Leveraging AC-Coupled Batteries to Enhance Home Energy Management and Storage Systems

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The average home energy management and storage system involves a high level of complexity, especially when it must accommodate the storage and use of solar energy. To reduce the complexity and costs associated with installing and maintaining a system, FranklinWH designed the aPower 2 home battery, setting a new standard for AC-coupled energy management and storage solutions.

“The aPower 2 pushes the boundaries of battery storage technology,” says Vincent Ambrose, CCO of FranklinWH. “It sets a new benchmark in home energy management, providing homeowners with the independence and sustainability they need in a world increasingly marked by energy insecurity.”

Ambrose is a leading expert on home energy management systems who has spent over two decades developing his expertise in the renewable energy and technology sectors. He is passionate about delivering innovative energy solutions that empower homeowners and businesses to be a part of the transition to clean energy that is gaining momentum around the world.

The home energy ecosystems supplied by FranklinWH provide innovative tools for integrating solar, battery, grid, generator, and EV power sources into comprehensive energy management and storage systems that provide simple and reliable power backup capabilities. The company’s systems provide homeowners with 100 percent energy independence.

“The AC-Coupled technology used in the aPower 2 is engineered to support seamless, whole-home backup,” Ambrose says. “It provides homeowners peace of mind by guaranteeing a continuous electricity supply during unexpected outages, day or night.”

The ins and outs of adding battery storage to solar energy systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems transform solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity. They then pass the energy into a solar inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity used to power standard home appliances.

Some solar systems use home batteries to store energy and enhance their effectiveness. The enhanced systems use a battery inverter to convert AC energy to DC for storage, then back to AC when needed for home energy needs. While home batteries add significant value to a solar energy system, they also introduce a higher level of complexity and additional costs for components, installation, and maintenance.

The benefits of an AC-coupled energy storage system

The FranklinWH aPower 2 reduces complexity and costs by leveraging AC-coupling. Rather than requiring a battery inverter, the AC-coupled battery includes a dedicated inverter that allows it to connect directly to the AC side of a home’s power system.

“One of the primary advantages of AC-coupling is its suitability for adding home battery storage to existing PV setups,” Ambrose explains. “An AC-coupled battery connects to the AC side of a home’s power system. It includes a dedicated inverter, which allows it to be directly charged by solar power that has already been converted from DC to AC by the existing solar inverter. As a result, it avoids significant modifications to the current infrastructure during system installation and the costs associated with those modifications.”

The aPower 2’s AC-coupling feature also makes it more flexible and adaptable. Unlike batteries that require an inverter, the aPower 2 is compatible with a broader range of solar inverters. As systems are upgraded and expanded, the aPower 2’s adaptability allows components to be mixed and matched without compatibility concerns.

“AC-coupled batteries also facilitate more flexible system designs because they experience less voltage drop over distance than DC-powered batteries,” says Ambrose. “They can be installed at a considerable distance from solar panels, making it easier for homeowners to get the design they want while maintaining maximum performance.”

The innovative design of the FranklinWH aPower 2 battery

Safety, reliability, and scalability are all engineered into the aPower 2 battery. The following are some of the key features that make it a stand-out option in the home battery market:

  • Leading-edge power capacity:

Offers a 15 kWh capacity per unit and 10 kW continuous power, providing the ability to power an entire home.

  • Industry-leading warranty:

Comes with a 15-year warranty, which is 50 percent longer than the industry standard.

  • Exceptional safety:

Utilizes LFP battery cells, which leverage exceptionally stable chemistry to reduce risks of overheating.

  • Maximum compatibility:

Streamlines system setup for retrofit or new installation by providing a battery solution that is agnostic to all solar inverter brands.

  • Unrivaled scalability:

Facilitates the stacking of up to 15 units with each FranklinWH aGate intelligent energy management controller, which allows for a total of 225 kWh storage capacity.

  • Innovative thermal management technology:

Eliminates the risk of system failure by integrating a fanless natural cooling system that improves heat dissipation, reduces noise, and provides internal heating for more reliable cold-weather performance.

The FranklinWH aPower 2 is the solution for those seeking a home energy management and storage system that provides exceptional reliability, efficiency, and cost savings. Its innovative design makes it easy for homeowners to take control of their energy future with safe and sustainable power that is available at any time.

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