I first installed an induction cooktop in my home last century. I found it more convenient and flexible than gas, without the risk of an open flame or burning a substance indoors. Today, many more household appliances are going electric. But how can we ensure their availability during power outages? The concept of battery backups for computers and essential appliances is well known, but what about integrating batteries directly into the appliances themselves?
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Imagine a world where everything in your home has its own battery - your stove, washing machine, and even your refrigerator. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to a new wave of startups focused on embedding batteries into household appliances to tackle various challenges. These innovations promise to keep homes running during power outages, and strengthen the power grid.
The primary driver behind these innovations is the growing belief that electricity is the optimal way to power everything from cooking to transportation. Some argue, however, that the current infrastructure is not adequately equipped to handle this shift. The world's demand for electricity will increase significantly in the coming decades as it replaces fossil fuels, with some predictions as high as a fifty per cent increase in electricity demand in the next 15 years.
Electric induction cooktops are a prime example of this trend, replacing gas-powered ranges amid rising maintenance costs for old gas lines, health concerns from gas range emissions, and the superior performance of induction cooktops. Many regions have already banned gas ranges in new buildings. However, swapping gas for electric often requires upgrading home electrical systems, which can be costly.
This is where batteries come into play. Startups are innovating by incorporating batteries into their products. These batteries can charge continuously from a standard outlet and then provide more electricity when needed, without requiring expensive home electrical upgrades. And this isn't just to power the device if the grid is straining. These can be integrated into home electrical wiring such that electricity can be pushed back into the home or grid when needed. This means that a cooktop could charge when electricity is cheap and sell stored power back to the utility company during peak demand, not just allowing a homeowner to have consistent use of a device but also potentially earning money when selling electricity back to the grid.
These new products represent just the beginning of a larger vision. Companies have visions of a network of battery-powered appliances, including hot-water heaters, creating a resilient and efficient home energy system. While these companies are still in the early stages, their ambitions signal a significant shift in how we think about home energy.
For those who prefer not to use battery-powered gadgets, there is an expanding array of home battery backup systems. Companies are scaling up to create wall-mounted battery packs that can power entire homes. These systems can be customised, allowing homeowners to start with a single battery pack and expand as needed. Such systems offer benefits beyond backup power during blackouts; they enable homeowners to buy electricity when it's cheap and store for later use.
The success of these battery-integrated appliances and systems will depend on consumer willingness to invest in them. However, as these technologies promise not only environmental benefits but also improved performance and cost savings, they are poised to become a significant part of our energy future. By embedding batteries into everyday appliances, we are not only enhancing convenience but also creating a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure for our homes and communities.
