A California developer believes grid-connected batteries represent the next step in advancing electric efficiency standards on its development portfolio.
The Irvine Co. and Advanced Microgrid Solutions recently installed 16 Tesla PowerPack battery systems at an office tower. It was the first installation in what will be a fleet of Irvine Co. Hybrid-Electric Buildings that will be used for grid support by Southern California Edison.
The hybrid-electric building, as an Irvine executive calls it, charges its battery system on off-peak hours and later discharges the battery during times of peak energy use. This reduces the energy drawn from the electricity grid during peak periods.
The result is lower electricity costs (10% savings or more) and a more stable and flexible electric grid. With large users drawing power from batteries during peak times, utilities can avoid starting additional power plants to serve peak loads, thereby reducing associated greenhouse-gas emissions.
Battery storage can also be combined with photovoltaic panels, providing additional cost savings and environmental benefits.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2018
FEMA document provides simplified seismic design provisions for low-hazard regions
Forty four states have areas defined as low-hazard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2018
Federal budget includes disaster mitigation provisions
Bipartisan bill encourages states to adopt latest building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2018
Easy access to indoor environment controls yields improved efficiency and workplace productivity
JLL/Purdue University project is developing algorithms to improve indoor comfort.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2018
After Energy Star stopped certifying medical properties, a REIT developed its own certification
Welltower uses internal system to evaluate total building performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2018
Rezoning, innovative investor enabling development of a “metroburb” in New Jersey
Indoor mixed-use “Main Street” blossoms in giant former Bell Labs building.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2018
Publication provides insight into managing risk of wind-borne debris damage
Explains how models and data are used to assess the risk of structural damage.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2018
EPA’s Water of the U.S. rule delayed for two years while repeal sought
Controversial Obama-era regulation may never be implemented.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2018
Astrophysicist turns his skills toward identifying and predicting location of vacant buildings
Project could help Baltimore and other cities redevelop blighted properties.
