Power crisis: Eaton to introduce energy storage inverters

As a means of aggregating and redistributing energy to where it is needed most, Eaton International Industries Nigeria Limited, has concluded plans to introduce energy storage inverters that will absorb idle energy for further distribution.

Called the X-Storage technology, the inverter is based on lutetium battery, a second generation set used in electric cars, which optimises energy from multiple sources like the grid, generating sets, or solar.

The product is particularly noveau, in view of Nigeria’s peculiar power situation in which estimated 40 per cent is lost to technical glitches. Speaking more about the product with The Guardian on Tuesday, in Lagos, the Managing Director, Eaton Electronic (S.A.) Pty. Ltd., Seydou Kane, explained that the product, is one of its power solutions for Nigeria.

He said: “Our solution is to match need with competitive products in line with international standards aimed at maintaining safety and efficiency of the system.”The X-Storage which will be ready for purchase from the shelves in September, is a hybrid battery management system that determines which source of energy to pick from and which to distribute when idle.

Kane, who is responsible for leading Eaton’s Electrical Sector team throughout Africa, and driving its ambitious growth strategy in Nigeria, insisted that despite the tough time, the power solutions company is committed to adding value to the nation’s power sector, particularly along the line of distribution.

He noted that Nigeria’s energy problem is a mix that requires a lot of solutions to fill the gaps. To this end, Eaton’s Sales Director, Africa, Malvin Naicker, clarified that the company is adopting a segmented approach to its solutions for the Nigerian market in view of scarce resources. “We picked key segments in key areas of the energy value chain that will present the best value for the people,” he added.

He told The Guardian that the new energy storage technology will provide solution for off-grid and micro-grid system, which looks to how speed up power supply to those in the rural areas. “We engage partners to bring in different models based on usage,” he added

With regard to its operations, since opening shop in Nigeria, Eaton’s Product Manager, Oluwatosin Omodayo, said the company has recorded appreciable successes in the areas of power distribution components, data centres and IT Channels, fire and safety, cooling devices and other power management related solutions.

Meanwhile, Kane disclose that Eaton is still in talks with the regulatory authorities for the energy storage inverters, while also discussing with the distribution companies on aggregation with a view to determining what capacities to deploy.

Eaton is a power management company that provides energy-efficient solutions that helps its customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably.