Advancements in Data Aggregation and Data Analysis for Mini-grids
Through 2020 and 2021, Ferntech Gmbh, Odyssey Energy Solutions and Nayo Tropical Technology (NTT) collaborated on a research project, with funding from the Shell Foundation, to better understand the performance of different battery chemistries used in mini-grids. This presentation is a focused case study on two of the systems, Kilankwa 1 and Kilankwa 2.
For this project, NTT designed, constructed and is now actively operating both mini-grids. Ferntech is providing data aggregation services of the main electrical equipment, such as the solar inverters and battery inverters. Additionally, Ferntech assisted in the design and selection of additional sensors which are enhancing NTT's ability to operate the systems. This included the selection of a battery monitoring system that could monitor cell-level values as well as a shift from traditional GSM monitoring to a more reliable satellite-based internet connection. From the enhanced data that was collected from the two mini-grids, Odyssey was able to improve NTT's reporting processes.
Key Takeaways:
- Benefits of cell level monitoring for lead acid batteries
- Comparison of GSM and satellite communications for monitoring mini-grids
- Advantages of enhancing mini-grids with additional sensors (e.g. solar irradiance sensors)
Emily McAteer
CEO and Co-Founder
Odyssey Energy Solutions
Emily is the CEO and co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, a global platform to simplify, streamline, and reduce the costs of developing and financing mini-grids around the world. Prior to Odyssey, Emily was Chief Revenue Officer of Frontier Power, a SunEdison subsidiary developing solar microgrids in India and Africa. Emily also worked in advanced energy management at EnerNOC and Yahoo, developed climate investment solutions at RiskMetrics Group, and received a Fulbright Fellowship to address off-grid solar lighting solutions in rural India. Emily holds a BA from Brown University, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
CEO and Co-Founder
Odyssey Energy Solutions
Emily is the CEO and co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, a global platform to simplify, streamline, and reduce the costs of developing and financing mini-grids around the world. Prior to Odyssey, Emily was Chief Revenue Officer of Frontier Power, a SunEdison subsidiary developing solar microgrids in India and Africa. Emily also worked in advanced energy management at EnerNOC and Yahoo, developed climate investment solutions at RiskMetrics Group, and received a Fulbright Fellowship to address off-grid solar lighting solutions in rural India. Emily holds a BA from Brown University, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Patrick Cousins
CEO and Co-Founder
Ferntech GmbH
Patrick Cousins completed his first complex off-grid project in 1997 when he built a 15-meter sailboat equipped with solar panels and a wind turbine. After returning to Germany he continued to follow his fascination for renewable energy and power systems by working in technical sales and management for various businesses in the industry. He started his own company for the design and installation of PV systems (off-grid and on-grid) which further deepened his understanding of the electro-technical principles and practices - especially in off-grid systems.
He was also the sales manager at Autarctech GmbH, a German manufacturer of Li-ion battery management systems, providing him with cutting-edge knowledge on the current development of batteries and their capabilities. Finally, all these experiences lead him to become co-founder and CEO at Ferntech GmbH: A start-up providing remote monitoring and control for all types of off-grid power systems.
CEO and Co-Founder
Ferntech GmbH
Patrick Cousins completed his first complex off-grid project in 1997 when he built a 15-meter sailboat equipped with solar panels and a wind turbine. After returning to Germany he continued to follow his fascination for renewable energy and power systems by working in technical sales and management for various businesses in the industry. He started his own company for the design and installation of PV systems (off-grid and on-grid) which further deepened his understanding of the electro-technical principles and practices - especially in off-grid systems.
He was also the sales manager at Autarctech GmbH, a German manufacturer of Li-ion battery management systems, providing him with cutting-edge knowledge on the current development of batteries and their capabilities. Finally, all these experiences lead him to become co-founder and CEO at Ferntech GmbH: A start-up providing remote monitoring and control for all types of off-grid power systems.