Span Drive: Smart Home Energy Management

The Evolving Home Energy Landscape

The role of electrical systems in homes is undergoing a significant transformation. No longer are air conditioners and laundry appliances the primary consumers of electricity; instead, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar power installations, and battery storage are becoming increasingly prominent.

Addressing Modern Power Demands

Modern homes, particularly those incorporating new technologies, often exhibit substantial power demands that older electrical designs struggle to accommodate. Appliances like A/C units, heating systems, water heaters, washers, dryers, induction cooktops, and EV chargers, alongside solar energy generation, contribute to this complexity.

While the combined potential power draw of these appliances may exceed a home’s maximum grid capacity – for example, 180 amps on a 100-amp service – simultaneous usage is unlikely. However, power companies typically plan for peak demand, potentially triggering circuit breaker trips.

Span Drive: Intelligent EV Charging

Span is a company focused on providing intelligent solutions for managing this evolving energy landscape. They recently launched the Span Drive, an EV charger designed to optimize charging based on user-defined rules.

The Span Drive, priced at $500, complements Span’s $3,500 smart electric panel, adding enhanced intelligence specifically for EV charging – a significant power consumer in many modern homes.

Reducing the Need for Costly Upgrades

According to Arch Rao, Span’s CEO, their technology allows homeowners to integrate more electrical appliances without the expense and disruption of upgrading their electrical service from 100 to 200 or 400 amps.

Span is fundamentally reimagining the role of the electric panel, moving beyond its traditional function as a simple safety device. Historically, panels served as distribution points, shutting off circuits in unsafe conditions – a role unchanged for a century.

A Smarter, More Adaptive Panel

Rao explains that the new Span panel occupies the critical intersection between the grid and all home energy systems, including appliances, solar arrays, EVs, and storage. It maintains the safety function of traditional panels but adds the capability to safely connect and disconnect from the grid.

This grid-interactive capability is particularly valuable for those seeking energy independence. Span’s systems enable homes to operate as “islands,” electrically speaking, and extend operational time during power outages. When paired with energy storage, the panel can intelligently manage loads, prioritizing essential appliances like refrigerators during outages.

Customizable Energy Management

The system is controlled via a mobile app, allowing users to establish “rules” for energy usage. For instance, the A/C can be programmed to run only when powered by solar energy.

Users can also prioritize EV charging, allocating up to 48 amps for an hour while temporarily reducing power to other high-draw appliances to remain within the 100-amp limit. Conversely, charging can be throttled back if other appliances are in use.

Optimizing for Renewable Energy

For EV owners with limited usage, the Span Drive can be programmed to charge exclusively with solar power. This offers a benefit for those seeking to maximize their use of renewable energy sources.

The Span panel’s ability to control individual circuits, combined with its knowledge of power draw, opens possibilities for even more granular control through integration with additional devices. Amazon’s recent investment in Span and the announcement of Alexa compatibility suggest further expansion of these capabilities.

Building a Future-Proof Home Energy System

Span is essentially adding intelligence to a traditionally passive component of the home. While power systems may not be glamorous, their importance is growing as smart appliances and the Internet of Things become more prevalent.

Span is creating a micro-power-grid within the home, with distinct zones and advanced features. Rao believes his company is positioned to capitalize on the future of home energy management.

“We have a level of persistence that few products possess,” Rao states. “We remain a fixture in homes for decades, and we are actively focused on future-proofing our technology. This forward-thinking approach sets us apart from existing solutions.”