. 
> 
> Best
> 
> Jeff
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