Quality Essential Distribution launched a new energy system called Energy Vault (EV) at the Energy 2017 event in October. The unit has the ability to charge, store and distribute continuous electricity for businesses. We look at its role in the security sector
EV is a battery storage system that charges, stores and distributes electricity over PoE. The system reduces electricity consumption up to 100% when used with solar or renewables; and up to 66% against other storage systems. The product enables the flexibility of PoE distribution for both PoE devices and everyday electronic devices such as tills, credit card machines, lighting, PCs and CCTV equipment; any items powered by a DC supply.
The launch of the new power storage unit sparked the interest of Ribble Valley MP, Nigel Evans when he hosted his 26th Annual Summer Surgery, in which QED attended. The company discussed the power storage device leading the MP to show enthusiasm towards its potential.
Whilst outlining the importance of making the UK a world leader in battery technology, Nigel Evans stated that “the role of batteries in a low-carbon economy is absolutely imperative, whether it be in the use of automobiles, household electronics or on an industrial scale.”
PSI spoke with Matt Philp (QED Product Development Director), to take a look at EV and the idea behind its development:
Is the security industry energy-conscious? Is it still high on the agenda?
If we’re going to be totally honest, then no. Realistically, there never has been a real drive or desire for there to be. In the scale of a business’s total electrical consumption, a CCTV system’s total usage per unit is relatively low. Static PoE cameras can run from as little as 5 watts in some cases and even fully functional domes are now able to be supplied over PoE+ (max 30 watts). To date, the average business will be able to see much bigger and quicker savings by changing from Halogen to LED floodlights and by upgrading office lighting with the introduction of better building management.
In 2017 and the future, this mantra is becoming obsolete with energy preservation becoming more important and expensive. The fact that a CCTV system has relatively low consumption is outweighed by the fact it operates 24/7. The overall cost of the electricity used on larger systems soon adds up to thousands when you consider all the elements required: CCTV, cameras, monitors, NVRs, switches, routers, detection equipment and related items such as access control, PCs, and alarms – everything soon adds up. Businesses are actively looking for ways to reduce the consumption and the total cost of ownership. The cost of electricity will continue to rise in the future as demand outstrips the ability to supply.
How does EV work with security systems such as CCTV, alarms etc.?
The EV works instantly with any PoE device and can be easily installed into an existing IT infrastructure. The system even removes the need for PoE switches allowing the customer to buy standard switches. The fact that most electronics such as NVRs and monitors are ultimately powered by a DC supply, allows us to supply the equipment and remove the inefficiencies involved in external power supplies. The EV can supply any DC voltage across 100m of Cat5e, allowing you to take the flexibility of PoE for everyday electronics. In addition to PoE, the unit provides a DC bus line which allows direct DC power for longer distances too.
The EV offers power continuity for businesses on all DC powered electronics. Many manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to have electronics powered by 48VDC. In fact, D-Link are about to release a range of rack mount switches powered by 48VDC. The TruVision CCTV range, available through QED, supplies NVRs that can be powered directly from the EV and we have a full range of monitors that can be powered via the EV too.
Read the full Inside Story article in the November 2017 edition of PSI magazine
