The governments and corporate giants alike are investing billions of dollars in smart grid power distribution systems. But problems relating to the “power-gap” continue to hinder these initiatives. Neah Power Systems, Inc., or “NPWZ,” a company that has been developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military and for portable electronic devices has come up with a solution for addressing the shortcomings of the power-gap.

 

Power-gap is a term commonly used to explain the difference in power generation and power storage in the background of power needs. The power-gap can seriously affect the quality of life where lifestyle is dependent on portable power, especially during the times of emergencies. It is the factor of Power-gap that prevents consumers from experiencing smooth and quality energy use. The Power-gap needs to be addressed because during the times of emergency such as natural disaster, the lack of power can cause serious inconveniences and it can even become life threatening for the people caught into an accident.

 

The problem of power-gap persists especially when we tend to under-utilize Earth's renewable energy sources. Neah Power relies on these renewable energy sources to offer energy generation and storage solution.

“The power-gap becomes more pronounced by the under-utilization of Earth's renewable energy sources. Neah Power as part of the smart grid, can provide renewable power generation for consumers, industrial and military applications, as well as storage opportunities for renewable energy generation,” said Chris D'Couto, Neah CEO. “This will allow 24/7 off-the-grid power for cell phones and consumer electronics, solutions from less than 5W to greater than 10 kW, extended off-the-grid power using renewable energy solutions, and off-the-grid air conditioning and heating solutions.”

 

Neah’s long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions have made a serious progress over Lithium-ion battery technology. While weight, recharge times, safety and disposal issues still present challenges to Li-ion battery technology, Neah's Si-electrode based fuel cell comes with the promise of superior performance and better convenience.

“Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology has made significant progress; however weight, recharge times, safety and disposal issues still present challenges in addressing the Power-gap dilemma.  For example, Li-ion batteries require a charger, as well as access to a fixed electrical grid for use. Neah's award-winning, patented porous Si-electrode based fuel cell has superior performance, as compared to the incumbent Proton Exchange Membrane technology, in the following areas: greater than 2X (News - Alert) higher power density than PEM, ours can operate with and without air (PEM requires air for operation), Neah's fuel cell uses outsourced manufacturing facilities for fast, cost--effective ramp, and we employ computer chip manufacturing for a much lower cost product,” D'Couto said while comparing Neah power solution with other available technologies.

 

With Asian countries perusing smart grid projects more aggressively than any other region in the world, Neah Power Systems is scaling markets in Asian countries. “Asia offers huge growth opportunities in smart grids given increased spending in the sector. It is forecast that companies will benefit from the transformation of the region's grid infrastructure and will see opportunities from the building of the ultra high-voltage grid down to the development of meters and software. Neah is enthused to participate and enable that transformation,” D'Couto added.