Energy management solutions provider Maplewell Energy successfully piloted a project using refrigerators for “energy storage” at an enterprise convenience-store operator. The technology used, known as thermal energy storage (TES) in refrigeration, precools canned and bottled beverages prior to an energy peak, optimizing and balancing loads as needed.
Maplewell released the beta version of its demand management software, JANiiT, at two Parkland USA sites in Denver and Salt Lake City. Using on-site refrigerators and HVAC as energy storage, the pilot was successful in dynamically balancing the building’s energy use and reducing peak usage.
“As EV fast charging becomes a part of our business and retailers, predictive energy management makes perfect sense for our stores,” said Jeff Bush, VP Retail, Parkland USA. “Maplewell’s software allows us to manage energy efficiently and reduce our demand charges.”
Initial performance showed a 25% reduction in peak energy usage for the convenience store, with savings going directly to the building operator. With the addition of energy storage, future reductions are expected to reach 42%.
Maplewell’s JANiiT platform provides real-time demand charge management and demand response for commercial and industrial buildings up to 250,000 square feet. JANiiT will be deployed at two additional sites for the convenience store operator, an office building and an industrial facility.
Maplewell’s demand management software goes beyond a traditional building management or automation system to integrate forecasting, predictive control, and real-time feedback-based optimization that is proactive instead of reactive.
Till now, the advanced forecasting and predictive control technologies available in the Maplewell beta had eluded players in the energy space. Advances in forecasting in Maplewell’s JANiiT system have led to superior optimization, enabling customers to finally realize true value in using demand management systems to drive down cost, lower demand peaks, and more effectively manage usage of energy assets.
The beta pilot has proven the value and effectiveness of the Maplewell system with technology built into its product and deployed in the field.
“We’re pleased with the excellent results of our pilot,” said Matt Irvin, P.E., CEO & Co-Founder of Maplewell. “Most building management systems lack any sort of dynamic demand management capability for controllable loads. The pilot showed that our solution can dynamically manage demand without impacting enterprise operations, resulting in significant savings for commercial and industrial building owners and operators.”
— Solar Builder magazine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.