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 | Aug 24, 2018
Resilience, sustainability emphasized in plans for new 23,000-acre city in the Philippines
“A backup for when Manila fails.”
Codes and Standards | Aug 23, 2018
Cities promote deconstruction of old homes with mixed results
Market factors complicate efforts to recycle material from old structures.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2018
Oregon is first state to change building code to allow tall mass timber buildings
Statewide alternate method allows early technical consideration and approval.
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2018
First mass timber panel made from structural composite lumber gets APA certification
Said to be much more cost effective than CLT options.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2018
Zoning changes can be crucial to filling large, empty retail spaces
Alternative uses often require action by local officials.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2018
Nearly a quarter of opioid overdose deaths attributable to construction workers
Massachusetts public health study finds pressure to work in pain contributes to problem.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2018
ICC creates new committee on building safety and security
Will include experts from many different disciplines.
Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2018
Philadelphia adopts 2018 IECC energy code, while state opts for 2015 code
City is one of the first jurisdictions to adopt newest code.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2018
Denver’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 includes net zero energy buildings
Community solar programs for low income residents part of plan.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2018
Too much parking in U.S. cities proving costly
As car ownership rates drop, excess parking seems more wasteful.
