Accelerate Development of SmartvilleSecond-Life Battery Repurposing Platform
Low-Cost and Easy-to-Integrate Second-Life EV Battery HUB
Smartville, Inc.
Recipient
Carlsbad, CA
Recipient Location
36th
Senate District
76th
Assembly District
$1,790,930
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
Smartville’s goal is to build sustainable and scalable electric vehicle battery repurposing platform. Smartville has completed an Energy Storage System (ESS) with updated system design and components through agreement EPC-19-038, which also allowed Smartville's pilot demonstration installation in 2022 and built its headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. Currently, through EPC-22-003, Smartville is working on improvements and iterations of a new ESS that will allow to reduce fabrication and build cost and achieve the required standard certifications for market sale. A demonstration site of the upgraded system is in the process of being retrofitted for the new enclosure to be ready for installation in Q1 of 2024. Smartville has also made great strides in outfitting our company HQ to build out our Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) facility for production of the newly named Smartville 360 ESS.
The Issue
As California approaches its goal of 5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030 (Brown, Executive Order B-48-18), there is an increasing need to find alternative applications for the vehicle batteries after they have reached the end-of-life in the vehicle application. However, the cost-effectiveness of reusing second-life EV batteries is hindered by lengthy and costly processes of logistics and repurposing, compromised system performance, and long-term safety and reliability concerns. Therefore, Smartville looks at resolving this issue by developing an Energy Storage System (ESS) to empower stationary energy in California and globally by repurposing second-life EV batteries and making the process affordable and fast.
Project Innovation
Smartville developed and demonstrated a prototype battery Energy Storage System (ESS) that addressed many of the challenges associated with repurposing EV batteries for stationary grid storage, including the mitigation of battery imbalances inherent to used lithium-ion batteries as well as the low-cost integration of batteries with multiple form factors and electrical and thermal characteristics.
Smartville’s solution centers on its battery ESS called the Smartville 360 that includes vertically-integrated designs and components for communication and power control interfaces, DC-switching and pre-charge controls, isolation and common mode current protections, and thermal and environmental controls. Under grant EPC 22-003, Smartville will seek to reduce fabrication and build costs compared to its prototype Modular Assembly Battery (MOAB) V1 design developed under EPC-19-038 and achieve the required standards certifications to offer Smartville 360 as a competitive product in the California market under relevant jurisdictional permitting and financial sectors.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
Consumer Appeal
The project aims to develop a low-cost and reliable battery energy storage system that utilizes repurposed EV batteries, which can make the cost of energy storage more affordable and attractive for consumers. The Smartville 360 also provides a modular design that can be integrated with multiple form factors, making it more versatile for different use cases.
Economic Development
By utilizing repurposed EV batteries, the project can help lower the cost of energy storage, which can encourage wider adoption of renewable energy sources and support the growth of the clean energy industry. Additionally, establishing an initial LRIP facility and process for the Smartville 360 can create jobs and economic opportunities in California.
Environmental Sustainability
By extending the life of retired EV batteries, the project can reduce waste and mitigate environmental impacts associated with battery disposal. Additionally, by supporting the growth of renewable energy sources, the project can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which can help improve air quality and public health.
Equity
By developing a low-cost and reliable energy storage system, the project can help address energy affordability and access issues faced by low-income and disadvantaged communities. The Smartville 360 modular design and ability to utilize repurposed batteries can also provide more equitable access to energy storage resources.
Reliability
By developing a low-cost and reliable energy storage system, the project can help address energy affordability and access issues faced by low-income and disadvantaged communities. The Smartville 360's modular design and ability to utilize repurposed batteries can also provide more equitable access to energy storage resources.
Safety
The project's focus on repurposing EV batteries can reduce the risk of unsafe battery disposal and mitigate environmental and health hazards associated with battery waste. Additionally, the Smartville 360 battery control algorithms and protections can improve battery safety and performance.
Energy Security
The project's use of repurposed EV batteries and low-cost energy storage solutions can help improve grid resiliency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security. Additionally, the Smartville 360's modular design and integration capabilities can support distributed energy resources, improving overall grid flexibility and security.
Key Project Members
Stephanie Aretz
Antoni Tong
Jake Ohlendorf
Subrecipients
The Regents of the University of California, on behalf of the San Diego campus
Sunwest Engineering, Inc.
National Electric Works Incorporated
Summit Electrical, Inc.
