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
$1,309,645
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
The project has received UL 1973 certification. Battery test beds have arrived to the UCSD site and are being tested in warehouse until LRIP facility is established, which is currently what the REMS group is tasked with. MOAB enclosure arriving to UCSD site Q2, 2023. Plan to begin field testing Q3, 2023. LRIP facility begins Q 3, 2023. TAC meeting being held in Q3, 2023. Holding 1st CPR report September 2023.
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.
Project Innovation
Smartville developed and demonstrated a prototype battery energy storage system 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 energy storage system called MOAB (Modular Assembly Battery) unit 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 this grant, Smartville will seek to reduce fabrication and build costs compared to its prototype MOAB V1 design developed under EPC-19-038 and achieve the required standards certifications to offer MOAB 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 MOAB V2 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 MOAB V2 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 MOAB V2's 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 MOAB V2'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 MOAB V2's 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 MOAB V2's modular design and integration capabilities can support distributed energy resources, improving overall grid flexibility and security.
Key Project Members
Michael Ferry
Subrecipients
The Regents of the University of California, San Diego
Sunwest Engineering, Inc.
National Electric Works Incorporated
Summit Electrical, Inc.
