Yeah, get power utilities to upgrade local networks so that DNO don't fill their pants at the thought that uk homeowners might want to alleviate system stress by upping the size & using less line power overall.
Laws sink into the past without much change, if we compared and limited EV range & battery cap to how it was 11 years ago then there'd be understandable outrage.
But until this shi++y govt fixes things like new builds having decent solar orientation & panels installed from the outset, then we are stuffed.
A storage "competition" is about what i'd expect from government to appear as if they are doing something when in fact they are not.
But in reality & on topic. A bolt on insulated, vermin proofed, aerated " energy shed" energy server with connections for straight forward rack battery storage, & a firebreak, & a keycode for the fire brigade*
However if its illegal to fit a bike shed then these are doomed.
*Not my fear, but that of the public, insurance houses, govt etc.
Re: Storage ideas
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:22 pm
by Joeboy
I would love to make an IP rated small scale PV array running to a battery pack which could be plugged into a home 3 pin plug and push out at 240.5Vac until depleted. Plug it into any ring main and it would supply at sub 16 amp until done.
Re: Storage ideas
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:49 pm
by Stinsy
You’re not allowed to connect a power source to the grid via a 13A plug.
551.7.2(ii): “The Microgenerator (solar panels) must not be connected to the final circuit by means of a Plug and Socket”
Re: Storage ideas
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:55 pm
by Stinsy
I really liked a system I saw a few years ago that involved a crane stacking and un-stacking concrete blocks. It was reportedly very efficient and boasted zero self-discharge rate. The biggest problem was the cost and embedded carbon in the concrete.
I wonder what came of it?
Re: Storage ideas
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 5:21 pm
by nowty
Stinsy wrote: ↑Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:55 pm
I really liked a system I saw a few years ago that involved a crane stacking and un-stacking concrete blocks. It was reportedly very efficient and boasted zero self-discharge rate. The biggest problem was the cost and embedded carbon in the concrete.
Stinsy wrote: ↑Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:49 pm
You’re not allowed to connect a power source to the grid via a 13A plug.
551.7.2(ii): “The Microgenerator (solar panels) must not be connected to the final circuit by means of a Plug and Socket”
Spoilsports, they've anticipated an idiot like me! I'd still like to do it...
Its legal in some other European countries but probably limited to small amounts of power. I remember the Mastervolt Soladin 600w inverter came with a two pin euro plug on the end to plug directly into the mains. In the UK you had to cut it off.
I like the crane raising and lowering blocks, but I also liked the reinforced concrete spheres on the sea-bed where you pump water in to compress the air in it, then let the water out through the pump to generate when needed. Electo-mechanical is so much more attractive (and maybe less explosive) than huge banks of batteries... Maybe less polluting too (and provides heavy industry construction jobs, plus a few more for maintainance fitters.)
A
Re: Storage ideas
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 8:55 pm
by Stan
I think Thunderfoot had a field day with the crane; something about wind.