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1. What does Gaia
mean?
Gaia was the Greek goddess of the planet Earth, though the word was also used to refer simply
to the Earth. Much later, during the first large environmental movements in the 1970's, Gaia
came to be the name for a hypothesis put forth that sought to explain some of the dramatic environmental
changes being observed at the time. This 'Gaia Hypothesis' originally proposed that the planet
Earth was a single living organism and would therefore take its own corrective measures-drastic
if need be-to keep itself 'healthy'. The hypothesis was discussed and debated much and remains
still a hypothesis. To the company, Gaia simply refers to the fundamentality of power issues
in the world today.
2. What is MSPS and how does it relate to the PowerTower?
MSPS is an acronym for Modular Stationary Power System and it is the name that Gaia uses for
the core technology that the company has developed. This MSPS technology is patented and consists
of advanced power electronics, electricity storage devices, and communication modules, as well
as innovative methods for making these components work in concert. The line of energy storage
application products that the MSPS technology has spawned is known as the PowerTower line and
there are four applications: for Backup, for Demand Reduction, for Renewables, and for Utilities.
3. Oh, I get it, so the PowerTower is just a steel box with an inverter and
some batteries, right?
Well, wrong. While the PowerTower can be adequately (even, in our case, proudly) described as
'boxy', it is hardly 'just' anything. There are several attributes to the PowerTower that make
it much more than an inverter and a battery that share the same space. To start off, the entire
unit-everything inside the box and for an array of uses-is ETL listed to UL 1741. No need for
further assembly or secondary inspection. This is a result of an intentional design that makes
the PowerTower a complete system. By that, we mean that it delivers the benefit of intelligently
utilized energy storage. By analogy, it's like the difference between having an engine and a
set of wheels on one hand and a car on the other. Only with a car do you easily and comfortably
enjoy the benefits of the combustion engine and likewise, only with the PowerTower can you enjoy
easily and cost effectively the benefits of energy storage: reduced electricity bills, no-noise
and always-on backup power, efficient hybrid backup configurations (with generators, solar installations,
fuel cells, etc.). It's why we at Gaia are not in the energy storage business, we're in the energy
storage application business. We saw some problems in the world that energy storage, properly
utilized, could help solve and we've applied our expertise to the management of that energy storage
with the PowerTower as the result. It is a hardware power interface, it is an electricity communication
and control center, it is a backup system, it is truly distributed generation. It is, to put
it mildly, so much more than just a box with an inverter and a battery. Now do you get it?
4. How is the PowerTower for Backup different from a UPS system?
Well, to start, where UPS companies seek to address the specific backup needs that come with
having important information and functions on computers, Gaia seeks to address the power needs
for ALL functions within a house or business (of course, this can include computing systems,
but it is not the focus). Its intended use is for a diverse set of backup power needs and as
a result, the PowerTower has been designed with multiple DC and AC inputs to work with generators,
solar installations, fuel cells and other power sources directly out of the box. Furthermore,
and related to this, is the duration of backup provided. Where UPS systems generally seek to
provide from seconds to minutes of backup power, Gaia's PowerTower provides from hours to days.
5. I have a UPS for backup. Why would I need a PowerTower?
UPSs, while very good for backing up sensitive electrical systems for short periods of time (seconds
to minutes), don't have the energy storage to give you the duration of backup power that the
PowerTower can (hours to days). Furthermore, the PowerTower comes ready to handle other power
sources and inputs straight out of the box. No further assembly or mixing and matching needed.
6. What can I power with your PowerTower for Backup?
Our typical PowerTower for Backup unit would have 11000 watts of power (25.2 kW peak) with 10kWh
of energy storage and under a typical power outage scenario (involving at least a modicum of
conservation-- no unnecessary vacuuming, for example) for a 2000 square foot house running at
half load, it would provide approximately 8 hours of backup power, or enough energy to get you
through 95% of all power outages on battery power alone. The PowerTower for Backup can come in
smaller or larger configurations. A simple way to calculate what the power need is for your home
is to assess what the energy and power consumption of your house would be during a power failure
is to simply consult the following chart and add up power need estimates. Note that the startup
and run wattage electrical devices often differ greatly.
| Appliance |
Run Wattage (approx) |
Start Wattage (approx) |
| Emergency Requirements Basic
Home: |
|
|
| Refrigerator |
700 |
2800 |
| Chest Freezer |
500 |
2500 |
| Lights 10 at 75 Watts |
750 |
750 |
| Microwave |
1500 |
1500 |
| Television |
800 |
800 |
| Gas Furnace Fan 1/2 hp |
500 |
1250 |
| Gas Furnace Fan 1/2 hp |
500 |
1250 |
| Gas Furnace Fan 1/2 hp |
500 |
1250 |
| Total Basic watts (KW=1000 watts) |
4750 |
9600 |
| |
|
|
| Other Additions: |
|
|
| Coffee Maker |
1100 |
1100 |
| Dishwasher |
1500 |
3750 |
| A/C 12000 BTU |
2800 |
7000 |
| A/C 24000 BTU |
4200 |
10500 |
| A/C 32000 BTU |
5000 |
12500 |
| Drill Motor, sm. |
500 |
500 |
| Freezer |
500 |
2500 |
| Frying Pan, lg. |
500 |
500 |
| Frying Pan, sm. |
150 |
150 |
| Laundry Dryer Gas |
500 |
1000 |
| Laundry Dryer Electric |
5500 |
6000 |
| Hair Dryer |
1500 |
1500 |
| Heat Pump or Electric Heat |
10000 |
10000 |
| Light Bulbs |
40 |
40 |
| Light Bulbs |
60 |
60 |
| Light Bulbs |
100 |
100 |
| Light Bulbs |
150 |
150 |
| Motors 1/2 hp |
500 |
1250 |
|
|
|
| Appliance |
Run Wattage |
Start Wattage |
| Motors 1 hp |
1000 |
2500 |
| Motors 2 hp |
2000 |
5000 |
| Oven - Electric |
6500 |
6500 |
| Radio |
100 |
100 |
| Refrigerator |
700 |
2800 |
| Space Heater |
1500 |
1500 |
| Stereo |
120 |
120 |
| Stove Electric - Per Element |
1500 |
1500 |
| Sump Pump 1/2 hp |
500 |
1250 |
| Toaster |
200 |
200 |
| TV, large |
800 |
800 |
| TV, small |
100 |
100 |
| Vacuum Cleaner |
250 |
250 |
| VCR |
150 |
150 |
| Water Heater - Electric |
4500 |
4500 |
| Well Pump 1 hp |
1000 |
2500 |
| Well Pump 2 hp |
2000 |
5000 |
| Well Pump 3 hp |
3000 |
7500 |
| Window Fan |
250 |
250 |
7. I already have a stationary generator for backup power to my house. Why would
I need a PowerTower?
There are at least three good reasons why: 1) A generator-PowerTower hybrid configuration can
greatly increase the efficiency of your generator. The PowerTower does this by handling the small
electricity loads that are frequently needed. For example, getting up at night to turn on a 50
watt light bulb would, if you have a PowerTower installed, use the stored energy and would not
require cranking up the full power of a say, 18 kW generator. This type of efficiency greatly
increases the number of hours you get from a tank of fuel, and extends the life of your generator
by eliminating unnecessary ignition and shutoffs. 2) Also, for any generator backup system, there
will always be a delay in providing power to the house in the event of a blackout. With a PowerTower,
this gap is eliminated, protecting sensitive electronic equipment. 3) A generator frequently
has trouble providing clean, conditioned power, and a PowerTower can smooth out the surges and
lags in voltage both from the generator and from the utility, protecting your circuits.
8. I have a small, portable generator. Can I use it with a PowerTower?
Yes, you can use it to charge the PowerTower as needed. Be sure to follow all operating instructions
when you do so.
9. I've heard that lead-acid batteries die fast. How often am I going to have
to replace the ones in my PowerTower?
Lead-acid batteries are a very mature and stable technology, and they are the cheapest energy
storage on the market available. Unfortunately, as it is a widely deployed technology, some firms
don't adhere to the highest standard for technology or manufacture. However, Gaia Power uses
only the highest quality and longest-lasting marine sealed lead-acid batteries from Concord.
Depending on your usage, the batteries will have to be replaced approximately every 5-7 years.
10. Where can I put a PowerTower? Can I put a PowerTower outdoors?
The PowerTower can be placed in a dry location that stays between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It should not be placed outdoors.
11. What do you mean by 'it's always on'?
Because the PowerTower has an onboard energy storage component, it is always able to monitor
the electricity situation and spring into service, providing clean, conditioned power immediately
when needed. An analogy might be a smoke detector, which is 'always on' and works at the first
hint of smoke.
12. Who do I call if I need support?
You should contact your local PowerTower maintenance provider, which has a 24-hour emergency
hotline.
13. Who installs a PowerTower? How long does installation take and how much
does it cost?
Installation can be done by any licensed electrician. It should take at most a few hours and
the cost will depend on the rates of electricians in your area. Installation requires no concrete
to be poured, no tank to be installed, no wall mounting of components.
14. I've never heard of 'demand charges'. What are they and how do I find out
if I pay for them and if I do, how much I pay?
Utilities that levy demand charges include power demand as one of the factors for calculating
your electricity bill. If you live in a metropolitan area in the United States, chances are your
electricity bill takes demand charges into account. A demand charge is a measure of how FAST
you use electricity, and it is known as 'power' and measured in kilowatts, kW. This is in contrast
to how MUCH electricity you use, which is 'energy' and is measured in kWh. As an example, suppose
using an electric circular saw for 20 seconds consumed exactly the same amount of total energy
as turning on a reading lamp for several hours. An electric utility with demand charges would
charge you the same for the energy used for the saw or the light, but would charge additionally
for the power demand of the saw, which used the energy much more quickly. A quick way to find
out if you do pay demand charges is to simply look on your monthly electric bill: if there is
a charge under 'Electric Demand' or 'Power Demand' or anything in kW units, then your area is
subject to power demand charges. For how much these demand charges are, consult the Rate and
Tariff section of your utility's website.
15. How do I know that demand reduction will save me money?
If you pay demand charges for your power consumption and your consumption fits a 'peaky' profile
(your peak power demand is higher than your average by a factor of two), demand reduction will
definitely save you money. How much will depend on rates that you pay, and amount of demand reduced.
Gaia would be happy to look at your electricity bill and consumption and advise you further.
Please contact us for more information.
16. I don't have/my area doesn't have demand charges, do I still have use for
a PowerTower?
Absolutely. Not only does the PowerTower perform demand reduction, but it also provides completely
quiet, reliable backup power for your business or residence. Furthermore, it can control and
maximize any current or future generators or other power sources, or handle demand reduction
should you ever need it.
17. I have/am getting solar power. Can a PowerTower help? What else do I need to
make a PowerTower work with my solar installation?
All products in the PowerTower line come 'solar ready', which means that they can provide energy
storage and its benefits of continuous power no matter what the weather for any solar installation
straight out of the box. A licensed electrician can perform the installation and connection in
a matter of hours.
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