Clean-technology company Exro Technologies Inc. has installed its first in-field Cell Driver Battery Energy Storage System at Red Deer Polytechnic.
The installation was completed earlier this month and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 12. This installation was led by Cellex Energy Inc., an Exro subsidiary dedicated to Cell Driver development and commercialization.
"We are pleased to have successfully completed the installation of the first Cell Driver system at Red Deer Polytechnic,” said John Meekison, general manager of Exro’s Cellex division.
"As we work toward the goal of commercializing our Cell Driver technology, this application serves as a powerful proof of concept for future opportunities, demonstrating how our system can lower energy costs and improve operational efficiency for commercial and industrial users. We’re excited to demonstrate how our technology can drive sustainable energy solutions."
The RDP installation integrates Exro’s Cell Driver system with a 1.6-megawatt rooftop solar system featuring nearly 4,200 solar panels and the one-megawatt Combined Heat and Power Unit at the post-secondary institution's Energy Innovation Centre.
The project is intended to demonstrate how clean energy technologies can be incorporated into existing commercial buildings. The installation of the Cell Driver system at RDP is a use-case for educational facilities and municipalities committed to meeting net-zero standards and is expected to enhance the institution’s efforts in advancing alternative energy research, education and green technology adoption in Alberta. It will be a component of RDP's Energy Living Lab, which allows industry experts and students to explore energy innovation on a large scale at a systems level.
RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre research staff, along with industry partners and students who engage within this innovation space, will assess how the new Cell Driver energy storage system works to help determine its capabilities and how it can best be used to support reliable, affordable energy generation in other organizations across Alberta. The province’s cold winter climate often creates challenges for battery and power generation systems to work efficiently and effectively.
"The partnership with Exro to install the Cell Driver system on Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus has been a great success in showcasing our Energy Living Lab and how we support the industry to find and use innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and secure energy future. This directly impacts organizations and people in Alberta and beyond,” said Dr. Tonya Wolfe, associate vice-president of applied research at RDP.
“This installation also addresses a need at our post-secondary institution to provide a state-of-the-art energy storage solution that enriches our students’ learning experiences. The Cell Driver will offer hands-on opportunities for students to work with next-generation technology, preparing them for career success in green energy roles and sectors. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Exro.
