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
| Feb 9, 2012
Rapid growth of zero energy buildings expected
Much of that growth will be in the European Union, where near-zero energy buildings are mandated by 2019 for public buildings, and by 2021 for all construction.
| Feb 9, 2012
Stiffer OSHA fines put strain on Kansas contractors
A fine for a violation that once cost between $750 and $1,200 now runs $7,000 or more per incident, according to a state industry association official.
| Feb 9, 2012
Webinar focuses on lessons learned from LEED-certified industrial project
A Construction Specifications Institute webinar will focus on the lessons learned through the design and construction of a LEED-certified industrial project, Better Living Mill Shop, the first industrial building in Central Virginia to earn LEED certification.
| Feb 8, 2012
California likely to eliminate redevelopment agencies
Leaders of California cities had been trying to fashion a compromise with lawmakers after the state Supreme Court ruled the state had the authority to eliminate the agencies and use their property tax money for local services.
| Feb 8, 2012
Project aimed at economical seismic retrofits on historic Memphis structures
The group will develop a low-cost seismic retrofit model that would benefit aging brick-and-mortar structures. It involves bolting steel brackets to existing wooden floor and ceiling joists.
| Feb 8, 2012
Houston signs on to Better Buildings Challenge
The challenge has about $4 billion in federal and private-sector funds, which it will use for building energy upgrades nationwide in the next two years.
| Feb 8, 2012
OSHA offers free health and safety consulting for small businesses
The consultants offer confidential, non-punitive advice.
| Feb 8, 2012
Controversy over pay for prisoners on roofing job in Michigan
The disagreement was over whether the prisoners should have been paid prevailing wage for their brief time on the job because the project was paid for with a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
