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Sorin Grama
What is Promethean Power Systems?
A rural refrigeration system for commercial cold-storage applications in off-grid and partially electrified areas of developing countries.
A thermal energy battery that enables commercial refrigeration systems to become economically viable in parts of the world where the power grid is unreliable.
THE PROBLEM
Energy shortages threaten the growth of emerging economies where businesses often receive only five to six hours of electricity per day. For example, in India’s massive dairy industry, the vast majority of milk spoils within just a few hours because of inadequate access to refrigeration technology.
THE INNOVATION
In developing markets, Promethean’s modular thermal energy battery can be used as a backup to the unreliable power grid, while in the rest of the world it can be used to reduce the energy consumption of power-hungry refrigeration appliances. In the case of India, the use of the modular battery provides easy access to energy at the source of milk’s production, reducing spoilage and waste.
“In India, we charge the battery using the five or six hours of available electricity, usually at night, and discharge it when the grid is off in order to cool and preserve raw milk.” – Sorin Grama, CEO of Promethean Power Systems
THE VISION
Promethean envisions developing a battery that can be used for any cooling application. Customers will be able to connect multiple batteries together to store energy as needed.
“Our vision is to make the thermal energy battery a technology platform allowing third-party manufacturers to develop attachments such as vaccine or beverage coolers. We’ll publish a design guideline and a consortium of manufacturers will adopt a standard battery specification.” – Sorin Grama, CEO of Promethean Power Systems
Innovator News
June 10, 2012
Got milk? I know some people who do. Promethean Power Systems is revolutionizing the Indian dairy market with their commercial refrigeration systems that eliminate the need for backup diesel generators. The path of Promethean is an impressive one: from a startup company out of MIT, to finalists at the LAUNCH: Energy Forum, and now tackling energy shortages in India head on.
The US Secretary of State agrees. This May, Hilary Clinton announced Promethean Power Systems as the winner of the first Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment Board grant, a bi-lateral program designed to promote collaboration between US and Indian firms.
Here’s an excerpt from Secretary Clinton’s remarks in New Delhi:
“The grant goes to a partnership between an American startup, Promethean Power, and India-based Icelings. They have developed a solar- powered system for refrigerated storage to keep fresh fruits and vegetables from spoiling. And this is a huge advance for India because lack of storage causes Indian farmers to lose approximately $10 billion in crops each year. This innovation promises farmers more income while also improving consumer’s access to fresh produce throughout the year. This partnership united different experiences and areas of expertise, and now with a little help from the endowment fund, Promethean Power and Icelings are helping solve a practical challenge that will make a real difference to people’s lives and incomes.”
Promethean has other cause for cheer. It has just won their first repeat order from one of India's largest dairies.
Sorin Grama, CEO of Promethean Power Systems has the following to say about LAUNCH: “The LAUNCH Forum, true to its name, was a great launching platform for us. One customer order, contacts in the US dairy industry and an invitation to a prestigious conference on world economic development can directly be traced to our participation in the LAUNCH forum.“
LAUNCH is proud to be working with Promethean Power Systems, whose technology has the power to transform dairy farmers in remote villages throughout the world.
For more information, contact: Sam White, +1 617 512 8811, sam@promethean-power.com
By Lena Delchad
Contact Sorin Grama
INNOVATOR MILESTONES
First purchase order
November 2011LAUNCH Energy Finalist
November 2011First repeat order from one of India's largest dairies
14 May 2012winner of first Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment Board grant
8 May 2012Presented at USAID Frontiers Conference
12 June 2012Named “Technology Pioneer” by World Economic Forum
28 Aug 2012INNOVATOR TWEETS
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Promethean Power team presenting today at Kennedy Space Center. With the shuttle launch pad in sight. — 1 year 6 months ago
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Just watched Gram Power present at #LAUNCHenergy; — 1 year 6 months ago
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Cleantech investing is tough business, but Rob Day has a good pulse on it. I loved his article "How I’ve Failed"; http://t.co/zTuXpic5 — 1 year 6 months ago
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Check out Promethean Power Systems on @AngelList http://t.co/tizMFo3X — 1 year 6 months ago
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Promethean's thermal storage battery selected as one of ten finalists in @launchorg's Energy Challenge Competition! http://t.co/a3R7hEUQ — 1 year 6 months ago